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.
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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
- 2.3m
- 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?
La Bocana works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.2m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at La Bocana?
Offshore wind at La Bocana blows from the NNE (15°). Anything in the 340° to 60° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at La Bocana?
La Bocana wants SSW swell (170° to 230°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into SAL, then allow about 45 minutes by road. 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.
Getting There
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