La Bocana
La Bocana is El Tunco's punchy rivermouth option - one of El Salvador's few left-dominant waves, though the A-frame can also throw a fast right. It needs S-SW swell and favors mid tide on the push, with enough power to make it unsuitable for beginners. Rocks, urchins, current, and a mostly local lineup make this a serious town wave rather than a mellow surf-school peak.
La Bocana surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (195°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (15°)
- Offshore range
- 340° - 60°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.6m
- Danger below
- 0.2m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Mixed
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Walk from El Tunco village; the break sits at the rivermouth south of town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Bocana?
The La Bocana profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.2m.
What wind direction is offshore at La Bocana?
The La Bocana profile uses wind from NNE (15°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 340° to 60°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at La Bocana?
The La Bocana scoring profile favors swell from SSW (170° to 230°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf La Bocana?
The main season at La Bocana is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Feb. South swell season March-October. Left-dominant rivermouth can work year-round with enough S-SW energy.
How do I get to La Bocana?
The spot profile lists SAL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 45 minutes. Walk from El Tunco village; the break sits at the rivermouth south of town.
What kind of wave is La Bocana?
La Bocana is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights over a mixed bottom. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Feb
South swell season March-October. Left-dominant rivermouth can work year-round with enough S-SW energy.
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