An Introduction To Playa Las Flores Surf
-
By
Matt
- Updated | April 25, 2025
Playa Las Flores surf is a dream destination on El Salvador’s Pacific coast, offering world-class waves, warm waters, and that tropical feel. Located near La Libertad, this surf haven is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable experience without the hassle of driving.
The signature right-hand point break at Playa Las Flores surf delivers consistent, powerful waves year-round, making it a favorite for intermediate to advanced surfers. Known for its long, clean rides, this break is ideal for honing skills and enjoying the thrill of El Salvador’s famed surf conditions. Fear not beginners, you can also find gentler waves nearby.
Set against a backdrop of lush, unspoiled nature, Playa Las Flores offers a peaceful retreat while keeping surfers close to the action. With its seamless blend of adventure and relaxation, this tropical gem is a must visit for anyone looking to set off to El Salvador and enjoy its surf scene.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to make a purchase or book a service through them. We only promote products and services that we believe in, and your support helps us continue to provide honest insights and valuable content.
Thank you for your trust and for supporting our work!
In This Guide
Compare Prices, Book Today
Best Time To Surf Playa Las Flores
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Peak Playa Las Flores Surf Season | May to October
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Playa Las Flores surf peaks during the southern swell window from May through October. This pointbreak thrives on long-period swells from the south, producing beautifully shaped rights that can run for over 150 meters.
Wave heights during this time average 4 to 6 feet, with occasional larger days. Playa Las Flores surf is glassy in the early mornings, & the point handles a decent crowd with multiple takeoff zones. With warm water & consistent swell, this is when Playa Las Flores offers its most iconic rides.
-
Shoulder Playa Las Flores Surf Season | March, April & November
Suited For All Skill Levels
Shoulder months bring smaller, cleaner conditions to Playa Las Flores surf. Waves during March, April & November generally hover between 2 to 4 foot, & the point still offers long, playful rides perfect for improving skills. It’s a fantastic time for intermediate surfers who want consistency without peak-season intensity.
Playa Las Flores surf stays mellow yet rewarding, & surf camps often run special packages during these quieter months. There’s less competition for waves, & the vibe is more relaxed while still delivering quality rides.
-
Low Playa Las Flores Surf Season | December to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Playa Las Flores surf is at its mellowest during the low season. Waves shrink to 1 to 3 feet, with fewer strong swells reaching the coast. While more experienced surfers may venture elsewhere, this is a golden time for beginners.
Long, soft waves roll down the point with minimal power, making it a forgiving spot to build confidence. Playa Las Flores surf schools are active, & conditions are safe & ideal for learning. It’s laid-back & sunny, great for easing into the surf lifestyle.
Playa Las Flores Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Playa Las Flores Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are ideal for summer sessions. For extra comfort during midday sun or longer surfs, a rash vest is helpful but not essential.
Rainfall:
Expect consistent tropical rainfall, with 18–22 wet days per month. Heavy afternoon and evening showers are the norm, with high humidity throughout the season.
Playa Las Flores Surf Temperature:
27–29°C (81–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are still suitable. Adding a rash vest can be helpful during breezy mornings or to shield from intense sun, especially during longer surfs.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases through the season. September sees about 17 rainy days, October drops to around 10, and November sees roughly 6, mostly as short-lived coastal showers.
Playa Las Flores Surf Temperature:
26–28°C (79–82°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are perfect, and no extra gear is necessary. A rash vest is optional for UV protection, especially on longer surf days under clear skies.
Rainfall:
Winter is the driest period, averaging just 1–3 rainy days per month. Skies are mostly sunny and clear, offering excellent beach weather with low humidity.
Playa Las Flores Surf Temperature:
28–29°C (82–84°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are all you’ll need. Consider a rash vest if you’re planning long hours in the water or early morning sessions with light breezes.
Rainfall:
Spring rainfall gradually builds. March brings about 5 rainy days, April sees 7, and May increases to 10. Showers are often short and occur later in the day.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Playa Las Flores
| Playa Las Flores Surf Spots | Distance from Playa Las Flores | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Playa Las Flores |
In the town centre |
3-8 foot |
Long, peeling right-hand point break |
Intermediate to advanced |
|
Playa San Diego |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) east |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Playa Las Flores Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southeast or southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Playa Las Flores is one of Central America’s standout right-hand point breaks, prized for its glassy, perfectly peeling waves that run for several hundred meters. Best at mid to high tide when a southeast or southwest swell contracts with offshore northeast winds, this spot delivers clean, head-high to double-overhead walls that cater to intermediate & advanced surfers.
The sand & rock point bottom offers consistent sandbar formation & occasional barrels on bigger days. Though its remote location keeps crowds moderate, it draws dedicated surfers chasing quality waves. With a nearby surf camp & basic amenities, Las Flores strikes an ideal balance between world-class conditions & a laid-back atmosphere.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Playa San Diego is a secluded beach break just north of Playa Las Flores, offering gentle peaks that are perfect for longboarders & beginners. At mid tide with a southwest swell & northeast winds, the waves break softly over a sandy bottom, producing waist-high rollers & small, rippable walls.
The spot’s remote setting & minimal infrastructure result in low crowd levels, allowing surfers to enjoy peaceful sessions with ample space. While San Diego doesn’t boast the performance of its neighbor, its reliable, mellow waves & tranquil beach environment make it an excellent choice for skill development or relaxed rides.
Rating: 3/5
Travel Time To Playa Las Flores Surf Spots
| Playa Las Flores Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Playa Las Flores |
In town centre |
In town centre |
Not required |
|
Playa San Diego |
Approx. 45 min. |
Approx. 15-20 min. |
Approx. 5 min. (Taxi) |
Accommodation In Playa Las Flores
Booking your lodging for an El Salvador surf trip is convenient with Trip.com. They offer a wide range of options close to the beach, from upscale hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Securing your stay early means you’ll have more time for surfing and less time dealing with travel hassles.
To enhance your surfing skills in this beautiful country, Tripaneer runs surf camps that include expert instruction, comfortable accommodations, & a fun community. These camps provide the perfect way to embrace the El Salvador surf scene and improve your abilities in the water.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€55 to €110 |
$60 to $120 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€140 to €280+ |
$150 to $300+ |
|
*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
|||
Playa Las Flores Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Playa Las Flores surf schools offer a more intimate & focused learning experience, perfect for surfers who want to improve in a quieter setting.
Surf Strong El Salvador is s standout option, offering professional surf lessons tailored to all skill levels. Playa Las Flores surf schools provide personalized coaching & a mellow atmosphere. It’s a great place to build confidence on the wave & enjoy El Salvador’s natural beauty.
Playa Las Flores Surf Camp
8 Day Playa Las Flores Surf Camp With SurfXplore
Dive into a tropical surf escape with SurfXplore at Playa Las Flores, El Salvador’s hidden gem. Nestled between lush rainforest & the ocean, this 8-day surf camp offers the perfect balance of adventure & tranquility. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, you’ll get personal coaching & epic wave access in a setting that’s both wild & welcoming.
What’s Included
Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in a serene rainforest setting with the ocean right at your feet. Each day, you’ll be treated to three fresh meals, plus a snack during the boat trip, to keep your energy up for back-to-back surf sessions.
Get two hours of professional surf coaching daily, alongside free surf time, surf warm-up & stretching classes, & theoretical surf lessons to help you level up. With small group sizes, SurfXplore’s coaching is tailored to your ability, whether you’re paddling out for the first time or chasing more powerful waves.
You’ll also experience two guided boat trips to Punta Mango, one of the region’s most iconic right-hand point breaks. Plus, your adventure includes round-trip airport transfers & a full media package with photos & videos of your sessions to relive every moment. Find Out More
Playa Las Flores Surfboard Hire
Playa Las Flores surfboard hire is generally available through local hotels, hostels, & surf camps, with a good selection of boards designed for the area’s long, peeling waves. While options aren’t as abundant as in larger towns, the quality is solid.
Surf Strong El Salvador provides reliable surfboard rentals, ensuring you have the right equipment to enjoy Playa Las Flores’ famous breaks.
Playa Las Flores Surf Report & Surf Cam
Catching waves in El Salvador entails keeping in tune with surf conditions. Surf-Forecast details on tides, wind and swell forecasts, while the subscription-based Surfline live cams bring you real-time footage from El Salvaodr’s best surf breaks. These will keep you right on the timing for paddling out.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM makes staying connected straightforward, activating immediately, so you don’t have to buy or swap any SIM cards. This allows you to easily check the forecast and stream live cams and upload your surf clips from Playa Las Flores.
How To Get To Playa Las Flores Surf
- El Salvador International Airport (SAL) To Playa Las Flores
Distance: 35km (22mi)
El Salvador International Airport (SAL) is also the main hub for reaching Playa Las Flores surf. Here’s how to get there.
Public Transport
Approx. 2-3 hrs.
Details:
To reach Playa Las Flores in La Libertad via public transport, start by catching a local bus or short taxi ride to the main road near the airport. From there, take Bus 138 or 102A heading west toward La Libertad. Once you arrive at the La Libertad bus terminal, you may need to transfer to a local minibus or walk depending on your final accommodation near Playa Las Flores.
Although this is the cheapest option, it includes multiple stops & can be slow & crowded, especially on weekends or holidays. Timetables vary, so it’s worth checking locally before your trip.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1-1.5 hrs.
Details:
Shuttle services are usually operated in air-conditioned vans with ample room for surfboards & gear. Depending on whether you book a shared or private option, the journey may include stops in San Salvador or La Libertad town center.
Book your shuttle with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups before your flight so it’s waiting when you land. This service ensures a quick & stress-free transfer from the airport to the beach.
El Salvador Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
El Salvador is a top surf destination in Central America, but a few basics will make your trip smoother. You’ll be using U.S. Dollars, and cash is useful in smaller beach towns. Spanish is the national language, and while some locals speak English. Avoid drinking tap water and opt for bottled instead.
To get the full list of essentials, visa rules, health services, safety tips, our El Salvador surf page has everything you need before you go.
Travel Insurance For Your Playa Las Flores Surf Trip
An El Salvador surf trip means unpredictable excitement. Food poisoning, an ankle twist, or a canceled flight can strike without warning. With travel insurance, you could recover fast and keep the plans intact. With some help to combat the unforeseen, it kind of makes sense to have one.
VisitorsCoverage lets you cherry pick the coverage you need while not overburdening you with the details. It sure is a clever step toward securing your time and money. Surf trips are not just about chasing waves, they are also about being ready for everything.
Discover Playa Las Flores: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
If the waves aren’t working, Playa Las Flores offers plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Here are 3 recommended things to do:
Keep Exploring With More El Salvador Surf Destinations
El Tunco
Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.