Surfing in El Sunzal, El Salvador - The ultimate surf guide

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? 

El Salvador has surfable waves all year around – every season is surf season! But if you want to surf in El Salvador during prime time for your level:

• Beginner: During the dry season

• Intermediate: All year round 

• Advanced: All year round

You’ll find the best conditions for level 1 surfers during the dry season with its smaller waves. But don’t worry if you're traveling to El Salvador during the wet season as a beginner. We can go to beginner-friendly spots all year round!

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. 

• Zink

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.