Premium Surf CampEl Sunzal, El Salvador
Surfing in El Sunzal, El Salvador - The ultimate surf guide
Get ready for a surf camp experience in the heart of Central America. We’ll guide you through our favorite things to do in El Salvador, when it’s the best time to surf here and which traditional food you should try. Welcome to our dreamy surfing destination in El Sunzal! Enjoy living right by the water’s edge, indulge in the delicious food (like the pupusas!) and surf long and consistent waves. Here’s our guide to everything you’ll need to know for your next surf adventure in El Sunzal.
Quick El Salvador facts: Things to know before you go
Official languages: Spanish
Time zone: UTC-6
Currency: United States dollar (USD)
Capital: San Salvador
Population: Around 6.3 million people
Religion: The dominant religion in El Salvador is Christianity with a strong Roman Catholic identity.
Electricity: 120V is the supply voltage in El Salvador. The plug types are the same as in the US, type A and type B.
Flag: 🇸🇻
Surfing in El Salvador: Everything you need to know
Surfing in El Salvador is known for its warm waters, stunning coastal scenery and (of course) great waves. El Salvador has a variety of surf breaks suitable for surfers of all levels. There’s something for everyone here, which is why it's a popular surf destination among surfers worldwide.
Read more about surfing in El Salvador here
Seasons and surf conditions: When is the best time to surf in El Salvador?
The calendar year in El Salvador is divided into two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season in El Salvador usually consists of warm and sunny days with minimal rainfall. The wet season is more humid, with rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. El Salvador can produce plenty of good surfing days all year round (yes, even during the wet season).
Dry season (summer/Verano): November to April
Wet season (winter/Invierno): May to October
Dry season conditions: peak time for surfing
You’ll enjoy consistent swells and warm, sunny days during the summertime. The waves are small, nice and clean during this season and a good time for all levels of surfers to experience the joy of El Salvador’s surf scene. You’ll surf in clean and consistent waves with clear skies. With nice conditions and great weather, the dry season is naturally also the peak tourist season.
Wet season conditions: Off-season surfing in rain or shine
The wet season may have a bad reputation, but don't count it out from your travel plans just yet – it still offers sunny days and good surf! The swells are bigger and more powerful than they are during summer, making this a great time for advanced surfers to visit El Salvador.
The humidity is higher, and rainfalls occur more frequently, but this doesn't mean constant rain. There are plenty of sunny days mixed in with the rain showers. It’s a nice time to surf with fewer crowds and lower prices.
When is the best time to surf in El Salvador for my level?
With consistent waves all year round, El Salvador is a gem for surfers of all levels. The dry season is ideal for relaxed, mellow surf, while the wet season delivers exciting swells and fewer crowds. Thanks to our local knowledge and transport, you’ll always have access to the best waves no matter when you visit.
What’s the vibe like in the water?
If the vibe while surfing in El Salvador could be described in two words, it would be friendly and inclusive. Our favorite surf spots attract a mix of local surfers and visitors from all over the world. You can expect to be sharing the waves with many skilled surfers, and as long as you respect everyone in the water, there will always be a wave for you!
Surfboard recommendations: Which surfboard should I bring to El Salvador?
We offer a variety of boards at the surf camp, and there are other board rentals nearby, but if you’re considering bringing your board with you, we recommend surfing on boards from a fish up to a longboard. Your board choice depends on your skill level and the types of waves you enjoy surfing. Here are some options to consider:
Shortboard: Plenty of waves around the camp work perfectly for a surfer with a shortboard, especially during the wet season with larger swells and faster waves.
Longboard: If you rather cruise around on your longboard, then El Salvador’s varied waves are a great place to do so. The long and mellow waves at El Sunzal are well-suited for longboarding.
Fish: A fish is a nice surfboard to bring to maximize the fun in El Salvador's typically playful surf conditions.
A good idea is to observe the surf conditions and talk to the surf instructors at the camp to determine the most suitable board for the specific day.
Local weather: Warm days all year round
El Salvador is located near the equator and offers a warm and tropical climate year-round in the air and water.
Air temperature: The average temperature is around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The dry season is slightly warmer and the wet season slightly cooler.
Water temperature: The water stays warm and pleasant all year around, usually between 25°C and 29°C (77°F and 84°F).
Regarding wetsuits and swimwear: What should I wear while surfing in El Salvador?
The water is warm all year around in El Salvador, so there is no need to pack a wetsuit, but the sun is strong and the reefs are sharp. It's important to wear clothing and gear that will provide protection from the sun and potential hazards in the ocean. Here are some recommendations for what to wear while surfing in El Salvador:
Swimwear: This might be an obvious one, but always worth mentioning.
A rashguard: A rashguard creates a barrier between the skin on your chest and arms and your surfboard. This will reduce friction and irritation and prevent rash. The rashguard will also prevent sunburn (and the sun is STRONG in El Salvador!). We provide rashguards at the camp, but if you’re buying one, we advise you to look for a rashguard with UPF for additional protection from the sun.
A pair of leggings: In the same way that the rashguard prevents friction on your upper body, a pair of leggings will keep your legs and knees rash-free during your time in the water.
Surfing hat: Keep your head safe from the sun while shielding your eyes from the sun. We recommend using a surf hat that won't become uncomfortable or heavy when wet.
Reef shoes: Protect your feet from the reefs with a pair of reef shoes.
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with high SPF and remember to use a water-resistant sun protector and reapply it frequently.
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Surf safety: What should I be aware of?
While surfing in El Salvador truly is an incredible experience, there are a few things to be aware of to make sure that you stay safe in the water:
Weather conditions: You’ll most likely experience strong sun while surfing, so ensure you’re prepared for that! The instructors will never take you out during dangerous conditions, but it's always a good rule of thumb to look at the weather forecast before your surfing session. Avoid going into the water during thunderstorms or lightning.
Water conditions: Pay attention to the water conditions! The coastline of El Salvador can experience strong currents and undertows.
Local hazards: Pay attention to shallow reefs during low tide. Also, be aware of inexperienced people in the water (AKA look out for board ditchers!).
A final note on surfing in El Salvador: Expect long rides and post-surf-pupusas
Surfing in El Salvador truly is an unforgettable experience, where you’ll get to surf some of your life's longest and most beautiful rides. Here, you’ll meet some of the nicest and most welcoming people in and out of the water. And what better way to cap off a day in the waves than with delicious pupusas and cold beer?
Lapoint Surf Camp: A home right by the ocean
The camp is located in front of El Sunzal beach, which is one of the surf spots you’ll surf at the most during your stay at the camp. You can even check the surf conditions from your balcony! The area of El Sunzal is nice and quiet since it’s almost unheard of by tourists. But if you’re looking for a bit more upbeat vibe and to dance all night long then head over to Surf City for a night out with good food and drinks.
Most places around the area take cards but it's always nice to bring some cash with you on the trip in case you want to get a coconut drink at the beach or buy something at a small local restaurant or shop. There are three ATMs in El Tunco, a five-minute walk from the camp, so you don't need to worry if you haven't already exchanged money beforehand.
Transportation: How do I get to the surf camp in El Sunzal?
You’ll be picked up from the international airport El Salvador International Airport, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Monseñor Oscar A. Romero (SAL) with our transfer when you arrive in San Salvador. The camp is located around a 50-minute car ride from the airport.
Delicious local food: What to eat in El Salvador?
The most well-known food in El Salvador is the Salvadorian pupusas, which is an absolute must-try when you visit. It’s made with corn flour- or rice flour-tortillas and then you have either beans, chicken or cheese (or something else that you like) in between. Simple and delicious! Do you want to impress the locals? Then make sure to not eat them like tacos! Tear off a bit of the pupusa, pinch it together and use it to pick up the beans or chicken (with some nice salsa) and eat it. For beverages, try a horchata, chan or the limonada con hierbas to quench the thirst. Or why not get a fresh coconut from the saleslady at the beach? You will find great food during your visit, both at the camp and around the area. Here are some of our favorite Salvadorian foods:
Traditional Salvadoran Cuisine
Pupusas: You simply have to try this Salvadoran iconic dish!
Salvadorian Tamales: A stuffed corn-based dough wrapped in banana leaves. The stuffing may vary but a traditional tamale has vegetables, meat and tomato sauce.
Salvadoran soups: Three traditional soups in El Salvador are commonly sold at markets (they might not attract too many foreigners but they are both tasty and nutritious). The list includes Sopa de Res (beef soup), Sopa de Pata (cow foot soup) and Sopa de Mondongo (tripe soup).
Salvadoran Enchiladas: A dish made with small corn tortillas and accompanied by curtido and ingredients like beans, eggs, avocado and cucumber.
Yuca Frita: This is a street food classic made out of deep-fried cassava and served with either fried fish or fried pork and is sometimes served with tomato sauce.
Around the area: Which places can I see around El Sunzal?
El Tunco
Also known as “Surf City” is a vibrant beach town a few minutes walk from the surf camp. El Tunco is a popular place that attracts surfers from all over the world. Here you can eat at nice restaurants, go for drinks in the fun bars and do some shopping.
El Zonte
El Zonte is the perfect place to just chill out and relax. This small town has nice beaches and typical Salvadorian restaurants like Merendero El Teco and Pupusería Geisy.
Sustainability
The beach is our home. We are leaving it better than we found it.
We have made a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. We are going to leave them better than we found them. That means that all our employees, friends and guests helps out with recycling and taking other actions for the environment. Each week there are beach cleaning and recycling activities to ensure that our home stays the way it was supposed to be.
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