El Salvador's Pacific coastline is blessed with long, consistent waves called 'point breaks' - waves that peel smoothly along a rocky point and give surfers a long, enjoyable ride. El Tunco's wave is rated as one of the best beginner-to-intermediate surf breaks in Central America, which means it is exciting without being too dangerous for learners.
The dark sand comes from the volcanic rock that makes up much of El Salvador's coastline. Millions of years of waves slowly breaking rocks into tiny particles created the unusual black and dark-grey beaches. At sunset the dark sand glows with warm orange and red reflections, making for some spectacular photographs.
The village of El Tunco is small and lively, with surf schools, hammocks strung under palm trees, and small restaurants serving fresh fish tacos and fruit smoothies. Many local families run their own surf schools or rent boards and equipment. Surfing has become an important source of income that supports the community.
El Salvador hosted the ISA World Surfing Games - the biggest international surfing competition - twice in recent years, and the surf team regularly competes on the world stage. Surfing even became an Olympic sport in 2021, and surfers from El Salvador have represented their country on the global stage.