Kai Islands

Manta

Ecuador

Swim alongside graceful manta rays in their natural habitat beneath crystalline Pacific waters.

💱 Currency United States Dollar (USD)
🗣 Language Spanish
🕐 Time Zone ECT (UTC-5)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar
🚢 Typical Duration 31-47 nights
💰 Price Range From $50 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Ecuador's Pacific coast, offering access to the country's marine biodiversity and as a departure point for South American cruise itineraries.

Cruises that visit Manta

Build Your Day in Manta

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Mall del Pacifico, Manta So many different varieties of stores, places to eat and lots of parking! Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 16k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Malecon Escenico Murcielago With lots of food and drink options Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Paseo Shopping Manta It's smaller than Mall del Pacífico but has lots of fine stores. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 6k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Playa Santa Marianita Free admission. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Megamaxi - Pacific Mall Great store, clean, modern and friendly. Hypermarket · ★ 4.7 · 4k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Deprati Manta Great department store, but couldn't find swimsuits. Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Plaza La Quadra, Manta, Manabí It's like a strip mall with a variety of stores and coffee/restaurants. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 2 AM
Martinica A must visit experience of excellence food and atmosphere unparalleled. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Centro Comercial Manicentro There is a paper/crafting shop. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Plaza Cívica It has been there for years and the city organizes nice events there. Park · ★ 4.5 · 2k
New business park Tarqui Great shopping, hundreds of small shops. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Hotel Poseidon For all the time I spent here, I loved almost every minute. Hotel · ★ 4.5 · 2k
The Murcielago Manta beach The entry into the water is shallow and easy, without stones. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Playa Murciélago Zona Hotelera Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Casa Rosada Lounge Restaurant Super friendly service, and really good food 🥘 Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
St. Mark's Square Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
El Murcielago and nice on workdays. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Eloy Alfaro Park Park · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Caminito Parrilla Argentina A bit expensive but you get good service, tasty food and a nice atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Iguana Bar Restaurante Great views good food and atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Krug Pub Manta Great food, wonderful staff, and excellent music. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Espigón Manta Centenaria Nice place to start running Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Hiper Market - Manta Fine place could work on organizing the cashiers Hypermarket · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
MAVI - Café & Grill The food is great and the people are really nice and music is relaxing! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Dolores pero me llaman Lolita Food, service, atmosphere all top notch. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Taproom Latitud Cero Manta Good selection of beers on tap and great atmosphere 👌 Brewpub · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Lúpulo Beer Garden Always great service, great beer, good food and friendly crowd Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Plaza del Mar Manta I love this City and will be visiting more until I once again call it home. Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open now
LUUMA Restaurant & Rooftop Excellent food, excellent cocktails, and excellent service. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
El Mesón - Cocina Clandestina ... place offering unique and delicious cocktails and gourmet food. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Marthas Cocina Casual unique cocktails and presentation, complex yet specific taste in each dish. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
ROCA LEÑA PARRILLA AL CARBON Amazing food and very friendly & outstanding service. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
La Nonna Great customer service, amazing food, and ambience. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 0k
MANTA Letters (Letras MANTA) Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
The Magic Bar Nice ambiance, great service, decent prices. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Monumento a los bomberos Iconic local arrangements in Manta, Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Stanza Piano Bar I’d go early as the music gets loud later in the night. Piano bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Madre Fuente Park Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Faro de Manta Museum · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Parque Museo del Mar, Manta Water park · ★ 4.8 · 0k
MÁGICO ANCLADERO Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Twins' House Lindo bar local con piscina y club nocturno. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
LOCOBAR Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Manta Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Parque De La Madre Theme park · ★ 4 · 0k
Rio Muerto de Manta Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k
Mall del Uno Manta Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 27PM+6J5
Oceanik Bar Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Grill · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Manta

About Manta

Manta, Ecuador's principal Pacific port, has emerged as an increasingly popular cruise destination served by five major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, Silversea, and Norwegian Cruise Line. While primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Manta attracts cruisers year-round, with peak activity during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of January, February, and March, as well as November and December. With 28 upcoming cruises calling here, passengers enjoy convenient access to this vibrant coastal city during extended South American itineraries.

Visitors stepping ashore in Manta discover a dynamic fishing port with authentic Ecuadorian character, where the bustling waterfront reflects the city's maritime heritage. Whether exploring local markets, sampling fresh seafood, or venturing into nearby coastal attractions, cruise passengers find ample opportunities to experience genuine South American culture during their time in port.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Witness Manta's Iconic Manta Rays

Experience the natural wonder that gives Manta its name by taking a boat excursion to observe these graceful giants in their native Pacific waters. The seasonal migration brings these magnificent creatures close to shore, offering unforgettable encounters with one of the ocean's most majestic animals. Local guides share fascinating insights into their behavior and conservation efforts.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood at the Market

Explore the vibrant Manta Fish Market, where local fishermen display the day's catch and street vendors prepare authentic ceviche and grilled fish. This sensory-rich experience showcases Ecuador's Pacific bounty and offers some of the freshest seafood you'll taste anywhere. Engage with friendly vendors and sample regional specialties like encocado and arroz con mariscos.

3

Stroll the Scenic Malecón Waterfront

Walk along Manta's beautifully developed malecón promenade, featuring ocean views, public art installations, and local monuments celebrating the city's maritime heritage. This pedestrian-friendly stretch offers perfect photo opportunities and a genuine glimpse into daily Ecuadorian coastal life. Stop at cafés for fresh juice or coffee while watching fishing boats return to harbor.

4

Shop Local Crafts and Souvenirs

Browse artisan shops and street stalls near the port selling handmade jewelry, woven baskets, and traditional Ecuadorian textiles unique to the coastal region. Local craftspeople create beautiful pieces reflecting Manta's fishing culture and indigenous heritage. Haggling is welcome, and you'll find authentic souvenirs at reasonable prices unavailable elsewhere.

5

Discover Manta's Maritime Heritage Museum

Visit the compact but fascinating museum dedicated to Manta's rich fishing and maritime history, featuring exhibits on traditional boat-building, local legends, and the city's evolution as a major port. Interactive displays and artifacts tell the story of generations of Ecuadorian fishermen and their cultural significance. It's an excellent introduction to understanding what makes Manta truly special.

Cruise Lines at Manta

Cruises Departing From Manta

Cruises Visiting Manta

Ship Schedule at Manta

Manta Location

Other Cruise Ports in Ecuador

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manta Port best known for?

It's a major fishing and cargo port with service facilities for ships.

How can I reach Manta Port from the city center?

Take a short taxi ride or local bus from central Manta; port is nearby.

What attractions are near Manta Port?

Nearby beaches, Machalilla National Park, and Isla de la Plata day trips.

When is the best time to visit Manta Port?

Dry season from June to December offers clearer skies and calm seas.