El Cocal

El Cocal has become a popular destination for surfing. Conveniently located just 2 kilometers west of the Port of La Libertad.

As with most surf beaches in El Salvador, El Cocal is a medium-sized rocky point break, in this case carved by the mouth of a small river, which generates right-hand waves whose size and power depend on the swell conditions that hit the Salvadoran coast from the south.

Between March and September, this spot can produce swells up to 10 feet high (3.5 meters), long rides, wide and steep walls, and tubular sections that die out on the long volcanic sand beach that lies to the east. At those times it becomes a powerful and demanding wave, suitable for expert surfers. In periods of small waves it tends to become reluctant to break, so it is important to know its temperament.

In any case surfing is recommended at high tide, due to the rocky and shallow bottom.

In the heart of Surf City, this area has developed rapidly. Hotels and accommodations are multiplying, and just a few steps away there are dozens of restaurants and other services, including the offerings of the Port of La Libertad.

Although the surf zone at El Cocal is not suitable for swimmers, because of its rocky topography, on its sides and just a few meters away there are two beautiful beaches: San Blas to the west and the also-called El Cocal beach, which connects with Conchalío beach to the east. Both have volcanic sand and numerous additional attractions.

To get to El Cocal from San Salvador, take the highway to the Port of La Libertad, then the impressive bypass Camino a Surf City; from this road you can see the beaches of La Libertad, and then continue less than half a kilometer on the Litoral road westward.