Bodyboarding (La Peninsula)

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EcuaWiki › The Peninsula › Outdoor Activities › Bodyboarding

Bodyboarding La Península

The same breaks as surfing — same swell, same barrels at Chulluype — with less equipment, a shallower learning curve, and almost no queue.

Dec–Apr

Peak season

1–6 ft

Typical swell

Chulluype

Best break

22 °C

Avg water temp

Overview

Bodyboarding (boogie boarding) uses the same breaks as surfing on the Santa Elena Peninsula. The main spots — Chulluype, Punta Blanca, and Mar Bravo — offer beach and reef breaks that work well for bodyboarders. The advantage over surfing is accessibility: no standing required, lower barrier to entry, and much shorter learning time.

Chulluype, in the Ballenita area, is the peninsula's most consistent break and the best all-round bodyboarding spot. The wave is powerful enough to be exciting but the beach is sandy, making wipeouts forgiving. Punta Blanca is more exposed and suited to those comfortable in larger surf.

The best conditions coincide with the surf season — December through April, when northwest swells arrive and water is warmest (24–28°C). The dry season (May–November) sees smaller, inconsistent swell.

Spots

Spot	Type	Level	Notes
Chulluype (Ballenita)	Beach/reef	All levels	Most consistent; same as the main surf break
Punta Blanca	Beach break	Intermediate+	More exposed; worth the trip in good swell
Mar Bravo (Salinas)	Beach break	Beginner–intermediate	Powerful shorebreak; short rides, fun in small swell
Chipipe (Salinas)	Beach break	Beginner	Bay side; gentle, small waves — best for first-timers

Season

Dec–Apr: Best swell, warmest water — peak bodyboarding season
May–Nov: Smaller, less consistent swell; cooler water (19–22°C); fewer people

Getting There

Chulluype / Ballenita: Bus from La Libertad to Ballenita (ask for Chulluype)
Punta Blanca: Taxi from La Libertad ($10–15)
Mar Bravo: Within walking distance of Salinas centro

Overview

Spots

Season

Getting There

See Also