Intermediate: K59 (Epic, 1.5 m, offshore around 08:00), El Palmarcito (Epic, 1.5 m, offshore around 14:00), Sunzal (Epic, 1.4 m, offshore around 14:00)
Beginners: El Palmarcito (Fair, 1.5 m, offshore around 14:00)
Advanced: K59 (Epic, 1.5 m, offshore around 08:00), La Bocana (El Tunco) (Good, 1.5 m, offshore around 06:00)
Forecast updated 20 Oct, 01:03 UTC.
The spots
Sunzal · point break, intermediate, best on SW/S swell with N/NNE wind, low tide. A right-hand boulder point west of La Libertad that offers long, forgiving rides on south-west swell. Public beach access has been disputed by developers.
La Bocana (El Tunco) · reef break, intermediate, best on S/SW swell with N/NE wind, mid to high tide. River-mouth left (with a shorter right) over boulders and sand next to the Tunco rock; the main wave of El Tunco and crowded whenever it works.
El Palmarcito · point break, beginner, best on SW/S swell with N/NE wind, all tides. Small, sheltered cove between Sunzal and El Zonte with a soft right off the rocks; a good option for learners and longboarders when the points are too big.
El Zonte · point break, beginner, best on S/SSW/SW swell with N/NNE/NE wind, mid tide. A friendly rivermouth and point wave on the Costa del Balsamo, popular with learners and longboarders. It is very consistent.
Playa Conchalio · beach break, intermediate, best on S/SW swell with N/NE wind, mid to high tide. Beach and rock-shelf peaks just west of the Punta Roca point in La Libertad; a less crowded backup with lefts and rights.
Punta Roca · point break, advanced, best on SSW/S swell with NNE/N wind, all tides. El Salvador's best-known right-hand point, a rock-bottom wave beside the La Libertad pier that has hosted world championship events. It works on south swells.
K59 · point break, intermediate, best on SSE/S/SSW swell with NNW/N/NNE wind, all tides. A point break along the Costa del Balsamo near El Zonte, often working and rarely crowded. It likes south swell with north offshore wind.
Playa San Diego · beach break, intermediate, best on S/SW swell with N/NE wind, mid tide. Long sand beach east of La Libertad with shifting peaks and much smaller crowds than the points; best on small to medium swells.
When to surf in El Tunco
Best months for intermediate surfers: April to November. For beginners: February to April, June to November. The water goes from about 28 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 31 °C in July (Boardshorts / rash vest). Best-known spots: La Bocana (El Tunco). 2 of the 8 spots suit beginners, such as El Palmarcito, El Zonte.
Days per month at the best third of the 8 spots for each level, from three years of wave and wind model data.
Questions
What are the best surf spots in El Tunco?
The best-known are La Bocana (El Tunco), El Palmarcito, Sunzal, El Zonte. In all, 8 spots lie within 12 km: 2 beach breaks, 1 reef break, 5 point breaks.
Where can beginners surf in El Tunco?
El Palmarcito, El Zonte: sandy, more forgiving spots. Surf them on small days, ideally with a lesson or near the lifeguards.
When is the best time to surf in El Tunco?
For intermediate surfers April to November. For beginners February to April, June to November.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in El Tunco?
The sea goes from about 28 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 31 °C in July (Boardshorts / rash vest).