Isla Tasajera

Isla Tasajera lies in the Jaltepeque estuary behind the Costa del Sol spit, a low island of sand and mangrove with a fishing village of a few hundred people who work the estuary for shrimp, crab and fish. Boats run across from the mainland side of the spit through channels lined with red mangrove, with herons, egrets, kingfishers and pelicans along the way and crocodiles occasionally seen. On the island there is a beach on the ocean side, simple seafood restaurants, and a turtle hatchery run by the community during the nesting season. The estuary is part of a Ramsar wetland covering the Jaltepeque system.

What you actually see

• Mangrove channels - the boat route through the estuary forest.
• The fishing village - the community working the estuary.
• Waterbirds - herons, pelicans and kingfishers on the channels.
• The turtle hatchery - the community nursery in nesting season.

When to go

November to April in the dry season. Turtle nesting runs roughly June to December. Early morning is best for birds and calmest for the crossing. Weekends bring more boats.

Honest expectations

Boat hire is arranged informally at the shore and prices are negotiated. There are no facilities beyond simple restaurants. The ocean beach has strong currents. Mosquitoes in the mangroves are persistent.

Nearby

Costa del Sol is across the estuary; Zacatecoluca lies inland.