Crowd & Localism
La Ventana runs largely uncrowded. Traveling surfers tend to leapfrog it in favor of Las Flores and Punta Mango nearby, which keeps the lineup relaxed. Basic lineup courtesy applies. Dawn sessions are rarely competitive.
El Chapernal, El Salvador, El Salvador
La Ventana
13.167, -88.155
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
- La Ventana is a a-frame over beach, punchy beachbreak peaks with connecting right-hander on west end.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 2-6 ft.
- Peak May to October.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate2–6 ftMay – Oct
A named after the hole in the cliff, La Ventana is a consistent beachbreak on El Salvador's eastern coast that earns its reputation on smaller, moderate swells. SE to SW swell at 2-6ft with a northerly offshore keeps it clean and workable across all tides. The east side of the headland breaks into short, punchy peaks while the west end produces a right-hander capable of connecting into longer rides when swell has enough push. Beginners and intermediate surfers will find this one of the more forgiving setups in the area, and the lineup rarely draws a crowd. Bottom: sand/beachbreak. Season: year-round with best consistency May-October. Consistency: medium. Free parking is available and facilities are minimal, so bring water and food from the nearest town before making the trip out here.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
May – Oct
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F
M
A
M
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Character
Punchy beachbreak peaks with connecting right-hander on west end.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
SE
SE - SW
Offshore wind
N
Northerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
2-6ft
Medium
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
- Longboard or funboard for smaller days under 3ft
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for the right-hander at 3-6ft
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
Loading map...
About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
The break is road-accessible with free parking. There are no facilities on site, so stock up on water and food before arriving. No significant hazards or pollution concerns are reported. The cliff with the hole (la ventana itself) is the obvious landmark for orientation.
Nearby Alternatives
When La Ventana is too small or disorganized, Las Flores to the east is a well-regarded Salvadorian right-hander that handles moderate to larger swell better. Punta Mango, the region's headline right pointbreak, is the go-to when a solid S swell arrives and you want long, quality walls over cobblestones.
10-day swell, wind and tide
La Ventana surf forecast
Loading forecast...
Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
More breaks in El Salvador
If this isn't your wave
Lucky Mans
long walling right-hand point, rock-sand bottom, needs size to wrap · Right · Mixed
Intermediate → Advanced
La Libertad
fast hollow right-hand point with long walls and powerful barrels · Right · Point
Intermediate → Advanced
El Muelle (Pier)
punchy hollow sand-bar peaks, rights and lefts · A-frame · Beach
Beginner → Advanced
Punta Roca
long walling cobblestone right-point with barrel sections and freight-train speed · Right · Point
Intermediate → Advanced
El Pimental
fast hollow beach peaks · A-frame · Beach
Intermediate → Advanced
Las Flores
long right-hand point, rocky takeoff to sandbar with barrel sections · Right · Mixed
Beginner → Advanced
La Bocana
punchy river-mouth A-frame with hollow left barrel · A-frame · Mixed
Intermediate → Advanced
El Zonte
punchy rippable right-hand river mouth point · Right · Mixed
Intermediate → Advanced
Playa Conchalio
fast thumping sand-rock peaks with barrel sections · A-frame · Mixed
Beginner → Advanced
Toro de Oro
fast sectioning right-hand volcanic rock point · Right · Point
Advanced
Mizata
hollow fast boulder-point right with punchy left peak · A-frame · Point
Beginner → Advanced
La Paz
mellow to occasionally hollow right-hand cobble point · Right · Mixed
Beginner → Advanced
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at La Ventana
What skill level is La Ventana suited for?
La Ventana is a beach bottom, punchy beachbreak peaks with connecting right-hander on west end, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does La Ventana work best at?
Working size is 2 to 6 ft. Below 2 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf La Ventana?
La Ventana fires from May through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does La Ventana need?
La Ventana switches on with a se - sw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the northerly.
What are the main hazards at La Ventana?
Main hazards at La Ventana: no concerns.
What type of wave is La Ventana?
La Ventana is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Punchy beachbreak peaks with connecting right-hander on west end.
Where can I stay near La Ventana?
2 camps sit within easy reach. The closest is Punta Mango, 3.7 km from the lineup.
Sources
- Stormrider
La Ventana
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