Surf spot

El Zonte

Forecast conditions and map view for El Zonte in El Salvador. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: El Salvador
Coordinates: 13.4946, -89.4385

Metric
Metric	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00
Wave height (m)	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	1	1	1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7
Wave direction	SSW	SW	SSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	S	S	SSE	S	SSE	SSE	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	11.7	10.7	11.4	11.3	10.5	10.4	10.3	10.3	10.3	10.3	10.3	10.1	10.1	10.1	8.6	7.5	7.3	6.5	7	5.3	5.8	10.4	9.8	10	10.1	10.9	11.1	11.1	12.9	12.8	12.7	12.6	12.4	12.3	12.1	11.7	11.3	11.3	11.3	11.3	11.4	11.3	11.3	11.3	10.9	10.8	10.9	10.8	10.8	10.4	10.4	10.6	10.3	10.4	10.6	10.6
Wave energy (kJ)	142	132	142	139	195	177	163	148	143	136	128	106	106	94	46	37	40	42	43	23	25	106	95	104	118	139	149	156	235	242	237	244	249	254	257	250	245	237	214	209	211	198	196	163	168	158	160	149	148	133	132	130	121	118	115	115
Wind speed (km/h)	6.9	6.5	8.7	4.3	17.4	4.8	12.1	14.3	13.1	8.2	10.4	2.5	16.2	3.8	9.7	1.8	7.6	9.8	11.7	0.5	9.4	12.9	13.2	2.7	9.9	10.9	13.1	2.4	12.7	13.9	7.2	10.6	15.1	13.7	13.5	4.8	13.6	14.4	12.7	1.4	7	9.3	8.4	1.3	14.8	14.6	13.8	12.7	8.6	7.2	5.8	5.5	15	7.7	7.6	10.9
Wind direction	NECross-on	NCross	NNECross	SSEGlassy	SCross	SWGlassy	WNWOffshore	NNWCross-off	NNECross-on	NECross-on	NNECross	SGlassy	SSWCross	WSWGlassy	WNWOffshore	WGlassy	NNWCross-off	NCross	NNECross	SEGlassy	SCross	SWCross-off	WNWOffshore	SSWGlassy	NNWCross-off	NNECross	NNECross	WNWGlassy	SWCross-off	SWCross-off	WOffshore	NNWCross-off	NNECross	NNECross	NCross	NNWGlassy	SWCross-off	SWCross-off	WNWOffshore	NGlassy	NNWCross-off	NNECross	NNECross-on	SEGlassy	SSWCross	SWCross-off	WOffshore	NWOffshore	NNWCross-off	NCross	NNECross-on	SCross-on	SCross	SWCross-off	WOffshore	NWOffshore

El Zonte is a laid-back surf town on El Salvador’s Pacific coast, known for its consistent waves, warm water, and relaxed atmosphere. It has become one of the country’s most popular surf destinations while still keeping a small-town feel.

What the surf is like

Break type: Mostly a rocky reef and point-style setup, with a few nearby beach and river-mouth options depending on conditions.
Wave quality: Often offers long, clean right-handers, especially on a well-shaped swell.
Skill level: Good for intermediate to advanced surfers, though some sections can be beginner-friendly when it’s smaller.
Consistency: Very reliable year-round, with the best swell often coming during the rainy season and southern hemisphere swell periods.

Conditions

Water temperature: Warm all year, usually boardshorts or a thin rash guard.
Crowds: Can get busy, but generally less hectic than more famous Central American surf hubs.
Wind/tide sensitivity: Like many points and reef breaks, it works best with the right tide and light offshore winds.

Vibe and setting

El Zonte has a chill, bohemian atmosphere with surf camps, cafes, small hotels, and local restaurants close to the beach. The town is scenic, with dark volcanic sand, cliffs, and tropical surroundings. It’s also known for a strong surf-and-community culture, making it appealing for travelers who want both waves and a slower pace.

Best for

Surfers looking for consistent, quality waves
People who want a relaxed surf town
Travelers interested in easy access to a range of breaks along El Salvador’s coast