The Best Surf Spots in El Salvador

We spent the whole month of October 2023 surfing the coastline of El Salvador as we continued on our van journey from California to Panama. El Salvador is often underestimated, but quickly became one of my favorite destinations. The combination of epic waves, beautiful natural landscapes, adventure activities and friendly locals left an awesome impression of El Salvador. We were fortunate to surf most of the best surf spots in El Salvador and hope that this guide helps to plan your trip!

El Salvador, with its pristine beaches and favorable surf conditions, has become a sought-after destination for surfers seeking an unforgettable experience. For those yearning to ride the waves along the picturesque coasts of El Salvador, finding the best surf spot is key! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer looking for the next big challenge or a novice eager to catch your first wave, our guide aims to be your compass in navigating the diverse options available. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the best surf spots in El Salvador, surf information and places to stay.

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K59 Surf Spot El Salvador

K9 Surf Break

Best time to Surf in El Salvador

The region boasts a vibrant surf culture and a variety of resorts that cater to different skill levels, ensuring that every surfer finds their perfect wave. El Salvador has waves all year round making it an ideal place to spend a surf holiday. The country is known for its long right hand point breaks centered around the La Libertad area in the north and Las Flores in the south.

Determining the best time to surf in El Salvador is really based on your skill level and goals for your surf holiday. We surfed in October and the south swells were firing it was consistently 5-8 foot. This definitely pushed outside our comfort zones as intermediate surfers, but the advanced surfers in the water were frothing. Then when we returned in January the surf was way more manageable, weather was better, beaches were sandier and waves were 2-4 foot which fit our style a lot more.

  1. Dry Season (November to April):

    • Ideal for Beginners: This period is characterized by consistent offshore winds and smaller, more manageable waves, making it particularly suitable for novice surfers. The weather is generally dry, with sunny days and milder water temperatures, providing an overall pleasant surfing experience. There are a lot less bugs and mosquitos during the dry season which I really liked.

  2. Wet Season (May to October):

    • Advanced Surfers’ Paradise: Experienced surfers may find the wet season appealing due to the larger and more powerful swells. The south swells during this period create impressive wave heights, attracting those seeking a more challenging surfing experience. Wet season brings rain and occasional storms, contributing to increased humidity, but overall we found the weather in October to be fine and it usually only rained for a couple hours in the evening.
K59 Surf Break

K59 Surf Break

Top Surf Breaks in El Salvador

Here is an overview of the top surf breaks in the La Libertad area (aka Surf City)

  1. Punta Roca:

    • Type: Point Break
    • Description: Punta Roca is one of El Salvador’s most famous surf breaks, offering a powerful right-hand point break. Known for its consistent waves and long rides, Punta Roca caters to experienced surfers. The wave can reach impressive heights, providing an exhilarating surfing experience. This is the most advanced wave in the area creating hollow barrels off a rocky point.

  2. La Paz:

    • Type: Reef Break
    • Description: La Paz is a reef break that delivers powerful and hollow waves, attracting experienced surfers seeking a challenging ride. This break is influenced by the ocean’s swells and provides a thrilling surfing experience for those accustomed to reef breaks. This is the more mellow section of the advanced Punta Roca break.

  3. La Bocana:

    • Type: Beach Break
    • Description: La Bocana is a versatile beach break suitable for surfers of various skill levels. Located near the river mouth, it offers both left and right-hand waves. The wave quality is influenced by the tides and sandbars, providing a dynamic surfing environment.

  4. El Sunzal:

    • Type: Point Break
    • Description: El Sunzal is a popular and accessible point break that caters to surfers of different proficiency levels. Offering both left and right-hand waves, El Sunzal is characterized by its consistent swells and long rides, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. This is the best El Salvador surf spot for long boarding in the area and the most mellow break even with big swell.

  5. El Zonte:

    • Type: Point Break
    • Description: El Zonte is predominantly known for its right-hand point break, providing long and peeling waves. This type of break makes it suitable for surfers of varying skill levels, from beginners to more advanced riders. Depending on the swell there is a beach break and a couple other points that work. We felt this wave works best in 3-4 foot swell.

  6. K59 and K61:

    • Type: Point Break
    • Description: These neighboring point breaks, known as K59 and K61, offer right-hand waves in a stunning natural setting. Popular among intermediate to advanced surfers, these breaks are accessible by car and provide consistent waves with good shape. K59 is an awesome wave and less crowded that other spots because it’s in a quieter area.

  7. Mizata Beach:

    • Type: Point Break & Beach Break
    • Description: Mizata is known for its right-hand point break, providing surfers with long and consistent rides. The wave is generally mellow, making it suitable for surfers of varying skill levels, including beginners looking to develop their abilities. It is the furthest north so lighter crowds are found here.
Mizata Beach

Mizata Beach Break

Here is an overview of The Best El Salvador Surf Spots in the South East

  1. Las Flores Point:

    • Type: Point Break
    • Description: Las Flores Point is the signature surf break in the area, offering powerful right-hand waves. Known for its consistency and quality, this point break is favored by experienced surfers looking for a thrilling ride. The wave holds well in various swell conditions. This break is a little more swell dependent, when we visited in January it was not big enough.

  2. Punta Mango:

    • Type: Point Break
    • Description: Punta Mango is renowned for its powerful and consistent waves. The point break configuration produces long, peeling waves, offering both left and right-hand rides. The wave quality is particularly appealing to intermediate and advanced surfers seeking a thrilling experience. Punta Mango is about 4 kms up the road from Las Flores. We did not make it there yet, but will hopefully stop by on our way north. We have heard it’s amazing when the swell is right.
Las Flores Surf Break El Salvador

Las Flores

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Puro Surf Hotel - El Zonte Surf Break

Puro Surf Hotel – El Zonte

Best Surf Resorts in El Salvador

In addition to the best El Salvador surf spots, we also want to highlight the “Best El Salvador Surf Resorts,” uncovering the gems that offer not only exceptional wave-riding experiences but also a perfect combo of comfort and hospitality.

El Tunco/El Sunzal Beach:

  1. LAOLA Surf Camp El Sunzal – This resort has an epic location and is right in front of the El Sunzal surf break. They offer 7 night surf camps all year. You can easily walk to the restaurants and shops of El Tunco and the other break, La Bocana. Book Here.
  2. Boca Olas Resort & Villas – Definitely the nicest resort in El Tunco and located on the rivermouth closest to La Bocana surf break. Book Here.
  3. Papaya Lodge Hostel – This is the budget option in El Tunco and provides a great location to walk to El Sunzal or La Bocana surf break. Rooms are simple, but its a great place to meet other travelers. Book Here.

El Zonte Beach:

  1. Puro Surf Hotel – One of the most epic surf resorts I’ve ever stayed at. The infinity pool overlooking the surf break is perfection and the whole hotel is perfectly set up for surf enthusiasts. They offer al la carte stays or all inclusive surf packages. Book Here.
  2. Palo Verde Hotel – While Puro Surf definitely has my vote, Palo Verde Hotel is located next door and also provides a really great stay. Book Here.

K59 Surf Spot:

  1. K-59 Surf Hotel – There are not many options in this area but the K59 Surf Hotel offers beachfront accommodation with inclusive meals, swimming pool and surf tower. It is definitely the best place to stay in the area.

Mizata Beach

  1. Mizata by Anti-Resort – This is an epic hotel right on the point of Mizata Beach. The really cool bungalow style rooms and elegant infinity pools make it the perfect place to enjoy a surf vacation! Book Here.

Las Flores Beach

  1. Vista Las Olas Surf Resort – Incredible location on the beautiful beach of Las Flores. The picturesque rooms and infinity pool create the perfect vibe. Book Here
  2. Las Flores Resort – Right in front of the Las Flores point break this all-inclusive style hotel provides a beautiful place to relax between surf sessions. Book Here.

Read Next: Surfing Guide: The Best Surf Spots in Peru

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