Best Beginner Surf Spots in El Salvador
Looking for the best surfing for beginners in El Salvador? Find our favorite waves for beginners in this Central American country.
The El Salvador Surf Scene
El Salvador is home to some world-class waves. With solid right point breaks, places like El Zonte, El Sunzal, and K59 are known around the surfing world. Although there are solid intermediate and advanced waves in the country, it’s also home to some perfect beginner surfing spots. El Salvador is close to Canada and the United States, making it a great destination for those looking to learn to surf or build their surfing skills.
The Best Beginner Spots
El Tunco
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
El Sunzal
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rocks
El Espino
Crowds - Nope!
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
El Tunco, La Libertad
El Tunco is one of the most popular spots in the country of El Salvador. Located in the western end of La Libertad, El Tunco is a great beginner spot. Known as Surf City, El Tunco offers a lot of whitewater to learn on, along with ample schools and classes to help you learn to surf. In addition, you’ll find small green waves out back. This is ideal forlearners who are progressing off whitewater and wish to advance to trimming down the line or practice turning on their surfboard.
El Sunzal, La Libertad
Perhaps the most popular surf spot in El Salvador, El Sunzal is the center of the surf scene in La Libertad. There is no shortage of beginner whitewash waves, and a few intermediate-level waves as well. One of the nice things about surfing Sunzal is the strength of the waves. The rocky bottom creates a wave that can build up to a few feet, but doesn’t pack too much of a punch. For beginners, you’ll find whitewash on the inside. When you’re ready to progress to green waves, El Sunzal has plent of rights to offer you that won’t knock your socks off with force.
El Espino, Oriente
El Espino is a beach break to the east of La Libertad in the surf zone known as Oriente. The break is caused by a river mouth feeding water into the sea, and creates some nice small waves. There are plenty of small waves and whitewater, and can handle some 3 foot swells nicely as well. When the waves get bigger, it becomes a little peaky and punchy, so it is not often full of advanced surfers ruling the waves.
Surf Season in El Salvador
El Salvador is really best during the wet season, from about June to October. During this time, you’ll find bigger swells, offshore breezes, and ideal conditions making it the peak season for surfing. However, if you’re not chasing the head high swell everyday and just want to learn to surf, you might consider going durign the dry season from November to February as it will be less crowded and still with plenty of whitewater waves. The beach breaks will be a little more choppy and peaky for those looking for green waves in the dry season, while the rainy season will offer much cleaner, smoother waves.
Traveling to El Salvador
To get to the surf spots in El Oriente and La Libertad, you’ll want to fly into San Salvador International Airport. From there, it’s about an hour or less to La Libertad, and about 2 hours to El Oriente. You can rent a car, take a private transfer, or use public transport. We recommend communicating with your hotel or surf camp to find out about transportation, as they will generally offer options for transport from the airport to your hotel.
If you have any questions about the right surf spot for you or your friends/family, reach out. We’re happy to help you find the best beginner surfing spot in El Salvador and highlight what each place has to offer.
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