Punta Roca
La Libertad, La Libertad, El Salvador
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: March–October
Punta Roca is a right-hand point break at the western edge of Puerto de La Libertad, on El Salvador's Pacific coast, about 40 minutes from San Salvador. It has hosted international surf contests and is the best-known wave of the country's "Surf City" coast.
The wave peels over a bottom of rounded boulders and rock, giving long, fast walls and sections that can barrel. It needs a solid south or south-west swell, which arrives mostly from March to October. Light northerly or north-easterly land breezes in the morning blow offshore, and afternoon sea breezes tend to make it bumpy. The entry and exit over the rocks are tricky, especially at low tide and when big sets roll in, so watch how the locals get in and out. The line-up is competitive and locals have priority on the best waves; keep your manners. After heavy rain, run-off from the river and town can affect water quality. The water is warm all year, and booties help on the rocks.
Spots near Punta Roca
- El Tunco (6 km)
- El Sunzal (7 km)
- El Zonte (12 km)
- Las Flores (135 km)