Surfing in El Salvador.
Surf City El Salvador is a government-created tourism project aimed at increasing tourism to El Salvador, making the country a top tourist destination, and changing the world’s perception of the country.
Surf City highlights the amazing Salvadoran surf spots, stunning beaches, natural parks, volcanoes, lakes, tasty gastronomy, fantastic culture, and other tourist attractions.
The Surf City El Salvador project has two circuits: the first runs along the central coast from El Obispo to El Zonte (aka Bitcoin Beach); the second is in the Eastern part of El Salvador, from El Espino to El Cuco Beach.
What is Surf City El Salvador?
Surf City El Salvador is a tourism project launched by President Nayib Bukele in 2019. It was created to show the country’s beautiful Pacific coastline and the top surfing spots— El Salvador has some of the best waves in the world, and Surf City helps people discover them.
Surf City aims to attract more tourists to El Salvador, boost the local economy, and change people’s perception of the country.
The Surf City project upgrades beach areas, improves roads, and develops town infrastructure. Through the project, the government also supports businesses like hotels, restaurants, and surf schools.
One example of infrastructure improvement is the “Road to Surf City Highway,” constructed as part of the Surf City project.
Surf City, El Salvador, offers not just surfing but also adventure, nature, and culture. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, zip-lining, watching sunsets, exploring natural areas, and tasting pupusas.
The Bukele administration tourist project also helps change how people see El Salvador. Once known mostly for violence and crime, the country is now gaining fame as a world-class travel destination with warm people and epic waves.
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Tourism: A Journey Through Pristine Beaches, Colorful Towns, and Enchanting Parks
SEE ALSO: Surf’s Up! The Best Surf Beaches in El Salvador for Every Skill Level
Surf City One
Surf City El Salvador Circuit One is the most talked-about part of the project. It’s close to the international airport and stretches from El Obispo Beach to Playa El Zonte—also known as Bitcoin Beach.
This area includes some of El Salvador’s most famous surf spots: El Tunco, Punta Roca, El Zonte, and El Sunzal. Since 2020, these beaches have hosted major international surfing competitions that draw pros from around the world.
SEE ALSO: Best Beaches in El Salvador. Discovering El Salvador’s Pristine Beaches!
But “Surf City One” is not just for surfers—there are plenty of excellent beaches for relaxation, like La Libertad, La Costa del Sol, and San Diego, perfect for a chill day by the ocean.
To boost tourism, the government declared 21 kilometers of this coastline a Tourist Zone of National Interest. This stretch runs from Walter Thilo Deininger Park to El Zonte and is home to over 250 businesses, including restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and more.
We have the first Tourist Zone of National Interest in the Marine Coastal Strip. It will allow us to generate a comprehensive intervention of the destination that will multiply its benefits to other tourism segments.” Morena Valdez, Ministry of Tourism.
The first significant upgrade was a 6.5-kilometer road called “Camino a Surf City,” making beach access quicker and easier.
Other highlights of Surf City Circuit One include Sunset Park, a beachfront amusement park, and a new pier in La Libertad—both built with support from the government of China.
Surf City Two
Surf City Circuit Two is located in eastern El Salvador, stretching from El Espino Beach to Playa El Cuco. It includes two of the country’s top surf spots—Punta Mango and Las Flores—known for their powerful waves and natural beauty.
“Surf City Two” focuses on boosting tourism along the eastern coast by improving infrastructure and connecting beach communities. It covers the departments of Usulután, San Miguel, and La Unión, linking over 11 beaches through a new strategic road.
The beaches included are El Cuco, Las Flores, La Vaca, El Toro, La Ventana, El Carrizal, Punta Mango, La Periquera, El Floral, El Bongo, and El Abrojal.
The project will replace a rough dirt road along the coastline with a modern double-lane highway with a bike lane, underground utilities, scenic viewpoints, and bridges.
A major highlight for Surf City Two: Las Flores, Punta Mango, and 19 kilometers of surrounding coastline have been named a World Surfing Reserve—one of only 13 spots globally with this prestigious status.
President Bukele says the Surf City Circuit Two project will draw international tourists and bring in foreign currency, helping the national economy.
The “Surf City Two” project is also expected to create jobs and support businesses in hospitality, transportation, and local commerce throughout the eastern region of El Salvador.
World-Class Surf Spots
Surf City El Salvador is home to some of the best surf spots in Central America. Top beaches include Punta Roca, El Sunzal, El Tunco, Las Flores, and Punta Mango—favorites among surfers worldwide.
One of the biggest draws of Surf City is the consistent waves. El Salvador’s Pacific coast delivers reliable surf year-round, making it perfect for daily practice and seasonal surf trips, regardless of your level.
What makes Surf City special is that it welcomes all levels of surfers. Beginners can start at gentler spots like El Sunzal, while pros challenge themselves at powerful breaks like Punta Roca and Punta Mango.
Year after year, Surf City hosts big-name surf events like the ISA World Surfing Games and the ALAS Pro Tour. These competitions bring top international athletes and spotlight El Salvador on the global surf map.
With warm waters, stunning sunsets, and a growing surf community, Surf City El Salvador truly offers a world-class surfing experience. It’s no wonder surfers keep coming back again and again.
Beach Culture
Surf City El Salvador offers a unique beach culture that blends local appeal with international vibes. Surfers from all over the world come here, creating a friendly and diverse coastal community.
El Tunco and Punta Roca are ideal for surfers who crave energy and entertainment. These beach towns are famous for their nightlife, music, bars, and weekend parties.
If you are looking for a more relaxed surfing area, Mizata and El Zonte are the perfect surf spots for you. These beaches have a laid-back, bohemian feel with yoga retreats, cozy cafés, and quiet surf.
The Bukele tourism project includes remote surf spots like Punta Mango and Las Flores. These beaches are in less developed areas, ideal for travelers seeking adventure and a more off-the-grid experience.
Whether you’re into partying, relaxing, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Surf City has a beach that fits your style. Each spot offers something a little different but always welcoming.
Adventure Beyond Surfing
Surf City El Salvador may be famous for surfing, but there’s more to explore. The project also promotes adventure tourism, drawing visitors who want to experience nature beyond the waves.
Hiking is very popular; tourists can explore lush trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, climb coastal cliffs with stunning ocean views, or hike one of the many stratovolcanoes.
The Surf City project also highlights El Salvador’s rich culture. Travelers can take excursions to nearby towns, visit local markets, and explore ancient Mayan ruins that tell the country’s more profound story.
Surf City gives tourists a full taste of El Salvador—surfing is just the beginning. From wild adventures to cultural gems, it’s all about showing off the best of the country.
Surf City’s Role in El Salvador’s Transformation
From the start, Nayib Bukele explained that he wanted to use surf to change the perception people worldwide had of El Salvador; therefore, he pushed for the creation of Surf City El Salvador.
With this tourist project, Bukele and his Cabinet attempt to improve the country’s image abroad, which usually revolves around violence, gangs, and forced migration.
The Surf City project started in 2019; thus far, it has helped El Salvador show a different side often overshadowed by its disturbing history. The surf tournaments held in El Salvador have brought tourists that otherwise might have never visited.
These new visitors have shared their experiences worldwide and have demonstrated that El Salvador is a safe country to visit. And also that the nation has excellent beaches for surfing and relaxation.
Surf City El Salvador
This tourist project offers an exhilarating blend of world-class surfing, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Its pristine beaches and surf-friendly atmosphere make it a haven for surfers and adventure seekers alike.
