Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 07:09 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in El Salvador, you came to the right place. In this guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip to El Salvador, including travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in El Salvador.
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About Surfing in El Salvador
The quality of the Surf in El Salvador will surprise you much more than you think. It is not popular and famous like other countries, but it is actually one of the best surf destinations in the world. In fact, El Salvador is the country of right-hand point breaks and a true surf paradise.
Located in Central America, between Guatemala and Honduras, El Salvador is a small country facing the Pacific Ocean. This country is just recovering from a nasty civil war, and yet, it has a lot to offer to travelers and surfers in particular. Once you land here in the Capital, San Salvador, take a short drive south to La Libertad; don’t waste your time in the city. Then, once you make it to the coast, you will feel the change in the air. El Salvador’s offers about 300 KM coastline with warm water, great nature, and amazing waves. Moreover, within only 1 hour’s drive from La Libertad, you will find countless world-class breaks, almost all of which are right-hand point breaks.
The Prices in El Salvador are extremely low. Actually, with a backpacker budget, you can live here like a king. For that reason, you will find many young surfers who come to explore the surf beaches in El Salvador and enjoy the perfect waves and authentic atmosphere.
The Best Surf Spots in El Salvador
Although it is a small country, there are many high-quality surf spots in El Salvador. Divided into 3 areas, these are the best surf beaches in El Salvador:
Surf Spots in the La Libertad Area
Punta Roca:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is the most famous surf spot in El Salvador. In fact, some say it is one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. Situated in the city of La Libertad, this place hosted the women’s 6 WQS surfing event, and it is well-known among surfers all around the world. The waves here start with a steep drop straight into a barrel and continue with a long open ride. The bottom is full of boulders, so either bring your booties or just watch out on your feet, especially during low tide. Since this spot is in a big city close to the Capital, San Salvador, you will always find local crowds in the water.
Conchalio:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- A bit further from Punta Roca, you will find this powerful beach break. Unlike its neighbor break, this spot is almost always empty of crowds and produces fantastic tube rides to both right and left. Since this spot picks up lots of swells, it is best in the small days when the other spots are flat.
El Cocal (San Blas):
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Since it is not very exposed to the swell, you should surf this beach only when a big swell hits the shore. Once it happens, you will find a fantastic point break with 3 different sections and no one else in the water.
Surf Spots in the El Tunco Area
La Bocana:
Break type- River mouth.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This is one of the only left-hand breaks in the country. For that reason, goofy footers love this spot. In fact, it is a river mouth break that produces powerful A-frame waves. These waves tend to barrel pretty often and are suitable for surfers who know what they are doing.
La Bocanita:
Break type- River Mouth.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is a pure tube ride, from the kind that will punish you hard unless you know what you are doing. Weirdly, this wave is better during the afternoons and always in high tide. Also, note that the currents here are powerful, so prepare for some hard paddling.
El Sunzal:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is one of the most consistent surf spots in El Salvador. Somehow, it performs well on any given day, no matter what. Suitable for all skill levels, El Sunzal peaks up the swell far in the deep water and breaks softly all the way to shore. Therefore, it is perfect for longboards, beginners, or anyone who likes long, mellow rides to the right side.
El Zonte:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This right-hand point break (yes, another one…) is pumping very close to shore. Therefore, you won’t have to paddle that much to the lineup. The wave is long, sometimes hollow, and suitable for Intermediate to advanced surfers. Moreover, the town itself is a tremendous artistic place where you can meet great people and surfers from different places. El Zonte is definitely a must-stop during your surf trip to El Salvador.
K59:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Further to the west, you will find this world-class wave. This right-hand point break is famous for its long rides and barreling sections. Although it is not aggressive, the ride here is very fast, so make sure you are at the top of your game, otherwise, you will not make the sections.
K61:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- About a 10-minute paddle (or walk) from K59, you will get to this right-hand break. It is softer, smaller, and slower than most surf spots in El Salvador. Moreover, it is almost always empty of surfers. It’s definitely worthwhile, especially for longboards and beginners.
Mizata:
Break type- Point break, river mouth, and a beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Since it is more distant from San Salvador, not many surfers come to this spot, and that’s a shame (or maybe not), as this is one of the most consistent surf beaches in El Salvador. Amazingly, you will find here a point, a river mouth, and a beach break within a short distance from each other. Therefore, if you come here, you will get a great variety of breaks to choose from and no crowds.
Surf Spots in the El Cuco/Las Flores Area
Las Flores:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is a famous tourist destination in El Salvador. The hotels here are always full, and the surf is up. It is a top-quality point break with some barreling sections, but due to its good reputation, it can get extremely crowded.
Punta Mango:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is probably the second-best surf spot in El Salvador after Punta Roca. However, it produces the best barrels for sure. To get to this spot, you must take a boat ride from Las Flores or simply make a 40-minute drive. There is also an option to stay right in front of the break in Hotel Los Mangos. Once you are here you will witness some massive barrels to the right side. Experienced surfers only!
If you are new to surfing, and you are looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in El Salvador.
Surf Seasons in El Salvador
In general, you can surf in El Salvador all year long and always find good waves. However, some months are more recommended than others due to heavy rains and swell consistency.
El Salvador’s coastline faces south, so it is well exposed to south swells. Therefore, between May and October, you can expect massive and consistent waves (sometimes even over 10 feet). Unfortunately, this time of the year is also the wet season, which means lots of rain on a daily basis.
In the dry season, between November and April, the sky is clear, and the sun always shines. However, the swell is smaller and a bit less consistent. Don’t get it wrong, you will still get great waves during these months, but don’t expect something huge (most of the season, it is around 3-5 feet).
Considering the above, the perfect months to surf El Salvador are between March and May. Since it is still the dry season, and yet the south swell starts to send waves to shore, the surf conditions will be at their absolute best.
Surf Camps in El Salvador
If you are a beginner or new to surfing, the best way to explore the surf spots in El Salvador is at a surf camp. These are the most recommended surf camps in El Salvador:
1. Wayo Surf, El Tunco– This camp promotes surfing and tourism in El Salvador in harmony with the environment and nature. It offers surf lessons for all levels of surfers in either English or Spanish.
For more details about surf camps in the El Tunco area, please click here.
2. Horizonte Surf Camp, El Zonte– The camp offers everything you need for a perfect surf vacation. From surf lessons for beginners to yoga classes, tours, and touristic activities, the camp will take care of all your needs with great joy.
For more surf camps in the El Zonte area, please click here.
3. Los Mangos Hotel, Punta Mango– Regardless of your skill level, Los Mangos Hotel offers the ultimate surf vacation.
For more details about surf camps in the area, please click here.
4. Maya Surf Tours, La Libertad– The surf school focuses on beginner and intermediate-level coaching. For advanced surfers, it also offers surf trips to the best breaks around.
For more info about surf camps in El Salvador, please click here.
Surf Hotels in El Salvador
When exploring the different surf beaches of El Salvador, you want to stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the waves. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. Casa de Mar Hotel And Villas, El Tunco– Offering an outdoor pool and views of the sea, the beachfront Casa de Mar Hotel And Villas is situated in El Sunzal in the La Libertad Department Region, 1 km from El Salvadoreño Country Club.
2. The Beach Break Hotel, El Zonte– Situated in El Zonte, a few steps from El Zonte Beach, The Beach Break Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Featuring a garden, the property is located within 2.8 km of El Palmarcito Beach. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.
3. Hotel Los Mangos El Salvador, Punta Mango– Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Hotel Los Mangos El Salvador is located 10 km west of El Cuco. The property is set in a privileged place to practice surfing.
For more surf hotels in El Salvador, check out our post about the best surf resorts in El Salvador, or simply look for good deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in El Salvador
There are many surf beaches in El Salvador and several world-class surf spots. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can find their waves. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like El Sunzal. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves at beaches like K-59 and El Zonte. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride excellent barrels at Punta Mango and Punta Roca.
Which Location in El Salvador is Best for a Surf Trip
El Salvador is a small country, which makes it an easy destination to explore on a surf trip. In fact, within a few minutes’ drive, you can visit some of the best surf spots in El Salvador.
So, the following locations are the most recommended to stay at:
1. El Tunco– This is our number one choice since the town is very surf-oriented, and it provides access to both El Sunzal and La Bocana.
2. El Zonte– The town offers a fantastic hippie atmosphere and consistent waves.
3. Punta Mango– This is a premium location for advanced surfers and close to Las Flores.
4. K-59– Here, you will ride perfect waves with minimal crowd, and you can also surf at K-61.
5. La Libertad– The city is not a nice place to stay compared to the other locations, but the waves in Punta Roca are perfect.
Travel Information
Language- Spanish.
Population- about 6.5 million.
Currency- U.S. Dollar.
Calling code- +503.
Time zone- GMT -6.
Pros- long waves, warm water, cheap travel.
Cons- lack of left hand waves, not so safe.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in El Salvador is something every surfer must do at least once in his lifetime. With such world-class point breaks, you will probably have the time of your life. You can also combine your surf trip with other nearby surf destinations in Central America, such as Nicaragua or Mexico.
