The Best Surfing Spots in El Salvador
With a great stretch of Pacific coastline, El Salvador is home to some amazing waves. Here are the top surf spots to head for in this Central American nation.
Playa El Tunco
One of the most emblematic names in Salvadoran surfing, El Tunco is home to a wave called La Bocana. Due to its popularity, the area can get busy, but it’s good for beginners and experienced surfers alike, depending on conditions. Waves tend to be bigger here than at surrounding spots.
Mizata
This isolated spot is seldom used, but it should be. With three breaks, at the Point, the Beach Break and the Slab, and surfable in a range of conditions, it’s a wonder that Mizata isn’t more popular. It’s best for experienced surfers.
Playa El Zonte
This spot breaks well, whatever the conditions, and you get great views of the headlands from the beach. The setting is truly spectacular, with a huge cliff backed by mountains, and it all adds up to a real gem of a spot.
Playa El Sunzal
This wave is around 15 minutes by foot from El Tunco along the rocky shoreline. This wave gets very heavy in big swells, and should be taken on with caution under these conditions. In smaller seas, the wave is good for surfers with most levels of experience, and you can get very long rides.
Punta Mango
This popular spot is at the eastern end of the Salvadoran coast, and it’s great for relaxing as well as surfing. Splash out on a stay at Hotel Los Mangos and you can watch the action from the infinity pool, or check in at the more rustic Rancho Mango, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
Punta Roca
Some surfers call this the best right-hand point in the world, and everyone gushes over its perfect shape. There are good accommodation options around, and you can get fresh fish from the market on the pier, too.
K59
This is usually a quiet wave due to the fact that it sits in front of a private gated community. To reach it, you’ll have to trek along the beach and then swim out. Once you’re in, though, it’s a fun right-point.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.