5 eco-resorts in El Salvador for surfers to add to their bucket list
Planning a sustainable surf trip to El Salvador? Discover our top picks for eco-resorts in El Salvador that cater well to surfers.
Tucked between Guatemala, Honduras and the Pacific Ocean, El Salvador is a compact country that packs an impressive punch when it comes to natural wonders and adventure.
Its 320-kilometre coastline is what we here at EcoOceanEscapes consider to be a surfer’s paradise. In short, it’s dotted with a tantalising array of right-hand point breaks that should be on every surfer’s radar.
The most popular surf zone is the La Libertad region. It boasts several high-quality waves that have made it a magnet for the global surf community.
But for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the “Wild East” is slowly gaining traction. Aside from its world-class breaks, it has a sense of remote, untamed beauty.
No matter where you choose to chase waves, you can do so while keeping your environmental footprint to a minimum at one of El Salvador’s sustainable surf resorts. They are leading the way when it comes to eco-friendly stays in Central America, not only in terms of construction but also day-to-day operations.
In this article, discover 5 of the best eco-resorts in El Salvador to help you plan your next Central American surf adventure.
Want to explore further afield? Check out our guides for surfing Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
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Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel, El Zonte
Situated on the volcanic coastline of El Zonte, this eco-resort in El Salvador marries luxury with sustainability.
Founded by a brother-sister team, Palo Verde aims to establish itself as the most environmentally friendly and socially conscious hotel in the area.
As soon as you set foot on the premises, you can feel the hotel’s dedication to preserving the natural environment.
The name “Palo Verde” pays homage to the indigenous trees that decorate the area. It symbolises strength and renewal while serving as a constant reminder of the hotel’s mission to ignite a positive transformation.
In addition to its convenient location near the famous El Zonte point break, this eco-friendly El Salvador hotel features a stunning infinity pool. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day in the surf.
Yoga classes are regularly held at the property, plus there’s an onsite spa.
One of the best parts of any stay at Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel is savouring delicious Salvadoran dishes made with local, organic ingredients at the onsite restaurant.
“Decadent. Flawless. Incredible food and service.” – Elizabeth (read more reviews here)
Las Flores Resort, Chirilagua
Perched atop a cliffside in the “Wild East”, Las Flores Resort is a sustainable El Salvador surf hotel that first opened its doors in 2004.
It now boasts 15 ocean-view rooms, a serene pool and a spa. Plus, there’s a restaurant committed to celebrating the region’s culinary heritage through the use of locally-sourced, organic ingredients.
With a maximum occupancy of just 43 people and only 20 surf passes available, Las Flores provides an intimate atmosphere.
Situated on the outskirts of sleepy El Cuco, this El Salvador eco-resort grants guests unparalleled access to six world-class point breaks, as well as 2,000 hectares of protected wildlife habitat.
This ecologically-rich region is an absolute playground for nature enthusiasts. In the surrounding area, you’ll find scenic hiking trails and a wealth of cultural heritage sites to discover.
As a proud member of the Regenerative Resorts network, Las Flores has woven sustainability into the very fabric of its operations. Since its construction, it has adherred to ISO 26000 Social Responsibility guidelines.
More recently, this eco-friendly El Salvador surf resort has pioneered the creation of a local NGO to promote and plan a sustainable development strategy for the surrounding coastline. Inspiring, to say the least!
“Really great place in remote area of El Salvador. Super relaxing, great access to a mostly private beach, fun surfing (and great surf coach).” (read more reviews here)
Hotel Michanti, El Zonte
Situated just a two-minute walk from Playa El Zonte, Hotel Michanti offers something for all budgets. In addition to private rooms and self-catering apartments, there are shared dorms for surfers travelling on a budget.
We love the chill-out vibe at this eco-resort in El Salvador. The hotel’s refreshing pool and hammock-dotted grounds provide the perfect respite after a day of adventure.
Evident in every aspect of the Michanti experience is the hotel’s mission to develop sustainable adventure experiences. It does this in partnership with local communities.
Whether you want to hike to the summit of a towering volcano or delve into the process of coffee cultivation, there are opportunities to discover everything El Salvador has to offer.
This sustainable El Salvador surf resort also prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients across its menu. If you’re meat-free, you’ll be pleased to know it caters well to vegans.
“The pool area was amazing and had a really good atmosphere. We enjoyed relaxing in the hammock area and loved the yoga session. Lots of great food options and everything we had was delicious.” – Grace (read more reviews here)
Puro Surf Hotel & Performance Academy, El Zonte
Boasting epic views overlooking the waves of El Zonte is Puro Surf Hotel & Performance Academy. It offers incredible experiences for both seasoned surfers and those new to the sport.
The rooms at this eco-friendly El Salvador hotel blend modern comforts with a connection to the natural surroundings. Aside from options for those who want their privacy, there are dorms for travellers on a budget.
Whether you’re looking to hone your skills at one of the local point breaks or eager to try surfing for the first time, the resort’s International Surfing Association-certified coaches ensure you’re in capable hands.
And when you’ve had your fill of surf, you can unwind with a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or savour the flavours of Salvadorian cuisine at the Covana restaurant and juice bar.
Even on those rare occasions when the surf isn’t firing at the nearby point breaks, we love that you can enjoy a private yoga class or a rejuvenating massage.
Throughout your stay, you can take comfort in knowing that Puro Surf’s community and their NGO partners, Glasswing International, are working tirelessly to create a brighter future for the residents of El Zonte.
“I have stayed all over the world and this hotel is in my top ten.” – Meaghan (read more reviews here)
NAIA – Miravalle, Sonsonate
Tucked away on a remote stretch of coastline between Los Cobanos and Barraciega is NAIA – Miravelle. It’s the perfect place to stay for surfers wanting to explore El Salvador’s remote west coast.
Surrounded by well-maintained gardens, this sustainable El Salvador retreat offers a handful of rustic bungalows overlooking an uncrowded beach. Just a warning – it’s a bumpy ride along a dirt road to get here!
Hearty breakfasts are lovingly prepared for guests at the start of each day. Meanwhile, the in-house restaurant serves up Salvadorean dishes and international favourites for a post-surf feed.
There’s also a natural swimming pool where you can kick back between sessions and wait for the conditions to fire up again.
The remote location and private beach at this eco-resort in El Salvador ensure a peaceful atmosphere. In our opinion, it’s an ideal destination for surfers seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape.
If you want to party, high-speed Wi-Fi or the latest in luxury amenities, it’s probably not for you. All in all, the experience at NAIA – Miravelle is one that’s more about disconnecting and surfing to your heart’s content.
“Purely private property and beach, one of a kind experience, and great place to relax and unwind.” – Eric (read more reviews here)
Staying at a sustainable surf resort in El Salvador
What can you expect when staying at an eco-friendly surf camp in El Salvador?
Most prioritise sustainability, whether it’s through the use of solar energy, locally sourced materials or water conservation initiatives. Many are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing easy access to nearby surf breaks.
While some eco-resorts in El Salvador are geared towards experienced surfers with their own boards and a good understanding of oceanic conditions, others provide beginner surf lessons. These are usually led by highly experienced instructors and include all equipment, including boards and wetsuits.
Many sustainable resorts in El Salvador serve organic meals using locally sourced ingredients while all feature menus with Salvadorean specialties. The dining options usually cater well to various dietary preferences, including vegetarians, vegans and those who prioritise healthy eating.
At the best surf resorts in El Salvador, you’ll also find activities and programs that promote cultural awareness and are designed to support local communities. This ensures that your money is going towards socially responsible programs and sustainable development initiatives.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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