K59 - El Salvador K59 is a right-point break characterized by fast and powerful waves over a boulder bottom. This private surf spot is located at latitude 13.4991 and longitude -89.4736, with access requiring a local guide. It works best at mid and high tide, offering instant access within a 5-minute walk. Nestled in a gated community, K59 features a surf camp that provides convenient accommodation for surfers. While it has historically been less crowded, the spot is gaining popularity, leading to more surfers sharing the waves. Caution is advised due to the boulders, which can be covered in urchins. Access is restricted to those staying at the surf camp or through a paid entry point, emphasizing the local attitude and the need for respect among surfers.
View spotMizata - El Salvador Mizata features a point break with both right and left waves, set over a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. This surf spot is known for its hollow, fast, and fun waves, making it a consistent choice for surfers approximately 330 days a year. It accommodates all tides and is easily accessible within a five-minute walk from Mizata Point Resort. Located along the Litoral, Mizata offers a half-mile stretch of black sand beach and four distinct breaks, ensuring surfable conditions even when other spots are flat. The atmosphere is welcoming, with friendly locals and a relaxed vibe, making it suitable for surfers of all skill levels. Various board types can be used here, including shortboards, longboards, and bodyboards. While the crowd is generally sparse, caution is advised around exposed rocks during low tide. Overall, Mizata stands out as a hidden gem for those seeking quality waves without the crowds.
View spotLa Paz (Restaurants) - La Libertad La Paz is a right-hand point break characterized by a sandy bottom with rocks. This spot features a fun hot dog wave, ideal for aerials, cutbacks, and small barrels. It works best at mid to high tide, with optimal conditions during medium-sized swells from the southwest and south, complemented by southeast to northeast winds. Located conveniently near the town, La Paz offers easy access from local restaurant parking. While it may not deliver the intensity of Punta Roca, it provides a more manageable wave, making it popular among locals and bodyboarders. The atmosphere is relaxed, with fewer surfers compared to the main peak, allowing for enjoyable sessions without the crowd. The best time to surf here is from fall to winter, when consistent waves are more likely.
View spotPlaya El Cocal - El Salvador Playa El Cocal features a right-hand peak breaking over a rocky reef with a boulder bottom. This average wave offers a maximum of three turns on a good day and is best surfed at mid to high tide during rising tide conditions. Access is straightforward, located 3 km west of La Libertad or 4 km east of El Tunco, with a short walk from parking. The atmosphere at Playa El Cocal is mellow, providing a nice getaway from the busier surf spots nearby. While the wave quality is often inferior compared to other local options, it can serve as a unique alternative for those seeking variety. The crowd is generally light throughout the week, making it a suitable choice for surfers looking for a less crowded experience. However, caution is advised due to the presence of rocks in the lineup.
View spotPunta Mango - El Salvador Punta Mango features a right-point break over a boulder bottom, delivering hollow, fast, and powerful waves. This spot is best surfed at mid tide during falling tide conditions, with optimal swell coming from the west, southwest, or south. Expect ultra-crowded conditions, especially on weekends. Accessing Punta Mango is straightforward; drive west along the coast road from El Cuco or Las Flores, and park at Ranch Mango, a short 3-minute walk from the point. While a 4x4 is recommended for wet conditions, it's not essential. The atmosphere remains raw and isolated, contrasting with more developed breaks in the region. Be cautious of rips, undertow, and rocky areas, especially when paddling out. If you time your visit right and navigate the crowds, you may score some epic, shacked rides.
View spotEl Pimental - El Salvador El Pimental features a fast and peaky beach break with sandy bottom, offering both right and left-hand waves. This spot is ideal for shortboarders and SUPs under 2.7 meters, while longboarding is not recommended. The waves are hollow and powerful, making it a thrilling choice for experienced surfers. Located just 20 kilometers from the nearest international airport, El Pimental boasts instant access with less than a 5-minute walk from parking. The surf conditions are best during mid to high tide with rising and falling tides, and it remains uncrowded throughout the week. This spot is perfect for those looking to practice before tackling bigger waves at nearby Puerto Escondido. However, surfers should be cautious of rips and undertow.
View spotLa Bocana - El Tunco, El Salvador La Bocana is a powerful left point break with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. It works best at high tide during rising and falling tides, drawing swells from the North and NorthEast. The spot is easily accessible, located just 300 meters from El Sunzal, with instant access for surfers. Situated at the southern end of El Tunco, La Bocana stands out as the only significant left-hander in the Libertad area, typically dominated by right points. This rivermouth break is a swell magnet, particularly during late fall and winter when conditions are optimal. While the spot can be crowded, especially on weekends, it offers a unique surfing experience. Be mindful of localism and the rocky hazards, and consider the impact of seasonal rainfall on wave quality. Timing your sessions is crucial to avoid the crowds and maximize your ride.
View spotPunta Roca (Mama Roca) - La Libertad Punta Roca is an outstanding right point break characterized by hollow, fast, and powerful waves. The bottom consists of boulders, and it works best at low and mid tide during rising tide conditions. Located just 20 minutes from the airport, access is straightforward via taxis or rental cars, with a short walk to the surf. This classic surf spot on the Central American coast features long rides with distinct sections, making it suitable for various skill levels. While the area can become crowded, the quality of the waves and the picturesque scenery draw surfers from afar. The laid-back vibe enhances the experience, but caution is advised due to local dangers like urchins and rips. Be mindful of "Mama Roca," a submerged rock near the take-off zone. Whether you ride a shortboard, longboard, or fish, expect to share the waves with both locals and fellow surfers seeking memorable sessions.
View spotEl Zonte Rivermouth - El Zonte, El Salvador El Zonte Rivermouth features a shifty rivermouth wave that breaks both right and left over a boulder bottom. This powerful and hollow wave can handle sizes from 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6+ feet), particularly at mid to high tide. It offers a less crowded alternative to the nearby point break, attracting surfers who prefer challenging conditions. Located in the laid-back town of El Zonte, this surf spot is easily accessible, requiring only a short paddle from the main point. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of local and visiting surfers enjoying the waves. While the crowd is generally light during the week, weekends can see more surfers. The area is suitable for various board types, making it a versatile choice for all skill levels. Be cautious of the rocks, and enjoy the thrill of one of El Salvador's premier right-handers.
View spotCemetery - La Libertad Cemetery is a right-hand point break characterized by boulders on the bottom. This wave offers a decent peak and can produce long rides of several hundred meters on medium to larger swells. It works at all tides, with optimal conditions from the southwest swell and north to northeast winds. Caution is advised due to rocks in the area. Located in the middle section of the long point at Libertad, Cemetery serves as a less crowded alternative to the main point, Punta Roca. The local vibe is relaxed, making it a great spot for surfers seeking a more laid-back experience. Access is straightforward, with parking available nearby. While it may not deliver the same intensity as Punta Roca, Cemetery provides a fun and fast wave, especially appealing to bodyboarders and surfers looking for a quality session without the hustle of the main peak. Best conditions are typically found from fall to winter.
View spotPalmarcito - La Libertad, El Salvador Palmarcito features a right-point break with sandy and rocky bottom, delivering ordinary power waves. The spot is easily accessible, located about 20 minutes west of La Libertad, with instant access from a nearby restaurant. It works well at all tides, making it a versatile choice for surfers. This hidden gem is known for its uncrowded conditions, allowing surfers to enjoy multiple waves without the hassle of heavy traffic. While it may not rival the renowned Punta Roca or Zonte, Palmarcito can produce impressive waves that are hollow and fast, especially during larger swells from the southwest. The proximity to the shore minimizes paddling, making it ideal for quick sessions. After surfing, the restaurant offers a perfect spot to refuel and relax. Just be cautious of the rocks in the area.
View spotZunzal - El Salvador Zunzal is a right-hand point break characterized by boulders on the bottom, offering fun waves suitable for various skill levels. The spot works at all tides, with optimal conditions occurring in the morning when offshore winds prevail until around 10 AM. Access is available via a short walk from the highway, where surfers can park and overlook the lineup. Located near the vibrant village of El Tunco, Zunzal attracts a mix of locals and travelers, especially on weekends when the surf scene becomes lively. The area has evolved from a secluded surf spot to a trendy destination, providing a laid-back atmosphere during the week. However, expect a bustling crowd on weekends, as surfers of all abilities gather to enjoy the waves. Despite the increasing popularity, the local vibe remains generally mellow, making it a welcoming spot for all.
View spotLas Flores - El Salvador Las Flores is a right-hand point break with sandy bottom, offering ordinary power. The wave works at all tides, particularly during rising tide, and is known for rides up to 30 meters. Access is straightforward, with instant access from a dirt road just 5 minutes from El Cuco. Nestled on El Salvador's picturesque east coast, Las Flores provides a tropical paradise for surfers. While it caters primarily to intermediate and experienced surfers, the wave can be challenging, especially with strong currents above 1.5 meters. The spot is relatively uncrowded during the week, but expect more competition during peak season. Be cautious of local pangas in the lineup, as they frequently navigate the area. Despite the effort required to reach this remote location, Las Flores is celebrated as one of Central America's premier surf destinations when conditions are optimal, making it a must-visit for dedicated surfers.
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