Cruise port · Ecuador · South America
Manta cruise port guide
Manta is a busy fishing and tuna port on Ecuador's Pacific coast, and a stop on some Panama Canal and South America cruises. The town is not a classic tourist destination, but it's the gateway to Montecristi, birthplace of the misnamed Panama hat, plus dry tropical forest with howler monkeys and coastal beaches. Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar.
- Panama hats
- Local crafts
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Country
- Ecuador
- Region
- South America
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Spanish. English is limited outside organized tours.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Small bills are useful, and cards are accepted at larger businesses.
- Best time to visit
- January–December
- Average highs
- 85–87°F through the year
About Manta
Manta is one of Ecuador's most important ports, home to a large fishing fleet and tuna industry, with a long urban beach and a modern waterfront. It's a working city rather than a resort, but it offers a window into coastal Ecuadorian life that few cruise travelers see.
The most popular excursion goes to nearby Montecristi, where artisans weave fine toquilla straw hats that became known worldwide as Panama hats because they were shipped through Panama. Other options include the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge, with howler monkeys and birds, the Manta archaeological museum and the beaches along the coast.
Manta suits curious travelers interested in crafts, local culture and nature. If you're looking for polished attractions or a walkable historic center, it may feel limited.
Where cruise ships dock in Manta
Ships dock at the Port of Manta, so there's no tendering. The port is close to the city, and the waterfront and Playa Murciélago, Manta's main urban beach, are a short taxi ride away. Walking out of the port area isn't especially pleasant, so most visitors use ship's tours, shuttles or taxis from the terminal. Montecristi is about 20 to 30 minutes inland, and the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge around 30 minutes south along the coast. Longer trips to Machalilla National Park take most of the day.
Best things to do in Manta on a cruise
- 1
Montecristi and Panama hat workshops
shopping
The town of Montecristi is renowned for its finely woven toquilla straw hats, a craft recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visit workshops and shops to see weavers at work and buy hats ranging from everyday to superfine. Prices vary greatly with the fineness of the weave.
- 2
Ciudad Alfaro
history
On a hill above Montecristi, this cultural complex honors Eloy Alfaro, a Montecristi-born president and hero of Ecuador's liberal revolution. It includes his mausoleum, a museum and views over the countryside.
- 3
Pacoche Wildlife Refuge
wildlife
This refuge protects a rare patch of coastal humid and dry forest, home to howler monkeys, birds and butterflies. Short guided trails make it a good nature outing close to Manta.
- 4
Playa Murciélago
beach
Manta's main city beach has a promenade, restaurants and space to relax. Waves can be strong, so swim only where it's marked as safe.
- 5
Machalilla National Park and Isla de la Plata
nature
Farther south, Machalilla National Park protects dry forest, beaches and the island of Isla de la Plata, sometimes called the poor man's Galápagos for its blue-footed boobies. Humpback whales visit roughly June to September. It's a long day trip from Manta.
- 6
Manta's archaeological museum
culture
The city's cultural center museum displays artifacts from the Manteño culture and other pre-Hispanic peoples of the Ecuadorian coast. It's a useful introduction to the region's long history.
Manta weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 8630 | 8630 | 8530 | 8630 | 8630 | 8530 | 8630 | 8630 | 8730 | 8630 | 8630 | 8630 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7524 | 7625 | 7625 | 7624 | 7524 | 7423 | 7323 | 7222 | 7222 | 7222 | 7222 | 7423 |
| Rain in (mm) | 5.0128 | 6.3159 | 6.4163 | 4.0102 | 1.846 | 0.820 | 0.37 | 0.12 | 0.13 | 0.24 | 0.25 | 1.128 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
What to eat and drink in Manta
Try encebollado, a hearty fish soup with yuca, pickled onions and tuna, often eaten for breakfast or as a hangover cure. Manabí province is known for viche, a seafood and peanut soup, and corviche, fried plantain dough stuffed with fish. Ecuadorian ceviche is often made with shrimp in a tangy citrus and tomato sauce. Cacao from the region makes excellent chocolate.
Tips for your port day
- Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, so bring small bills for markets and taxis.
- Use ship's tours or taxis from the terminal rather than walking through the port area.
- When buying a Panama hat, ask about the weave and grade; fine hats take weeks to make and are priced accordingly.
- Dress for heat and sun, and carry water.
- Check the U.S. State Department advisory for Ecuador before you sail, as conditions have changed in recent years.
Cruise lines that visit Manta
Often on the same itinerary
Manta cruise FAQs
What is there to do in Manta, Ecuador, on a cruise?
Most visitors go to Montecristi to see Panama hats being woven, visit the Pacoche Wildlife Refuge for howler monkeys, or relax at Playa Murciélago.
Are Panama hats really from Ecuador?
Yes. The hats are woven in Ecuador from toquilla straw, with Montecristi famous for the finest. They got the Panama name because they were shipped and sold through Panama.
Is Manta safe for cruise passengers?
Cruise visitors on ship's tours or using official taxis generally have uneventful days. Ecuador's security situation has changed in recent years, so check the U.S. State Department advisory and follow your cruise line's guidance.
What currency is used in Manta, Ecuador?
The U.S. dollar. Ecuador adopted it in 2000, so there's no need to exchange money.
How far is Montecristi from the Manta cruise port?
Roughly 20 to 30 minutes inland by car. Ship's tours and taxis are available at the terminal.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.