Km 59
Km 59 is El Salvador's quality point break—a right-hander named for its marker on the coastal highway that delivers long, workable walls when solid south swells arrive. The wave is a step up from the mellower options nearby, requiring more commitment but rewarding with walls that allow real performance surfing. The local crew has earned respect in these waters, and visitors who approach with appropriate etiquette will find warm welcomes and lineup tips. The rocky point demands awareness, but for intermediate-plus surfers, Km 59 offers one of the region's best point break experiences.
Km 59 surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 175° - 235°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (20°)
- Offshore range
- 340° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Named for kilometer marker on coastal highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Km 59?
Km 59 is a point break in La Libertad, El Salvador, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Km 59?
Km 59 picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.9 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Km 59?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Km 59, and anything from the NNW round to the ENE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Km 59?
Km 59 is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Km 59?
The most reliable run of swell at Km 59 comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Feb and Nov too. Needs bigger S-SW swells. Quality when it works.
How cold is the water at Km 59?
The water at Km 59 averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Km 59 good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Rocky point. Local surfers. Respect the lineup.
How do I get to Km 59?
The nearest airport on our list is SAL, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Named for kilometer marker on coastal highway.
What other surf spots are near Km 59?
The closest breaks we track are El Zonte (5.1 km), Sunzal (12 km) and La Bocana (14 km), handy when Km 59 isn't working. We track 5 spots around La Libertad in total.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Feb
Needs bigger S-SW swells. Quality when it works.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Zonte
₿ Bitcoin Beach • Crypto meets surf • Future of travel
Sunzal
🇸🇻 El Salvador gateway • Mellow right • Surf camp central
La Bocana
↙️ El Tunco rivermouth • Left-dominant A-frame • Local lineup
Punta Roca
🇸🇻 El Salvador's crown • WSL-quality right • Strong local culture
Iztapa
🐟 Fishing town surf • Sailfish country • True solitude
Punta Mango
➡️ Hollow Wild East right • Needs solid swell • Boat or 4WD mission