La Libertad Surf Guide

With amazing breaks including El Tunco, Punta Roca, K59, and El Sunzal, this area has some of the best waves around.

Quick Facts

Several super high-quality breaks

Beginner-Advanced waves

Not too crowded, but developing

Amazing right hand point, especially in summer

Surf Season in La Libertad

The surf season in La Libertad is generally the same as many parts of Central America. Summer, or wet season, will produce the best waves when the southern swells come in. We would recommend going sometime between May and September. That’s when you’ll find lower winds and bigger waves. If you go in the offseason (winter), you may find some beginner waves, but the big beautiful clean point breaks will be nowhere to be found.

la libertad el salvador swell height
 

Where to Surf in La Libertad

Ohhhh boy. Unlike many of our surf guides, we’re not going to tell you here where to surf. Instead, scroll down a bit to see six spots we’ve chosen. The area around La Libertad has several breaks that are worth visiting including K59, Punta Roca, Playa El Tunco, and more. Take a look at the second a bit below to learn about each of these waves and breaks and what they have to offer.

Surf Camps and Classes in La Libertad

There are a few surf schools and camps in La Libertad. We expect this number to grow in the next few years as it becomes more of a spot, and will update as we find more!

  • Maya Surf Tours - Maya surf tours is a company operating out of Papaya Lodge Surf Hostel in El Tunco. They include surf lessons every days in small groups of about 6 people, a surf shop right next door, and tons of actual time on the waves.

  • Zonte Yoga Surf Retreats - Zonte offers a bit more of a luxury surf camp vibe. There are multiple yoga and meditation classes, surf lessons, and hiking activities. The meals are healthy with vegan and vegetarian options.

  • Oceanside Surf Camp - This is more of a self-directed camp at a surf hotel you can book for up to 4 people. They include a surf lesson every day, transport, and a guide to take you to all the different breaks.

Nearby Surf Spots

K59

K59 is a famous wave located at kilometer marker 59. Definitely for intermediate and advanced surfers, this right hand point break is one of the best in Central America.

  • Crowds - Some, not much

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate+

  • Ideal Swell - S, SW works too

  • Ideal Wind - N/NE

  • Break Type - Right Point

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Rocky bottom

Punta Roca

Even if you can’t surf it, it’s worth checking out. Punta Roca produces a wave that can break for over a kilometer! It can get big, but is often around 4-5 feet in the summer months.

  • Crowds - Medium

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - N/NE

  • Break Type - Point

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Super shallow rock bottom in some spots

El Tunco

One of the most popular spots especially for beginners, El Tunco has taken on the nickname Surf City. A great place to learn to surf, especially with good green waves nearby.

  • Crowds - Somewhat

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - N/NE

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Lots of beginners

La Bocana

One of the rare lefts in El Salvador, created by a river mouth nearby. Can get somewhat steep and punchy, definitely recommended for intermediate surfers or better.

  • Crowds - Not much

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - N/NE

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Tons of rocks!

Probably the most popular surf spot in La Libertad, El Sunzal is host to a lovely right. The rocky bottom creates a solid, but not too powerful breaking wave perfect for people progressing their surfing.

El Sunzal

  • Crowds - Somewhat

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - N/NE

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Rocks

So many rights! El Zonte is a long wave that is relatively mellow. You’ll find longboarders just cruising down the line. You’ll also find shortboarders trying to catch some of the hollow spots.

El Zonte

  • Crowds - Not Much

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - N/NE

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Tons of rocks!

Other Things to Do in La Libertad

Nosara is a bit remote, and a lot of the things to do are focused on nature and relaxation.

Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.

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