Manta is a coastal city located in the province of Manabí. Known as the "Tuna Capital of the World." Manta has the largest seaport in Ecuador. It is a stopping point for international cruise ships. It also has a local airport "Eloy Alfaro" with connections from Quito or Guayaquil. Manta has beautiful beaches accessible from the city by car or bus. People are very friendly and fun. Manta is a great place for water sports such as kite-surfing, surfing, and bodyboarding. In fact, this city hosts some of these events year-round.
Popular beaches are El Murcielago, Santa Marianita, San Lorenzo. Other less visited beaches are Barbasquillo, La Poza, Los Esteros, and Tarqui. You can rent a tent for $4. Also, there are showers for rent $0.50. Around the beach, there are many little shops to buy souvenirs and lots of restaurants. Although, being close to the beach, restaurant pricing may be higher than normal. Dishes contains some kind of seafood such as shrimp, fish, crab, lobster. Prices may vary from $8 to $25. An affordable option is street food such as corviches, empanadas, coconuts, coconut water. A traditional dish, you must try, is ceviche - a delicious seafood soup. Usually served in the morning.
The local holiday is the Cantonization de Manta on November 4.
