3rd Annual Canoa Ecuador Paragliding Fly-In Event: November 29th - December 2nd, 2024

Con Todo Canoa
Sep 13, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Sep 14, 2024

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Canoa, Ecuador Paragliding Fly-In event!

We've crafted the perfect 4-day adventure in Manabi, Ecuador, filled with paragliding fun, beach vibes, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're here for the flying or just love the beauty of the coast, we’ve got you covered with epic flights, community events, and plenty of downtime to enjoy.

Come Early, Stay Late—We’ve Got You Covered!

Some guests are arriving early to join a Thanksgiving Potluck with the Locals on November 28th hosted by our friends at CanoaSuites.com. If you want to get a head start on the fun, come early and share a meal with us—bring your favorite dish or just your appetite!

After the event, a group will be heading to Chone for XC paragliding, while others are planning to explore Ecuador from coast to coast and beyond. We can help with all that or even your Galapagos adventure either before or after the fly-in.

Let us know what you're thinking!

Now, let’s break down what to expect for this epic 4-day paragliding experience:

Day 1: Friday, November 29th

Welcome & Settle In!

Arrival in Manta: We’ll pick you up at Manta Airport and bring you to the Coconut Beach Hotel! The scenic ride takes about an hour and a half, so just sit back and relax. You made it.
Afternoon Meet & Greet: 3:00 PM - Settle into your room, meet fellow pilots, and take a walk around the beach to check out the perfect paragliding conditions.
Yes, there will be rides to launch all day. Also groceries stores or the ice cream shop to get you comfortably settled.
Welcome Beach Bonfire & BBQ: 6:00 PM - Let’s kick off the weekend with a casual beach BBQ and bonfire. Music, good vibes, and the chance to meet the whole crew!

Day 2: Saturday, November 30th

All Day Paragliding Adventure!

Sunrise Flights: 7:00 AM - Early risers get to experience magical no wind morning sled rides. Mini wings and beginners can get an early start while others sleep in or enjoy a yoga sesh on the rooftop of The Coconut. Breakfast will be available each day until 10am.
Workshops & Tricks: 10:00 AM - Take part in skill-sharing workshops or challenge yourself with a fun beach wing-waga dance contest. This is if you are not flying already of course.
Lunch Break: 1:00 PM - Local restaurants will serve up a delicious Ecuadorian-inspired lunch each day. This cost is not part of the fly-in but we can help you get fresh seafood, tropical fruits, even incredible vegan options, all with local flavors.
We can arrange an Uber-Eats type of experience by bringing any restaurants to you at the hotel or even launch! You should eat, but not have to interrupt your flying or rest schedule. Winds on launch could start to get stronger mid day so it may be a good time to switch it up for a bit.
Afternoon Fun Fly: 3:00 PM - Relaxed group flights, giving everyone a chance to explore the air. All the beach activities will still be going on at the Coconut if you want to wait for the sunset flight. Possibility to check out another more advanced launch, Monkey Beach. Of course, you can just fly there from the Coconut Hotel launch (El Nido) and back with some patience and some skill.
Sunset Soar: 5:00 PM - Fly into the sunset which is just after 6pm. Land back at The Coconut right on the beach or for extra points, land on the Pirate Platform! Arrrrr! Kite on the beach until you are hungry.
Dinner at Canoa Suites: 8:00 PM - When the sun sets, the party starts! Enjoy the night with drinks, music, and beach games. Go home when they kick us out. Bring some extra money for this one, Canoa Suites makes the BEST food & drinks!

Day 3: Sunday, December 1st

Flights, Fun, and Community!

Morning Yoga & Stretching: 8:00 AM - Get your body ready for the day with a relaxing beach yoga session. Do some SUP'ing in the river next door. Sunrise flights will also be an option.
Morning Flights: 9:30 AM - Weather permitting. Take to the sky for more flying fun or stay on the beach and try some slack lining, surf simulator, walk the beach or just relax.
Beach Cleanup: 12:00 PM - Give back to the beautiful beach by joining our quick cleanup, followed by a light lunch. Lunch will be provided in exchange for at least 1 small bag of garbage from the beach. (Drinks included for large bags filled!)
Scavenger Hunt & Games: 2:00 PM - A paragliding scavenger hunt will ensue. Snap a picture from the air of each hidden item around town and turn the pics in for a prize! When you are on the ground, enjoy some beach games like volleyball surfing, SUP, and slacklining or just chill by the amazing pool.
Costume Flight Contest: 4:00 PM - The most fun you’ll ever have flying in costume! Prizes for the best-dressed pilot, copilot or groundwalker will be awarded.
Dinner & Photo Contest Prize Ceremony: 7:00 PM - Celebrate the weekend with a delicious buffet-style dinner and prize giveaways for the best picture(s) taken during the event. We’ve got gear, free stays, and more up for grabs.

Day 4: Monday, December 2nd

Farewell Flights & Exploration

Final Sunrise Flight: 7:00 AM - One last chance to get unlimited rides to launch all day. Chillax or fly as much as you want today. Get an amazing massage, a $10 pedicure or even-out the tan line. There is nothing you "have" to do today. All the goods still available.
Group Options: Lunch could be at BeerKingo with its many themed pools, food and drinks in the hills of Canoa, while dinner can be a fine dining experience at the famous Iche for those still in town.
Departure to Manta: Let us know when you need to get back to real life and we will get you at least to the airport. - Shuttle back to Manta Airport for your flight home at anytime, unless you’re sticking around for more adventures.
https://www.coconutbeachhotel.com/post/discover-canoa-ecuador-the-ultimate-coastal-vacation

*Want something different? These are just tentative ideas and could change as life and weather does. Let us know what you would like to see or do while here!

Post-Event Adventures (Optional)

XC Paragliding in Chone: A group is heading out to Chone for some cross-country flying. Let's put this spot on the map by setting some routes and records! More details to come.
Explore Quito: Want to head back to Quito? We can help you organize a city tour, hiking trips, or even a visit to the Mitad del Mundo monument.
Coastal Adventure: Take a trip down the coast for kitesurfing, scuba diving, or explore the bucket list Los Frailes beach and Machalilla National Park.
Galapagos Tour: Thinking of going big? Let us help you plan your Galapagos adventure either before or after the event.

What to Bring

Paragliding gear (duh)
Sunscreen and beachwear (Shade is a beautiful thing)
A costume for our fun costume flight (comfortable and fun. No need to go all burning man unless you want to)
Comfortable shoes for walking around town and beach. Water shoes for exploring. Flippers for swimming fast.
Money for anything you forgot. Bring lots of $1's, $5's and $10's… cause you aren’t gonna get very far on $100 bills here. *$2 bills are considered good luck!

Need Help with Your Plans?

We’re here to make your trip as smooth as possible. Need assistance planning activities before or after the event? Want recommendations for the best sights to see or what to bring? Contact us, and we’ll help arrange everything!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Coconut Beach Hotel. This isn’t just a fly-in—it’s a chance to connect, explore, and create lifelong memories.