The 7 Best Surf Camps in El Salvador
A small country with tons of waves near each other, El Salvador is home to several solid surf camps. Check out our recommendations on the best surf camps in El Salvador.
Why El Salvador?
Many people new to the surfing world don’t think of El Salvador when they think of quality surf. An up-and-coming country in the surf scene, this tiny Central American country is home to several solid waves and a handful of surf camps and schools. There are a few reasons you might choose El Salvador for your next surf trip. First, it’s relatively inexpensive. Generally speaking, your money goes further in El Salvador than many other surf countries like Mexico or Costa Rica. Second, wherever you end up surfing in El Salvador, you will certainly have many nearby waves to choose from. From whitewater to gentle rights, all the way up to pumping overhead waves, El Salvador has it all in a small stretch of coast.
La Libertad
La Libertad is home to most of the surf-centric towns in El Salvador, and probably has the best and most accessible waves in the country. You’ll find plenty of great surf spots at a surf camp here, including El Tunco (one of the best beginner waves), El Zonte, El Sunzal, and many more. This area is a little more developed and happening than Oriente, and we expect it to grow even more in coming years. There are some right hand world class pointbreaks, waves for intermediate surfers and beginners, and it’s just a perfect place for a surf holiday. One great thing about surfign in La Libertad is the options of waves nearby. Within a relatively small stretch of Pacific coastline, you will find beginner waves, intermediate waves, and advanced waves. There are solid surf coaches and surf guides in this area, tons of other activities to do like hiking and visiting volcanoes, and the rates are fairly reasonable. La Libertad certainly has more surf camps and surf schools than anywhere else in the country, and at most camps you will have the opportunity to visit the various waves in the area.
Surf Camps in La Libertad
Maya Surf Tours - Not an actual surf camp, but close enough. They operate out of the Papaya Lodge Surf Hostel in El Tunco, and include surf lessons every day. Groups are small, usually maxing out at six people, and they have a surf shop right next door for all your needs. Maya and her team can arrange private transport from the international airport in San Salvador and provide videography and photography, lodging, boat rides, and organization of outside activities. Their coaches are all local surfers who know the breaks super well, and will guide you in the appropriate way for your surf level.
Zonte Yoga Surf Retreats - Zonte is a higher-end yoga and surf camp. Their retreats don’t just focus on surfing, but include lots of meditation and yoga. They also offer hiking and other activities. This is a great option for a bit more of a holistic surf retreat. But no worries, you will get more than enough time on the waves and in the water at this surf camp! They generally offer a couple of retreats a year, coupling their wellness camp with a surf camp packge. They provide airport transfers, offer beginner-friendly surf lessons, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Oceanside Surf Camp - This is a super cool offering. More of a self-directed surf camp than a camp for beginners, Oceanside offers lodging, transportation, and a surf guide to take you to different spots. This is a great way to go if you are already progressing out of the beginner stage and want to get the most possible practicing time in the water.
Atlakamani Surf Resort - Atlakamani is a small surf resort in Playa Las Flores. They offer Standard and Superior private rooms. They have a hot tob, every room has a private balcony where you can enjoy the breeze of the Pacific, and the whole vibe here is surfing. It’s relatively reasonable, generally coming in at under $100/night per room. It’s walking distance to the surf, and they can provide all the beginner-friendly or advanced coaching you’ll need! Every room has a private bathroom and air conditioning, and the owner is almost always there. It’s seriously a one-minute walk to the beach, they offer relaxing massages, and can organize guides and tours for local cultural and adventure activities like hiking, food tasting, and adventures.
Puro Surf - Puro Surf is awesome. They offer beginner programs, novice programs, and foundation programs to help surfers of all levels. They include out-of-the-water theory sessions, in-water surf sessions, video analysis, land drills and stretches, and more activities such as yoga and ice baths. The coaches will help you select a surfboard rental from their extensive quiver, and you will have the opportunity to take the board out during group or individual lessons, or on your own when you want! They have private rooms and shared rooms, as well as a 6-bed dorm for more budget options. One thing we love is that they do offer full meal plans for those that don’t want to worry about food while there. They also private shuttles to and from the airport, as well as guides to take you to the various breaks in the area.
Oriente
Oriente is the surf zone just to the east of La Libertad. It has some amazing waves, including Punta Mango, Las Flores, El Espino, and a few more. Many of these waves offer great whitewash to learn the basics. But there are also generally green waves out back, especially in the wet season. Las Flores, for example, can produce rides over a half kilometer long, and is a relatively gentle right for you to take on after you master the whitewater. It’s also a bit quieter than La Libertad to the west, without being too rural or far away. You won’t find quite as many luxurious or all-inclusive surf resorts, but you will find certified surf schools, guided surf trips, and a great overall surf experience.
Surf Camps in Oriente
Las Flores Resort - Las Flores isn’t strictly speaking a surf camp, but it’s the best option in Oriente. Located at Playa Las Flores (a solid, often-empty wave), this resort offers a surf school on site. Staying here in front of some of the best breaks in the area, you can have the opportunity to surf every day, relax by the pool, go fishing, and much more. It’s also super family friendly, with kids activities and playgrounds! The Las Flores Surf Club takes advantage of the warm water temperatures and peeling 300 meter wave here. They have 3 boats to take you right to the waves, available to guests daily. They leave directly from the surf club, and offer all the surfing equipment and rentals you could need.
Punta Mango Surf - First off, Punta Mango Surf should be on your list because they have an amazing team of ISA-certified surf instructors. The lessons right in front of the hotel for all levels will be top of the line. They have longboards and shortboards to rent, can take you to other locations such as Las Flores, La Vaca, and El Toro, and can provide multiple lessons a day. Their jungle accommodations are beautiful. Surrounded by nature and the beach, Punta Mango is secluded. You’ll feel like you’re in your own little luxury bubble in their luxury suites literallly a meter from the sand. Every suite has AC, bahtrooms, and privacy. They also have a bar and restaurant that people love.
Other Things to Do in El Salvador
El Salvador is a relatively small country, but there’s plenty to do other than surf while you’re on vacation. Here are af ew things we recommend:
Santa Ana Volcano Hiking - Santa Ana Volcano is stunning. It’s a solid hike, about 4 hours round-trip. Once up to the top, you get to explore one of the most beautiful craters in the world. Great for nature-lovers, hikers, or photographers.
Tamanique Waterfalls - About 25 km inland from El Tunco, these waterfalls offer a way to get out into nature. There are multiple places to jump from, pools to swim in, and you’ll be surrounded by dense jungle. Not a full-day thing, but a great way to spend an afternoon!
Tour the Ruta de Las Flores - Visit the famous Flowers Route on a full-day tour. The flower-filled valleys are beautiful, and you’ll visit coffee plantations, small towns, artesans, and more. If you have the time, we seriously recommend doing a tour through the area to get some Salvadorian cultural experience!
Visit Maya Ruins - If you’re anywhere in Central America, it’s worth learning about the history. In El Salvador, you can take a tour to multiple different archeological sites of the ancient Maya, including Joya de Cerén.
Travel Tips for El Salvador
Traveling to the Surf Zones - If you travel to El Salvador to surf, you’re probably flying into the international airport in San Salvador. From here, you have several options. You can take a bus to La Libertad in about an hour, a bus to Oriente in about 5 hours, rent a car, or get a private transport. Our recommendation is to check with where you’re staying first, though. Most surf camps, hotels, and resorts in El Salvador will also have private and shared shuttle options to their hotels, making your life easy. Once you’re at your hotel, a car may be wanted to visit other breaks. However, if you’re at a surf camp they will be able to take you to the different wave breaks.
Cash and ATMs - El Salvador is considerably cheaper than the US or Canada, but not the cheapest in Central America. They use USD as their currency (and bitcoin), so currency exchange isn’t a problem. They have $1 coins there, so avoid bringing $1 bills if possible. Also, bitcoin will be much harder to spend than USD.
Safety and Precaution - El Salvador has seen a dramatic drop in crime rates in the last decade. Staying away from the politics of how this was done and whether or not it is “good”, it is in fact much safer today than in years past. However, you still want to be smart while traveling. We recommend not driving in rural areas late at night, being smart about the jewelry you decide to wear out to the bar or club, and in general staying way from drugs and too much alcohol. We’ve been several times, and have never had a single problem in El Salvador! To the contrary. People are super nice and friendly and helpful!
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