otiumThings to do in Manabí, Ecuador
Sixteen ways to spend a day on Ecuador's Pacific coast, from a fisherman's boat at sunrise to a table set on the sand at night. Every one of them starts at Jama Campay and is booked directly through the hotel.
MANABÍ · EXPERIENCE GUIDE
What to do in Manabí, and why most of it starts on the water
This stretch of coast runs sixteen guided activities across five categories — fishing and boat trips, wildlife and nature, Manabí cuisine, evenings by the water, and surf and wellness — arranged locally, without a third-party booking site in between.
Manabí's coast runs quieter than the Galápagos or Quito's colonial center, but it holds its own case for an Ecuador itinerary: humpback whales passing offshore from June to September, one of the last dry tropical forests on the Pacific side of the country, and a fishing culture that still hands its catch straight to a chef. Jama sits roughly 2.5 hours by car from Manta and about 6 hours from Quito, on the Ruta del Spondylus.
What to do
Humpback whales from June to September, surfing on Jama's beaches, the Lalo Loor dry forest, and fishing trips with local boat captains — all arranged directly, no middleman.
Getting there from Quito
About 6 to 7 hours by road, or a short flight to Manta followed by a scenic coastal stretch.
Getting there from Manta
Manta International Airport is the closest, about a 2.5-hour drive along the coastal highway.
Where to stay
Jama Campay: a beachfront hotel with a private beach, pool, and ocean-view rooms.
View Jama Campay →MANABÍ · GASTRONOMY
Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy 2026
A perfect getaway for families and couples: fresh seafood, quiet beaches, and coastal towns close enough to string together, all in northern Manabí.
Where to eat
Taste ceviche and wood-fired seafood in the towns along the Ruta del Spondylus, go fishing with locals, visit the Lalo Loor Reserve, and watch humpback whales between June and September.
Coastal drive from Quito
About a 6–7 hour drive, or a short flight to Manta followed by a scenic coastal stretch.
Coastal drive from Manta
Manta International Airport is the closest, about a 2.5-hour drive along the coastal highway.
Where to stay nearby
Jama Campay: a beachfront hotel and private residences, with a private beach and direct access to this stretch of coast.
View Jama Campay →FEATURED
Six ways to start
Giants of the Pacific: Whale Watching
60–120 minMin 4 guests
Navigate off the coast of Jama to see humpback whales on their migratory route, typically June through September.
Net-to-Table Fishing
45–60 minMin 3 guests
Go out with a local fisherman before sunrise or at dusk, depending on the tide. What comes up in the trasmallo becomes lunch.
Lalo Loor Dry Forest
Half dayFrom 1 guest
One of the last tropical dry forests left on Ecuador's Pacific coast — 200 hectares, walked self-guided at your own pace.
First Waves: Surf Lessons
60 minFrom 1 guest
Local instructors, beginner-friendly breaks, one hour in the water. For anyone eight years old and up.
Oyster Harvest
Half dayMin 2 guests
Collect fresh oysters directly from the sea alongside local experts who have worked this coastline for generations.Punta Ballena: Pacific Lookout
60–120 minMin 4 guests
A boat tour from El Matal to a rock formation carved by the sea. Fish from the boat, snorkel at low tide, or just watch the coastline change on the way there.