Surfing in K59: La Bocana, Surf Spots, Resorts, Camps, and Houses Guide
Hoping into this article you will learn about the gated community of K59 and its legendary La Bocana Surf Spot, alongside a couple resorts, camps, and houses to stay at. To get you amped check out this;
Introduction to Surfing in K59
K59 is the gem of the Balsam Coast. Situated within a private gated community, this stretch of coastline offers a more exclusive and tranquil vibe compared to the busy streets of El Tunco. It is a natural-footer’s dream, centered around a high-quality cobblestone point that stays surprisingly uncrowded.
The waves here are defined by their consistency and power. While the south is known for long cruisers, the K59 area is where you find more vertical walls and hollow sections. It’s a dedicated surfer’s hideaway where the jungle meets the sea, offering a raw and authentic Salvadoran experience. Between sessions, life slows down to the pace of the forest, with hiking trails and mountain views providing the perfect backdrop. It’s a fantastic spot for intermediates looking to step up their game and experts hunting for barrels without the hassle of a heavy lineup.
Best Season to Surf in K59
The prime season for scoring the heaviest barrels is from May to October. This “winter” window brings in the largest southern swells, turning the points into fast, hollow machines. You can expect consistent overhead conditions with offshore winds grooming the morning sessions into glassy perfection.
For those seeking more playful and approachable conditions, the dry season from November to April is unbeatable. The swells are smaller and friendlier, and the water clarity is at its peak. The weather is constantly sunny, and the offshore breeze stays reliable, making it a great time for long sessions under clear blue skies.
Overall, the best time to visit is during the shoulder months of April and May. This transition period often delivers the first major pulses of swell while the weather is still dry and sunny. It’s the ideal time to experience the full power of the region before the tropical rains truly set in.
Surf Spots
La Bocana
La Bocana is located right around the corner from K59 and offers a fantastic left that is a heady wall. Packs a punch but you are able to get some fantastic turns from it.
El Sunzal
Located a short drive east, this is the most famous longboard wave in the country. It’s a deep-water right-hand point that offers incredibly long, rolling rides. It’s a very forgiving wave that works on almost any tide, making it the go-to spot for beginners and those who want to practice their turns on a soft, predictable face.
K59
The centerpiece of the area, this right-hand cobblestone point is known for its speed and power. It offers a steep takeoff that often leads directly into a hollow barrel section. Because access is limited to the gated community and boat trips, the crowd stays thin, allowing for a much higher wave count than the more famous points nearby.
K61
Just a ten-minute walk down the coast from K59, this is another right-hand point break that offers even more length. It’s a bit more shifty and can be more challenging to read, but the rewards are long, fast walls and fewer people. It works best on a mid-to-high tide and provides a great alternative if the main point at K59 is busy.
Resorts
Perched right on the point, this house offers an intimate and authentic experience. It’s run by local surfers who know every mood of the wave, providing a front-row seat to the action and a direct connection to the heart of the K59 community.
This camp offers a comprehensive surf experience with a focus on guided tours and local knowledge. They provide comfortable accommodations and expert guides who can help you navigate the different breaks along the coast, ensuring you are always in the best possible waves for your level.
How to get to K59
Fly into SAL in San Salvador. From the airport, it’s a straightforward 45-to-60-minute drive along the coastal highway. Since K59 is located within a gated area, it is highly recommended to arrange a private shuttle through your resort to ensure easy entry. Once you arrive, the main breaks are within walking distance, but having a car or a guide is helpful for exploring the nearby towns.
General Costs and Considerations
The US Dollar and Bitcoin are the local currencies, making transactions very simple. K59 is a bit more secluded, so prices are mid-range, but the quality of the experience is high. Expect to spend around 40 to 60 dollars a day on food and logistics. There are no ATMs within the immediate K59 area, so be sure to pull out enough cash in La Libertad or at the airport before you head to the house.
Travel Advisories
The area is exceptionally safe due to its gated nature and quiet location. The biggest thing to watch out for is the rocky entry at the points—the “cobblestone dance” can be tricky, so booties are a good idea if you aren’t used to it. The sun is powerful, so use high-quality zinc and stay hydrated. As always, a little respect in the lineup goes a long way with the local crew.
Other things to do in K59
Food
You have to try the Pescado a la Tipica. It’s a fresh-caught fish, usually snapper, fried whole and served with all the classic Salvadoran sides. It’s the perfect way to refuel after a heavy day of paddling at the point.
Location to Hike
Take a walk into the mountains directly behind K59. The trails lead up to some incredible ridges that give you a 360-degree view of the Balsam Coast and the surrounding ancient forests. It’s a great way to see the “emerald mountains” of El Salvador from a different perspective.
Cultural Thing
Visit the local town of Chiltiupán for a glimpse of authentic rural life. It’s a small, traditional town where you can find local handicrafts and see the balsam tree plantations that give this coastline its name.
Conclusion on K59
K59 is the perfect destination for the surfer who wants a high quality experience without bigger El Salvador crowds. It offers some of the most consistent and powerful rights in the country, all within a safe and beautiful private setting. Whether you are hunting for tubes at the point or exploring the long walls of K61, the energy of this place is undeniable. It’s a pure, wave focused sanctuary that offers a true escape from the ordinary session.