Manta

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

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Mall del Pacifico, Manta Good stores and eateries, ample pricing. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 16k Open · Closes 8 PM

Paseo Shopping Manta The prices seem to be slightly lower than Pacifico Mall. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 6k Open · Closes 9 PM

Megamaxi - Pacific Mall ... you need, but is very pricey compared to other stores around Hypermarket · ★ 4.7 · 4k Open · Closes 8:30 PM

Deprati Manta A place to buy nice and fancy clothes. Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 4k Open · Closes 8 PM

Plaza La Quadra, Manta, Manabí Some of the best restuarants in Manta and a great coffee shop. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 3k Open · Closes 2 AM

Martinica Best place in Manta to eat great food. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k Closed · Opens 12:15 PM Wed

Centro Comercial Manicentro Playground Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 10 PM

New business park Tarqui Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open · Closes 7 PM

Casa Rosada Lounge Restaurant It’s a little pricey but it’s a must go if your in Manta. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closes soon · 4 PM

St. Mark's Square Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 7 PM

Cafetería Verde y Café Manta The food quality, atmosphere, and service was to my standards. Breakfast restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 11:30 PM

Caminito Parrilla Argentina Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Fish Restaurant cordoba Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closes soon · 4 PM

Iche Cocina Manabita Excellent food with great service and attention from the waitress. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM

Restaurante Las Velas Grill This is a Cuban Ecuadorian fusion must go Updates this place still awesome 👏 Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM

El Resero Rincón Argentino Restaurant Pricey for Manta but worth every penny. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM

Restaurante Finisterre Frankly, the best we've tasted in a month in Ecuador. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon

Hiper Market - Manta Hugh selection and found some hard to find items there. Hypermarket · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM

MAVI - Café & Grill Excellent food and service. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM

LUUMA Restaurant & Rooftop Beautiful restaurant with great service and amazing dishes. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM

Dolores pero me llaman Lolita Food, service, atmosphere all top notch. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Humaliwo Food and drinks were reasonably and exceeded expectation. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM

La Novia del Toro I had the best bacon cheeseburger so far in Manta. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Maido Nice restaurant with a great menu selection. Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM

Marthas Cocina Casual The food and service are outstanding. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon

Café Almagro 1535 - Manta Tried an authentic Ecuadorians breakfast. Coffee shop · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM

MUYA COCINA GOURMET The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was absolutely perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue

El Mesón - Cocina Clandestina The meats are great too considering it’s Ecuador. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 3:30 PM

LOUIS XIV CAFETERIA MANTA Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Espresso bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM

La Nonna Great customer service, amazing food, and ambience. Italian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 4 PM

Plaza KAI Manta Ecuador Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM

Vintage Coffee & Lounge The food was cooked perfectly, good selection of drinks and great service. Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Catfé Nómada Dine-in·Takeout Espresso bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Casa mia Curbside pickup·Delivery Espresso bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k

PINK FISH CAFE Dine-in·Drive-through·No-contact delivery Espresso bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Café de Campo-Cafetería Dine-in·Takeout Espresso bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.