Canoa – El Nido

Canoa – El Nido is a coastal soaring site in Manabí province, Ecuador, launching at 150 m MSL with southwest and west wind — often named a favorite Ecuadorian coastal site for its scenery, huge beach and reliably good flying. Getting to take-off takes real effort: you need either a 4x4 or a strong pair of legs and determination to climb the hill in the hot Ecuadorian sun. Once there, space is tight — the launch fits only two wings at a time — and pilots need to watch for a tree right at the top of the hill while setting up. One real hazard is on record here: a pilot who flew into cloud lost visual reference and ended up crashing into the bush, so staying well clear of cloud and keeping good visibility is essential. With genuinely striking coastal scenery and dependable soaring once you've made the climb, Canoa – El Nido rewards pilots willing to put in the effort to reach launch.

Launch & conditions

Space is tight — launch fits only two wings at a time. Watch for a tree right at the top of the hill while setting up.

Getting there & local rules

Reaching take-off takes real effort: either a 4x4 or a strong pair of legs and determination to climb the hill in the hot Ecuadorian sun.

Local rules & hazards

Stay well clear of cloud here — a pilot who flew into cloud lost visual reference and crashed into the bush. Keep good visibility at all times.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Canoa – El Nido, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Canoa – El Nido with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.