Best Surf Spots in Central America

Surfing is increasingly popular in Central America and there are some truly amazing spots. Here are some of the best to visit.

Surfers in Guatemala are fairly limited as to where they can go, with El Paredon a firm favorite. It’s on the Pacific Coast, around two hours from Antigua. There isn’t much around apart from a few surf camps, so it’s great for relaxing.

Down the Pacific Coast in El Salvador, it’s the beaches at El Tunco that draw surf fans. It’s equally good for beginners and advanced surfers, and it’s known for amazing parties.

Keep moving south and you’ll hit Nicaragua, where the booming town of San Juan del Sur is a surf mecca. Get outside of town to escape the crowds. Alternatively, go to Playa Colorado further down the coast and you might have the place largely to yourself.

Costa Rica is more expensive than the rest of Central America, but if you can afford to spend time there, then the surfing is great. Head to Playa Jaco or Witches Rock, immortalized in the surf film The Endless Summer II.

Bocas del Toro in Panama is a rarity in as much that it is on the Caribbean rather than the Pacific. There are plenty of waves for different abilities, and lots of partying at night.