All About the Best El Salvador Surf Spots

Traveling to El Salvador might not be very popular. It is one of those countries you hear about either in passing or in some conversation. But then when you think about it, it’s not a country that is well known and certainly not one that gets a reputation for great hospitality, energy, and beaches.

At least, this is what we knew about it before our first trip there. Being only 5 hours from El Salvador’s beaches, we took our first family trip there 8 months ago.  Since then we have been hooked on El Salvador and have returned three times and counting.

Or maybe it’s the beach, sun, and surf that makes the Guanacos (El Salvadorians) so damn friendly and laid back. The only way to find out is to visit the country and do some surfing with them.

As much as we like Suchitoto town, and its laidback feel, we LOVE the Balsamo Coast even more! It was way more fun.

El Salvador Surf Spots

1. Playa Sunzal

Believe it or not, this is actually a world-famous surf break with one of the longest rights in Latin America. When it’s not rocky the beach is great to sit and watch the surfers and boogie boarders do their thing.  This is more of an intermediate to very advanced surfers, and highly recommended to take lessons to hit these waves.

My husband took lessons here and said it was quite violent for beginners. However, we saw some insane surfers rip it up! If you are a beginner do it at your own risk, you will need to be careful.

2. Playa Tunco

This is our favorite spot. It’s a few minute-walk from Sunzal when the tide is down. Or a few minute drive. But what makes Playa Tunco SO incredible is the adorable little town with great restaurants and bars. Most of the restaurants in El Salvador are very kid-friendly, some with pools to let them burn off their energy.

This is also a good beach for surf lessons, it’s a bit more beginner-based.  My son and husband took lessons here as well, and it was much easier to stand on the board – especially for first-timers.

3. El Zonte

We discovered Zonte Beach on our last trip over. From the feel of it, this is a purely surf town. All the hotels seem to be surf schools or surfer hangouts. We were there when the tide was high, so there wasn’t much of a beach for us to hang out on. But from a surfers’ point of view, the waves rocked and the bottom was sandy as compared to Sunzal where the floor is rocky. Plus, the waves here are more beginner-friendly as well.  We had a blast eating pizza at a local restaurant and watching the daily life of this teeny tiny town.

So take my advice and visit one of these beaches of El Salvador. You will have a great surfing, family adventure.

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