Surf City El Salvador Pro
El Salvador is exploding in the surf world thanks to government investment, a safe environment for travelers, and great waves. Come watch WSL athletes take on Punta Roca, a high performance gem.
All levels
Apr 3 – 10
La Libertad, El Salvador
Palo Verde Hotel
Up to 12 surfers
Punta Roca is the crown jewel of El Salvador’s surf scene, attracting top surfers from the Championship Tour. This year, a few lucky fans get exclusive access to the Surf City Pro, with VIP seating, hangouts with Bryan Perez, and local legend Suri Barrera as their guide to explore nearby breaks.
Trip Highlights
VIP access to the Surf City Pro and a true local experience in Punta Roca. Enjoy front-row seats to the action, with exclusive access to every heat, plus surf guiding with local legend Suri Barrera. When you’re not in the water you’ll feast on pupusas, discover waterfalls, and let photographer Gaston Bevacqua capture every epic moment.
VIP Access to Surf City Pro
VIP access at all Surf City Pro heats. We’ll hang in the VIP area, with great sight lines, comfortable seats, and complementary food and drink.
Hang with Bryan Perez
Watch sunset with pro surfer Bryan Perez, whose dedication to the El Salvador surf community has inspired change. Experience first hand where passion and purpose meet the waves.
Surf Guide: Suri Barrera
Recently featured in Surfline’s film “Going Places”, Suri Barrera is a passionate advocate for women’s surfing and founder of Hijas Del Mar, ready to guide you to the best waves in El Salvador.
Photographer: Gaston Bevacqua
An Argentinian photographer and filmmaker based in El Salvador, Gaston brings extensive experience covering high-profile events, along with a passion for surf culture and visual storytelling, to capture your unforgettable moments.
El Salvador’s National Dish
Pupusas, El Salvador’s iconic dish, are corn flour tortillas stuffed with cheese and beans (or other fillings), and at the local pupuseria, you can try your hand at making your own—don’t worry, the experts will guide you, and any mistakes just add to the fun!
Sea Caves
Explore the hidden gems of Zonte, Tunco and Sunzal beaches. Nestled beneath the cliffs, these secret caves offer a serene escape and sunset display.
Waterfall Canyoning
With the abundant rains, a splash of water falls from the top of a mountain and plummets to the ground on a rocks, causing an explosion of wind and spray all around. This is one of the highest waterfalls in La Libertad— a short hike with huge reward.
“I can’t recommend Suri enough! The waves were incredible, the people were friendly, and the food and weather were perfect. Suri made the trip even better—she’s super knowledgeable, personable, and honestly, hilarious. She knows the area inside and out.”
—Shannon, October 2024
Why surf El Salvador?
Hija del Mar
Whether she’s charging at Punta Roca or helping young girls learn to surf through her women’s empowerment group, Suri Barrera does it all with a smile and grace. Like an open-faced wave peeling down the point, Suri radiates an energy that draws attention and inspires. And her intimate knowledge of La Libertad means that she knows just when and where to strike on any given day, to avoid the crowds and zeroing in on the best waves.
Eco-Friendly Luxury
A sustainability-minded boutique hotel perched above the world-class waves of El Zonte, Palo Verde opens your eyes to what’s possible when a hotel shows respect for the environment. Just steps away from a perfect point break, watch the surf from the pool and fuel up for another session with fresh fare from NAN-tal!, the onsite restaurant. You can even take classes from their very own Spanish school between shreds.
When do WSL heats run?
The 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro window will be open from April 2- 12. Within this window, the WSL will pick optimal dates to run heats, and the heats will run over 4 to 6 days. We’ve collaborated with WSL to pick trip dates that maximize the number of heats travelers can attend, and if you’d like to extend your trip for all the days of the competition window, we’d be glad to accommodate that.
What is a typical day on the trip?
Each night, we’ll get a head’s up from the WSL if heats will be running the next day. On heat days, Suri and our crew of guides will lead the group over to the event to watch the heats from the VIP booth and take in the scene. On off days, we’ll break into smaller groups based on surf skill and interest to find the right breaks for surfers of every level. And beyond the surf, the La Libertad region offers a wide variety of excellent culinary and natural experiences. Your trip includes waterfall canyoning and sea cave exploration.
How well do I need to surf?
Surfers of all abilities can find fun waves on this trip. With multiple guides, we’ll break into smaller groups so everyone can surf the right waves for them.
What heats will I be able to watch?
We’ll have VIP access to all WSL heats. You are invited to come to as many events as you’d like!
*Your booking includes a VIP access pass for the duration of the event (April 2 – 12).
Can I arrive early or stay through the weekend, after April 10, to be there for the entire competition window?
Yes. Let us know if you’d like to extend the trip.
What airport do I fly into?
You’ll want to book flights to El Salvador International Airport (SAL). Your accommodations in La Libertad are about 45 minutes away from the airport. Airport transfers will be arranged based on your arrival and departure times. If your flight times align with other guests, transfers may be shared. For the best experience, we suggest arriving by 12 PM on April 3 and departing after 3 PM on April 10. There will also be an option to surf half-days on both the arrival and departure days.
Can I travel solo?
Absolutely. We’ll have a welcoming group, and this is a great way to connect with other surfers and WSL fans!
How many travelers will be in the group?
We’ll have a maximum of 12 travelers. Come solo or bring a friend. The trip will run no matter what size group.
OK, how much?
The trip costs $4595 per person based on double occupancy. If you are traveling solo (or with a companion but want separate rooms), there is a $1500 additional fee. If you want to join but secure your own accommodations, it is $2395 per person. You can cancel anytime 30 days prior to the trip’s start date for a full refund including your deposit.
What are the 2025 trip dates?
The trip is scheduled for April 3 – 10, 2025. If you’re interested in going but can’t make these dates, please reach out. We have other WSL trips coming up.
Are non-surfers welcome on the trip?
Yes, all are welcome! Between the heats, Palo Verde, and all the activities in the La Libertad area, non-surfers will have plenty to do!
What is included?
VIP access to all Surf City El Salvador Pro heats, meet-and-greet event with WSL athletes, daily surf guiding led by Suri, 6 nights at Palo Verde, board rental, photography, waterfall canyoning, sea caves, and transportation (to WSL events, surfing, and airport).
What’s not included?
Flights and meals are not included. You’ll have excellent dining options at your hotel. Also, we don’t include travel insurance (but will gladly suggest some options for you).
Who is organizing this trip?
This trip is organized by Thermal. Thermal’s lead guide Suri Barrera and her team will ensure travelers feel at home in El Salvador, and Thermal’s traveler support team stands by to make sure that travelers have a memorable experience. The World Surf League is providing insider access to the event and helping arrange time with athletes.