El Tunco Beach in El Salvador is one of the most famous beaches in the country; it is one of the top surfing spots in El Salvador and all of Central America. With only two streets, this surf village is famous for its excellent surfing, striking sunsets, and weekend parties.
Year after year, surfers and non-surfers from many countries visit El Tunco beach to take advantage of the excellent waves and everything else it has to offer. El Tuco beach in El Salvador is one of the main destinations of the Surf City tourist project.
El Tunco beach in El Salvador is a small beachside town in the department of La Libertad. It is located about 40 kilometers from the international airport and about 45 kilometers from San Salvador, the nation’s capital.
This beach is one of the top surf spots in El Salvador and in Central America. Most people in Central America who like surfing know about El Tunco beach.
El Tunco beach is a popular destination, year after year, the total of international surfers visiting El Tunco increases. Furthermore, in 2019, with the launch of Surf City, the beach will become even more popular.
When deciding to visit El Tunco, keep in mind that it is a small surf town after all. El Tunco beach is not a gorgeous beach with soft sand and long shores like Costa del Sol or El Cuco Beach. Instead, it’s a black sand beach covered in dull grey rocks that move with the tide. This is a beach for surfing!
Surfing at El Tunco El Salvador
Yes, surfing is the top activity at this beach, there is no question about that. As I previously mention, people come from all over the world to ride the El Tunco surf, take surf lessons, or watch other surfers.
El Tunco Beach has two main surf spots; Sunzal and Bocana. Sunzal is a right-hand point break with long lines that seem perfect for those who want to improve their skills or are at an intermediate level.
On the other hand, Bocana is a stronger fast wave with tubular sections perfect for experienced surfers. This surfing spot has a more powerful wave during high tide.
Nonetheless, experienced surfers surf this spot all the time because it has consistent swells. Furthermore, Bocana has both right-hand and left-hand breaks.
Besides the two main surf spots, El Tunco has two more minor popular breaks, La Bocanita and El Sunzalito. At La Bocanita, you will find surfers of all skill levels enjoying the waves.
On the other hand, El Sunzalito is a softer wave with sandy bottom perfect for beginners; this is where most of the surf lessons occur.
Because of everything it has to offer when it comes to surfing, El Tunco is one of the top surf spots in El Salvador and also in Central America. Stop by this excellent surf spot and ride some incredible waves.
The Fantastic Sunsets
Before I get to the incredible sunsets, let me tell you about the name of the beach. El Tunco is the name of both the town and the beach.
The name originates from the giant rock sitting in the ocean entrance that looks like a pig. El Tunco is a nickname given to pigs in El Salvador, so El Tunco means “The pig.”
Another popular activity at El Tunco is watching the sunset. People hang around the local bars or the beach before the evening, enjoying local drinks and looking at the fantastic sunset.
The sunsets at this beach are extremely popular; many people come to El Tunco, not for the surf, but to take photos of the sun setting. The big rock in front and the sun setting in the background is an iconic image of El Tunco and the country.
The scene of foreigners and Salvadorans hanging around talking, and enjoying a Salvadoran sunset, is exceptional. Travel to El Salvador and experience the sunsets at El Tunco!
The Beach’s Atmosphere
The best way to describe the atmosphere at El Tunco is to split it into weekdays and weekends. The town seems totally different during the weekends as opposed to weekdays.
During the weekdays, the town is quieter; most of the beach people are locals and foreigners enjoying the surf and relaxing. Of course, there is nightlife, but the nightlife is mostly calm.
However, on the weekend’s things change as the area becomes a party town. El Tunco gets Crowded with local Salvadorans from the nearby cities looking to party and mingle among themselves and the foreigners.
The beach is well known for its weekend parties; there is live music in almost all the bars. Additionally, some visitors also choose to turn bonfires on the beach and spend the night partying under the stars.
As you can see, El Tunco is a different town on the weekdays than on the weekends; keep that in mind when deciding to venture into this beach town.
El Tunco Beach Accommodations
El Tunco has plenty of accommodations for all types of visitors, from backpackers to those looking for more upscale amenities. Here you will find plenty of accommodations for a single night to a few months.
At El Tunco, you will be able to find hostels at a low cost, such as Tunco Lodge or Hostal Casa Makoi. On the other hand, if your budget allows you to spend more in boutique hotels, look at Hotel Tekuani Kal or Boca Olas Resort Villas.
At El Tunco, you will be able to find accommodations that fit all of of your and your families need.
Best Time to Visit El Tunco Beach
If you plan to visit El Tunco for the surf, the best time to visit is during the wet season, from May to October. During these months, the swells are bigger, therefore better for surfing.
If you are visiting for the sunsets or just to see the beach, you can do it at any time. If you want to know more about when to visit El Salvador, read the following, the Best time to travel to El Salvador.
El Tunco Location and Transportation
El Tunco is conveniently located in the department of La Libertad. It is about 25 miles away from the international airport and San Salvador, the nation’s capital.
There are different ways to get to El Tunco; your starting location and mode of transportation will decide which route to take.
Suppose you are in the neighboring countries, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua. In that case, you can now take a shuttle directly to El Tunco beach.
The shuttle runs from Guatemala almost every day, from Honduras about three times a week and from Nicaragua once a week.
To find out the best way to get to El Tunco, check with the hostel or hotel you are staying at, or contact a local touring company. They will be able to tell you the best route and mode of transportation for you to take.
El Tunco beach in El Salvador is one of the top surf spots in El Salvador and in Central America. It has waves for all types of surfers, from beginners to experienced.
You can visit El Tunco for surfing, the sunsets, or the parties, it’s up to you. Regardless of your reason for visiting, I am sure you will have a great time at this beach.
El Tunco is a top surf spot in the country. I am sure you will enjoy it; but, If you consider other beaches to visit, take a look at the page “Beaches in El Salvador.” It will give you some ideas on what beaches to visit!
