La Libertad Costa

Punta Roca beach sits on the outskirts of the port city of La Libertad, just steps away from the services and attractions that this vibrant port town has to offer.

The Punta Roca wave, or "La Punta" as locals call it, breaks right over a rocky bottom. Experts consider La Punta to be among the 10 best waves in the world for surfing. In fact, professional surfers who ride this wave compare it to the famous Jeffrey's Bay wave in South Africa, with the added bonus of warm water and no need for a wetsuit.

The speed and power of this wave make it strictly for advanced and expert surfers.

From the shore, you can watch the break some 300 meters offshore, peeling in an endless line with a wide wall for a variety of tricks and maneuvers, as well as fantastic tube sections.

This wave is consistent and rideable nearly year-round. But to witness La Punta at its most epic, plan for a trip from March to April, when powerful storm swells from the south Pacific reach El Salvador's shores. Although it can reach up to 12 feet (4 meters), the wave is at its best from 4 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 meters), with swells coming from the southwest.

Punta Roca is suitable for any tide, but surfers should be careful of the rocky bottom, especially of what locals call the "mama rock," a menacing boulder that emerges during low tide.

Given the consistency and quality of the wave, Punta Roca has hosted numerous international surfing tournaments, including a World Masters and several competitions on the Latin American Circuit, ALAS, as well as QS qualifiers for the World Tour.

Beyond surfing, visitors shouldn't miss a trip into Puerto de La Libertad, a bustling port city alive with sea salt air, with everything travelers might need. You'll find accommodation for all budgets, as well as restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, ATMs and public transportation. Be sure to visit the Seaside Market (Mercado del Mar) during your visit, along with the local fishing dock. Don't miss sampling Salvadoran pupusas and myriad options for seafood. You can also hire a guide to take you to the best beaches in the area and show you the attractions available at this port city.

Getting to Punta Roca is easy: Take the highway from San Salvador to Puerto de La Libertad. After 20 kilometers you will reach El Puerto. Cross the city heading west, and a block before Chilama River, take a left and go another 800 meters until you reach this world-class break.