A true paradise for right-handers in Latin America, El Salvador is one of the top destinations for Brazilian surfers. A surf trip to El Salvador offers perfect waves, right-hand point breaks, a tropical climate, warm water, low costs, and friendly locals—you're sure to fall in love with El Salvador.
How to Get There?
To reach El Salvador from Europe, there are several airline options offering flights with layovers, mainly in Central or North American cities. Here are some of the main routes:
Iberia: Iberia offers direct flights from Madrid to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. This is one of the most convenient flights for those travelling from Europe.
Air Europa: Another option is to fly with Air Europa, which operates flights from Madrid to San Salvador with a connection, typically via Miami.
KLM / Air France: Both KLM and Air France offer flights from cities like Amsterdam or Paris, with connections through cities such as Panama (with Copa Airlines) or Houston.
Lufthansa / British Airways: These airlines allow connections via US cities, such as Houston or Dallas, in partnership with other carriers, or flights via Panama with Copa Airlines.
These options ensure an efficient journey from the main European capitals to enjoy surfing in El Salvador!
What is the best time for a surf trip in El Salvador?
El Salvador receives good swells throughout the year. However, we can divide the surf season as follows: from March to May is the pre-season, suitable for beginners and intermediates. From June to August, the swell season hits El Salvador, ideal for intermediates and advanced surfers. From September to November, it’s the end of the season, again suitable for beginners and intermediates. December to February sees high flat sea conditions.
What level of surfing is needed for a surf trip in El Salvador?
This incredible surf destination in Latin America offers waves for all levels. From those just learning to advanced surfers looking for fast, heavy waves like Punta Roca, for example.
What are the main surf spots in El Salvador?
We can divide them into two regions for various surf trips in El Salvador, each offering different types of waves. We will name them after their most famous wave: the Sunzal region and the Las Flores region.
Sunzal Region
Sunzal - The most famous wave in El Salvador, a perfect right-hander breaking over a tranquil rocky bottom. It’s quite a long wave, a small Chicama turning to the right. Accessing the wave peak is easy, as a channel forms next to the break with no waves. However, prepare your arms, as the paddle will be long. Its difficulty level ranges from beginners to advanced. The wave is fuller, with pressure, making it perfect for all types of boards.
La Bocana - For those who think El Salvador only offers right-handers, you need to experience La Bocana. An incredible, fast, standing wave with pressure, breaking to the left. It’s close to Sunzal, about a 10-minute walk along the sand. At this same spot, an exhilarating right also breaks, but it’s more challenging as it finishes over an exposed rocky bottom.
La Bocanita - Between Sunzal and La Bocana, there’s a perfect wave for practising airs. It breaks both to the right and left, but it’s fast and short, with just enough time for one manoeuvre. Besides the locals' aerial show, the sunset is also worth witnessing, one of the most beautiful in El Salvador.
Punta Roca - Undoubtedly the most incredible wave in El Salvador. On its bigger days, it’s referred to as Tropical Jeffreys Bay. A tubular, long, heavy, and fast right-hand wave. With a more intense crowd in the water, combined with the wave quality, this spot is not for everyone; you need to have your drop dialled in.
La Paz - The wave at Punta Roca is so extensive that after a certain point, it changes its name to La Paz, perhaps because this wave passes by a cemetery or because it decreases in difficulty and becomes a bit more mellow. The fact is that this wave is incredible, with little crowd, a long point break right that is a bit fuller and ends at a fishing pier. One of our tips is that for those surfing point breaks for the first time, La Paz is the option to choose to ease tension and gain confidence for the other spots.
Mizata - Heading south, a triangular wave with a lot of potential. A sure bet for smaller days at other spots.
El Zonte - Continuing on the way to another famous wave, KM59, we have El Zonte, another right point break. At this spot, depending on the conditions, there are also good left waves.
KM59 - One of our favourite waves, a right point break, with crowds varying quite a bit depending on the time of day.
KM61 - Just after KM59, you’ll find another right point break with huge potential and little crowd. These waves are almost neighbours.
Las Flores Region
About 4 hours' travel from Sunzal, we have two excellent spots that work well when the northern swells are strong.
Punta Mango - Running the risk of being redundant, this right point break is where you’ll find the best tubes in El Salvador. It’s a more remote spot, requiring either a boat from Las Flores or staying in one of the few hotels near the wave.
Las Flores - Point Break de direita, é uma onda com bastante qualidade e para todos os níveis.
What level of surfing is needed for a surf trip in El Salvador?
As mentioned above, there are surf options for all levels. For regular footers, who surf right-hand waves, it’s undoubtedly paradise. For goofy footers, it’s an opportunity to sharpen their backside. El Salvador could very well be your first international surf trip.
What are the waves like in El Salvador?
There are options for thicker waves like Sunzal, La Paz, intermediate waves like KM59 and El Zonte, and internationally renowned waves like Punta Roca and Punta Mango.
What is the water temperature? What type of bottom do the waves break on?
The water is warm; it’s a tropical country with hot, sunny days almost year-round. The bottom at most spots is rocky, but don’t worry; they’re not too exposed.
What boards should you bring for a surf trip in El Salvador?
If you ride a longboard or stand-up paddleboard, bring your classic longboard and a more progressive one. For shortboards, a groveller for smaller days, a larger board above 6.0 for bigger days, and an intermediate board for some extra fun. If your goal is to surf tubular waves, talk to your shaper about bringing a board that works better on steep waves like Punta Roca and Punta Mango. The big tip is to bring boards with plenty of floatation to assist with paddling.
What is the crowd like?
You’ve probably seen various videos and guides on YouTube about El Salvador and have noticed the rather intense crowd. That crowd exists, but everyone surfs. Most spots are point breaks, meaning the waves always break in the same place. Just position yourself and respect the people around you, and everyone will have a great time.
What are the hotels like?
Both the Sunzal region and the Las Flores region offer hotels ranging from budget to luxury. For those travelling with family, some hotels provide excellent facilities to accommodate them.
What’s the one thing no one tells you?
The big tip regarding El Salvador is positioning. Most surf spots are point breaks, meaning the waves always break in the same place with a few intermediate waves in other sections. So, the big secret is positioning. Before entering the peak, observe where the more skilled surfers are positioning themselves. When you enter the water, position yourself in the same spot.
What should you eat on a surf trip in El Salvador?
The local cuisine is quite similar to Brazilian food. In the main dishes, you’ll find rice and beans, with options for meat or chicken and fries. There’s also fresh fish and seafood, Mexican food, and a local specialty called Pupusa, a type of stuffed tortilla. Another highlight of the local gastronomy is the abundance of fruit available in the country. The best part is that eating in El Salvador is cheap, with meals starting at $6 in the tourist centre.
What to do in El Salvador besides surfing?
The country, like all of Central America, is rich in biodiversity and historical heritage. Some of our suggestions include the Tazumal ruins, Lake Coatepeque, and the Tamanique waterfalls. Consult our customer service for more information about these and other tours.
Ready for El Salvador? OFF Viagens offers regular departures, meaning customised according to your dates, the number of people travelling with you, and the itinerary you dream of. On our website, you’ll find some suggested itineraries; click here to access them.
Want to surf in El Salvador but are going solo? Join one of our surf groups. Departures are available until 2024; click here to check.
But be careful, all groups have limited spots. Check current availability through our customer service. Book in advance and pay in instalments without interest (check conditions).
Why book with OFF?
Many people wonder about the advantages of booking a trip through a travel agency. And believe me, there are several. For example:
We have rates agreed upon with the main airlines serving this destination.
We work directly with the best hotels at the spot, offering excellent rates.
We coordinate all the logistics of your trip, so your only job is to surf.
We offer 24-hour support in Portuguese for our passengers in case of emergencies.
Local representatives at each destination we operate.
Knowledge of the destination to provide you with the best tips to make your surf trip perfect.
Great payment conditions.
These are just some of the tips we have to offer about El Salvador. Consult our customer service or our website for surf trip options to this or other surf spots.
Did you enjoy learning more about El Salvador? Discover other destinations like Costa Rica, Chicama, and Mentawai.