El Salvador
Country Data
Regions
2
Breaks
20
Coastline
307 KM
Cost of living
Capital
San Salvador
Current Time
Security
Health
Where to surf in El Salvador
El Salvador has gone through a tumultuous time with civil war followed by economic devastation and violent social unrest. Things have improved dramatically and more surfers are discovering this fascinating country is drenched in quality waves in two distinct regions.
West El Salvador
The far western coastline of El Salvador resembles Guatemala with straight unbroken beaches, except for the large rivermouth (la bocana) at Barra de Santiago. Acajutla faces due west and picks up smaller windswells, but the port and petroleum plant pollution is heavy.
The Costa del Balsamo provides the lion’s share of the righthand pointbreaks stretching from as far west as Mizata back along the impossibly twisty, coastal mountain range road that allows glimpses of perfect regular foot set-ups like K59 and 61, before hitting the crowded line-ups of Zunzal and Punta Roca, touted as one of the best righthand points on the planet.
East El Salvador
Beyond La Libertad lies 120km of thumping beachbreak interrupted by many large rivermouths draining the muddy coastal estuarine wetlands. Check the playas at El Pimental, Costa del Sol and El Zapote.
The right points begin again in the The Oriente Salvaje which has forged a reputation for great waves suiting all abilities.
El Salvador surf map
Explore the 2 regions & 20 surf breaks in El Salvador.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,677,300
- Population
- 6,486,205
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- SVC
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD SVC
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +503
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish, Nahua
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
Travel Gallery
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring El Salvador.
How One Central American Country Harnessed the Power of Surf Tourism
- SurfTravelEnvironment
El Paraiso - Gliding Down El Salvador - A Short Film w/ Yago Dora, Liam O'Brien And Matt McGillivray
- Surf
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