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 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.
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.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you’re not familiar, here’s what it means: When you click a link and book something, we get a small percentage. This doesn’t raise the rate you pay; the vendor pays us! This is how we stay afloat :)