Acajutla: Sonsonate Oeste

Acajutla is a bustling municipality and home to El Salvador's main industrial seaport. It is located in the western department of Sonsonate.

While Acajutla beach sits next to the bustling urban center of this port city, surfers will find greater interest in other nearby beaches and spots.

One fascinating feature of this stretch of Salvadoran coastline is that it faces east, unlike most of the country's south-facing beaches. This protects the coast from the powerful swells of the southern Pacific Ocean. While waves at Acajutla aren't as large and powerful as other sites, visitors should proceed with caution as every location is unique. Countless undiscovered waves still await exploration in this region.

To the east of the industrial pier is Las Flores beach, a mellow, user-friendly right-hand wave that attracts SUP surfers and longboarders. This wave is best at high tide, as the rocky bottom becomes dangerously exposed at low and medium tides.

Immediately to the east of Las Flores sits Punta Negra, or Negrei as locals know it. This is El Salvador's only left-hand point break. The wave delivers power and incredible rewards. While surfable at all tides, the break tends to close out at low tide.

Intriguing beaches also lie to the west of the industrial pier at Acajutla, though they're ideal for bodysurfing.

La Bocana is a beach break located to the west of the Acajutla fisherman's pier. This wave delivers both left and right breaks, with fast, tubular, short rides that can shut down quickly.

On days with strong swells, the fisherman's pier generates a long, mellow, user-friendly left-hand wave, ideal for a longboard or Stand-Up Paddleboard, though surfers should avoid connecting with the beach break to prevent a hazardous situation.

After La Bocana is La Pilsener beach, another beach break that serves up waves that are less tubular but remain steep and fast. These waves only break at mid-tide.

As a major port city, the general area around Acajutla is well-developed with an extensive range of services for visitors. There is a selection of hotels, including beachfront accommodations, as well as rental properties, restaurants, bars, and other attractions. The area is also easily accessible.

To get to Acajutla from San Salvador, take the Pan-American highway and then the highway to Sonsonate. Before entering the city of Sonsonate, take the exit to Acajutla and follow the signs straight there.