Beach addicts might find all they need right at the hostel without ever leaving. More adventurous travelers will want to take advantage of all that Canoa and the surrounding area offers.

      Canoa has become one of the most popular surf destinations in Ecuador. This is due to a combination of fun and reliable beach breaks along with the laid back charm of the area itself. It's central location also serves as a base for daytrips to the most challanging waves of Ecuador, Mompiche at 2 hours to the north, and San Mateo at 2 hours to the south. For beginners, the surf at Canoa is perfect, with forgiving waves and a sandy bottom. The best season for surfing is from late November through late April, though waves are present year-round. Board rentals and lessons are readily available at inexpensive prices.

      Among other pastimes, Canoa is a favorite destination of Ecuadorian hang-gliding and para-gliding clubs. A backdrop of sheer cliffs that line the beach behind the Sundown Inn create the perfect wind currents for flight.

      Hiking, biking, and rock-climbing enthusiasts will find plenty to discover. Archeologists have uncovered many cultural relics from ancient coastal Indian tribes in the area. At low tide you can always find pieces of old ceramics washed up on the beach. Horseback excursions and visits to ecological farms are available nearby.

      During the weekends and holidays the town of Canoa transforms into a lively retreat for nearby Ecuadorian city-dwellers, when rustic bars and discos cater to night crowds late into the night.

      A 20-minute drive south along the beaches takes you to the larger town of San Vicente, where you can take a ferry ride or boat launch across the bay to the resort town of Bahia de Caraquez. From here you can visit the Casa de Cultura museum, rent tour boats, or make arrangements to visit a nearby mangrove reserve or island bird sanctuary. You can also visit Chiripe, site of an an ancient Pre-Colombian seaport where a small archeological museum is located just 40 minutes from Bahia. You can also take a 2-hour bus ride to the inland village of Montecristi, where artisans work with bamboo and paja toquilla in the making of furniture, handbags, and the world-famous original Panama hats.

Attractions and Activities In and Around Canoa

Hiking
Biking
Swimming
Boogie Boards
Surfing
Paragliding
Horseback rental and excursions
Spelunking (Caves)
Boat rental (fishing, tours)

Attractions and Activities near Canoa (less than 1 hour)

Cabo Pasado and Barquito – dry forest, beaches, wildlife
Whale Watching Tours (July through September) - Don Juan, Bahia
Isla de las Frigatas (bird sanctuary)
Isla Corazon (mangroves)
Ferry to Bahia de Caraquez
Casa de la Cultura Museum (Bahia)
Chiripe ( Pre-Colombian archeological site)
Ecological Shrimp Farms
Rio Muchacho Ecological Farm and Volunteer Program

Attractions and Activities around the Manabi Province

Tours to Isla de la Plata (the "Poor Man’s Galapagos")
Montecristi – Artisan town, world famous for original "Panama hats", weaving, sculpture, and other crafts.
Machalilla National Park
Mompiche (Ecuador's biggest waves)
Mache Chindul Ecological Reserve
Manta - Modern port city with deep sea fishing, attractive boardwalk, San Mateo surf spot