12 Reasons El Salvador Should Be Your Next Surf Destination

If you're planning your next surf trip, the first decision you have to make is where to go. With so many breaks in so many countries spread across multiple hemispheres, where should you go?

We highly recommend El Salvador. This compact Central American gem — quickly becoming known as "Surf City" — packs world-class surf breaks and laid-back culture into a small slice of coastline. It's an easy and affordable flight from anywhere in the US, and best of all, you can enjoy warm water most of the year. That's right: leave your heavy neoprene at home.

From the quality of waves to the food, the cost and everything in between, here's our top 15 reasons for you to make El Salvador your next surf trip.

Video courtesy Surf City El Salvador

1. Incredible Wave Variety — From Mellow to Powerful

El Salvador’s coastline delivers an impressive spectrum of surf breaks.

• You’ll find mellow, forgiving waves — long, smooth rights ideal for beginners, kids or longboarders — at places like El Sunzal.

• If you’re chasing adrenaline: breaks like Punta Roca deliver powerful, hollow right-hand waves over rocky bottoms — fast rides and barrels.

• Dotted along the El Salvador coastline are beach breaks, reef breaks, point-breaks.

That breadth of wave types means you can plan your surf sessions — mellow cruisers one day, charging barrels the next.

That's also what makes El Salvador the perfect place if you're traveling in a group with varying surf skill levels.

Video courtesy Surf City El Salvador

2. Compact Geography — Different Waves Without the Need for Long Travel

Have you been on a surf trip where it seemed like you traveled more than you surf? Yeah, I know the feeling, and that isn't the case in El Salvador.

Most of El Salvador's breaks are just a short driving distance away, and best of all, you won't face the traffic that you would in Waikiki or Bali.

The bottom line: this feature means more time surfing.

3. Reliable, Year-Round Surf & Warm Pacific Water

Having spent most of my time surfing in Florida and Hawaii, I simply don't like cold water or thick neoprene. That's why El Salvador was so appealing: warm Pacific waters required nothing more than boardshorts and a rashguard. This means more time in the water than you would otherwise get in cold water locations.

4. Developed Surf Infrastructure via Surf City El Salvador

This completely sets El Salvador apart from other surf hotspots.

Thanks to intentional development of surf-tourism, including better roads, easier access to beaches, and investment in coastal infrastructure, many coastal zones in El Salvador are now more visitor-friendly than ever.

What this means for you: easier road access between beaches, improved signage, surf rentals, surf schools, and a growing hospitality industry geared toward surfers and travelers. Oh, and less bumpy roads.

Video courtesy Surf City El Salvador

5. You Can Actually Relax Here

With flights and car rides while trying to score swell, surf travel can be hectic. In many cases, I've returned from a surf trip needing more rest because of how exhausting it can be.

That's not the case with El Salvador. Places like El Tunco, El Zonte, El Sunzal and more offer a beach-town atmosphere, surf shops, local eateries (the food here won't get you sick), beachfront bars, and a community of surfers, travelers, and backpackers.

If I could describe El Salvador in two words, it would be surf and chill. And that's exactly why it's going to be my location of choice from here on out.

6. Affordable Compared to Many International Surf Hotspots

Part of what makes El Salvador stand out is its value. From food to hotel and rentals, the coast here tends to be more budget-friendly.

This means you can stretch your budget — surf more days, eat local cuisine, stay longer — without sacrificing access to good waves.

7. World Class Accommodations

Aside from the waves, the second most important aspect for a quality surf trip are the accommodations. If you're like me, you've overpaid for ritzy hotels and underpaid for hostels.

No matter where you go along the El Salvador coastline, you're going to find quality accommodations that are clean, beach front, and offer quality (and safe to eat) food.

8. Opportunity to Explore “Hidden” or Less-Crowded Breaks

There's still waves to be found here. There are numerous surf spots outside the main surf towns that are remote, quieter, and often less crowded.

If you prefer to avoid busy lineups, or you enjoy the adventure of exploring lesser-known breaks, I'm here to tell you that El Salvador delivers.

9. Attractions When the Waves are Flat

If there's a lull in the surf, there's still plenty to keep you busy: volcanoes, lush inland landscapes, cultural heritage, natural beauty and a lot more.

Or, even if. the waves are firing, you can still do both. I surfed first thing in the morning, and went on hikes in the afternoon.

So if you're an outdoors person like me, a surf trip here can also double as a nature or culture getaway.

10. Ideal for Mixed Groups — Everyone Finds Their Perfect Wave

While I touched on this before, I wanted to talk about it again. Have you been on a surf trip where the waves are mellow, and your nearly-pro surfer buddy is eggy about the lack of a challenge? Or, have you been on a boat watching nearly pro surfers get barreled out of their minds just above a razor sharp reef, a risk that you don't want to take?

El Salvador has a wave for all, from beginners to pros and everything in between.

Beginners can catch mellow rides at beach breaks or long point breaks; advanced surfers can hit the heavier reefs and point breaks. That means everyone can surf, improve, and enjoy.

11. Global Surf Recognition & Competitive Surf Scene

Photo courtesy ISA

Many of El Salvadors famous breaks, including El Sunzai, are home to several surf and SUP competitions throughout the year.

The ability to watch the competition and share the lineup with today's best is yet another reason to book your surf trip here.

12. Easy Logistics

Direct flights and easy drives: this is another reason worth pointing out for El Salvador.

There are many direct flights from the US to El Salvador's International Airport (SAL). From there, many of the beaches are just an hour away.

I've been on surf trips that followed windy dirt roads for hours on end, and after experiencing these easy logistics in El Salvador, I'm sold on the area — especially now that I'm towing kids with me.