Last updated on January 25th, 2024 at 09:07 pm
If you plan to surf in El Tunco, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in El Tunco Beach, El Salvador.
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About Surfing in El Tunco Beach, El Salvador
Surfing in El Tunco Beach is the safest bet on your surf trip to El Salvador. Located only a 45-minute drive from the country’s International Airport, this beach offers everything a surfer could wish for. With world-class waves and a great atmosphere, it is no wonder that this town became the most popular surf destination in El Salvador, among both locals and foreigners.
El Tunco is a beautiful little surf town in South El Salvador. Due to its location close to San Salvador and La Libertad, the access to this town is pretty easy. Unlike most of the country, security issues are not a problem here, and it is considered a safe and relaxed place. Therefore, when surfing in El Tunco, you will see a developed tourist scene. There is a wide variety of hotels for any budget, great restaurants, bars, and even surf shops. Moreover, during the weekends, El Tunco turns into a crazy party town, and you can always find a place with good music, drinks, and friendly people.
As for the surf, El Tunco is a spectacular beach. Within a short walking distance, you can find several surf spots and choose the right one for you. The waves here are suitable for any skill level. Therefore, while beginners can practice on mellow waves over a sandy bottom, advanced surfers can ride punchy barrels and long walls. If you are looking for a good place for a surf trip, El Tunco can be the perfect one for you.
Surf Seasons in El Tunco
Just like in all the El Salvadorian Coastline, you can surf El Tunco any day of the year. The swell here is consistent, and it is very rare to have a flat day.
If you are a beginner, you might prefer to surf El Tunco during the dry season, between November and April. The waves usually are chest to shoulder height at this time of year, and the surf conditions are convenient.
In Contrast, the wet season, from May to October, is the best time for those seeking the big waves. The surf conditions are not as glassy during these months, but you can ride 6-10-foot waves. Therefore, this time of the year is recommended only for advanced surfers.
The key to scoring the best surf in El Tunco is to come during the transition months and enjoy both worlds. Therefore, from March to May is the best time to surf in El Tunco. The weather is nice, the waves are perfect, and conditions are just right.
Surf Spots in El Tunco
When surfing in El Tunco, you will have several different breaks to choose from. In detail, these are the 4 main surf spots on this beach:
El Sunzal:
Located on the Western part of the beach, El Sunzal is a world-class break. In fact, this right-hand point break is one of the most consistent ones in El Salvador. Moreover, this wave is exceptionally long, open, and suitable for all skill levels. You must paddle far out to get to the lineup here, as the waves break in the deep water. However, the way back is also long, so it is worth it. Since the wave is soft and mellow, it is perfect for longboards and beginners. This spot can get a bit crowded during weekends, but it’s not too bad compared to other places in Central America.
Sunzalito:
This spot is El Sunzal’s little sister. Closer to shore, over a sandy bottom, the waves here are much smaller and less powerful. Therefore, this spot is perfect for beginners, or for days when the swell is just too big.
La Bocana:
You will find this spot in the Eastern part of the beach. La Bocana is one of the few left-handers in El Salvador, which is why goofy footers love it so much. This river mouth break is fast, steep, and challenging. Compared to the mellow break at El Sunzal, the waves here are more aggressive and require a higher skill level.
La Bocanita:
Can Beginners Surf in El Tunco?
Yes, easily!
Just in front of town, the break at Sunzalito is the ultimate beginner spot. It offers a soft break over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place here. If you are an intermediate or an advanced surfer, simply paddle further to El Sunzal to ride more challenging waves.
In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in El Tunco.
Surf Camps in El Tunco
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore El Tunco’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Barebones Surf Camp.
2. Wayo Surf.
3. Sunzal Surf Company.
For all the details about surf camps in El Tunco, please click here.
Surf Hotels in El Tunco
If you come to surf in El Tunco, you want to be as close as possible to the waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Casa de Mar Hotel And Villas– 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. Hotel & Bar La Guitarra– Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, Hotel & Bar La Guitarra is situated on El Tunco Beach. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Each room is equipped with a terrace with a sea view.
3. Santorini Lodge– A few steps from Playa El Tunco, Santorini Lodge features accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms.
For more surf hotels in El Tunco, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, El Tunco is one of the best surf towns in El Salvador. The combination of world-class waves, fantastic nightlife, and young travelers from all over the world makes it a perfect destination for a surf trip.
Besides surfing in El Tunco, you can also take a short drive and surf the other great surf spots in the area, such as El Zonte and Punta Roca.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to El Tunco. Have a great surf trip!
