Barra de Santiago

Barra de Santiago is a sand bar on the western coast with the open Pacific on one side and a system of mangrove channels and lagoons behind, protected as a conservation area and among the best preserved mangrove in the country. Boats run through the channels among red, white and black mangrove, with herons, egrets, kingfishers, ibis and occasionally crocodiles, and out to the lagoon. Turtles nest on the ocean beach, and a community hatchery collects and protects eggs, with releases of hatchlings at dusk in season. The village is small, with a few lodges. The beach has strong surf and rip currents and is not safe for casual swimming.

What you actually see

• The mangrove channels - the boat routes through the estuary forest.
• Waterbirds - herons, egrets and ibis in the lagoons.
• The turtle hatchery - the community nursery and hatchling releases.
• The sand bar - the beach between the ocean and the estuary.

When to go

November to April in the dry season for the roads. Turtle nesting runs roughly from June to December with releases at dusk in season, which overlaps with the rains. Early morning is best for birds.

Honest expectations

The access road is rough and difficult in the rains. Boat trips are arranged informally and prices negotiated. The ocean beach has dangerous currents and no lifeguards. Accommodation is a handful of basic lodges.

Nearby

Acajutla lies east; the Guatemalan border is west.