🐢 Sea Turtles of El Salvador
El Salvador is home to 4 species of sea turtles along its 307 km of Pacific coastline. These majestic creatures come to nest on Salvadoran beaches, offering visitors a unique conservation and observation experience.
The 4 Species Present
- Olive Ridley Turtle: The most common, recognizable by its heart-shaped olive-green shell. Vulnerable species.
- Pacific Green/Black Turtle: Less frequent than the Olive Ridley. Endangered species.
- Hawksbill Turtle: Very rare and critically endangered. Less than 700 adult females in the Eastern Pacific.
- Leatherback Turtle: The world's largest sea turtle, critically endangered.
Nesting Season
Sea turtles nest in El Salvador primarily from July to December, with a peak between September and November. After approximately 45-60 days of incubation, baby turtles hatch and are released into the ocean.
Calendar by Species:
- Olive Ridley: Nesting year-round, peak July-December
- Hawksbill: July-December (nesting peak)
- Green/Leatherback: Rarer, occasionally reported
📍 Where to Observe and Release Turtles
Barra de Santiago ⭐
A Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), Barra de Santiago is the most accessible place to participate in a turtle release. It's an authentic experience in an isolated fishing village.
How It Works:
- Every morning, volunteers patrol the beach searching for nests
- Eggs are collected and transferred to protected hatcheries
- After 45 days of incubation, baby turtles hatch
- Every evening around 5:30-6pm (in season), newborns are released
Organization: AMBAS (Women's Association of Barra de Santiago) manages the main hatchery. In 2023, more than 23,000 baby turtles were released thanks to this project.
How to Get There:
- From Sonsonate: Bus #259 to the Barra de Santiago intersection
- Then pickup truck to the village (~45 min, $1)
- Contact Café Mezcal or your accommodation to arrange the visit
Accommodation: Capricho Beach House, La Cocotera, or ask about local options.
Los Cóbanos
A protected area with coral reef, Los Cóbanos also hosts turtle conservation programs, particularly for critically endangered hawksbill turtles.
Organization: FUNDARRECIFE coordinates conservation efforts.
- Contact: +503 2417-6825
- Snorkeling tours and turtle releases available
Jiquilisco Bay
Major nesting site for hawksbill turtles. The organization ProCosta runs an exemplary conservation program:
- 2022: 438 protected nests, 38,088 baby turtles released
- Protection rate: 99% of nests
- 116 breeding females observed (48 known + 68 new)
Playa Dorada and Other Sites
Other hatcheries exist along the coast. Contact FUNZEL (funzel.org) for more information about release programs.
🐋 Whale Watching
El Salvador is an emerging destination for humpback whale watching. The warm waters of the Salvadoran Pacific serve as a breeding ground for the Central American population, estimated at only 400-600 individuals (endangered).
Observation Season
- Period: November to April (peak December-March)
- Best months: February and March (highest number of sightings)
- 2020-2021: 53 humpback whales documented off the Salvadoran coast
- Maximum residence: 15 days in the Los Cóbanos area
Observable Species
- Humpback Whale: The most common, known for its spectacular breaches
- Blue Whale: The largest animal on the planet, rare but possible sightings!
- Dolphins: Several species year-round
- Orcas: Occasionally reported
Remarkable fact: Los Cóbanos is one of the few places in Central America where you can potentially see blue whales in January.
Where to Go Whale Watching
Los Cóbanos (Main Site)
The main whale watching site in El Salvador. A protected marine area with coral reef, located 11 km from Acajutla (Sonsonate department).
Practical Information:
- Distance at sea: ~16 km (10 miles) from shore
- Authorized guides: 43 local guides certified by MARN
- Rules: Maximum 2 boats at a time, 30 minutes observation, minimum distance 100m (200m with calves)
- Price: Tours available via GetYourGuide or local operators (~$60-100/person with transport from San Salvador)
Operators:
- FUNDARRECIFE: +503 2417-6825
- Loco Por La Pesca (locoporlapesca.ca)
- Tours via San Salvador hotels and agencies
Gulf of Fonseca
At the country's far east, researchers have documented 21 species of cetaceans, some rare or vulnerable.
Shore-Based Observation
With good binoculars, you can sometimes spot whales from:
- Playa Mizata
- Playa San Diego (La Libertad)
- Los Cóbanos
🛡️ Conservation and Challenges
Threats to Turtles
- Egg poaching: Historically, 99% of eggs were collected for consumption
- Illegal trade: Eggs are considered aphrodisiacs
- Plastic pollution: Ingestion and entanglement
- Industrial fishing: Accidental captures (bycatch)
- Coastal development: Destruction of nesting habitats
- Artificial lights: Disorient hatchlings
National Conservation Program
The MARN (Ministry of Environment) coordinates the National Sea Turtle Conservation Program. Results: more than 11 million baby turtles released on Salvadoran coasts through collaboration with civil society.
Hatchery System:
- Fishermen (tortugueros) receive ~$2.50 per dozen eggs delivered
- They must give 2 additional eggs per dozen for conservation
- Eggs are incubated in protected hatcheries
Innovation: The InvestEGGator
The organization Paso Pacífico developed GPS fake eggs resembling real turtle eggs. Placed in nests, they allow real-time tracking of poacher routes.
📅 When to Visit
| Activity | Best Period |
|---|---|
| Turtle releases | September - November |
| Whale watching | December - March |
| Whales + turtles | November - December |
Tip: November-December offers the possibility of combining both experiences!
💡 Practical Tips
For Turtle Releases
- Arrive before 5pm to get settled
- No camera flash (disorients babies)
- Follow guide instructions
- Only touch turtles if authorized
- Bring cash for donations/participation
For Whale Watching
- Book in advance during high season
- Bring sunscreen, hat, water
- Plan seasickness medication if sensitive
- Respect safety distances
- Never ask the captain to chase whales
🌊 Other Marine Activities at Los Cóbanos
Los Cóbanos has the largest coral reef in Central America's Pacific. Enjoy:
- Snorkeling: Colorful tropical fish, starfish
- Scuba diving: Coral reefs, shipwrecks
- Sport fishing: Marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado
- Coastal birdwatching
📞 Useful Contacts
- FUNZEL: funzel.org (rescue center, turtle releases)
- FUNDARRECIFE Los Cóbanos: +503 2417-6825
- ProCosta: Hawksbill turtle conservation
- Paso Pacífico: pasopacifico.org
- AMBAS Barra de Santiago: Via GlobalGiving or Facebook