Meanguera Island

Meanguera del Golfo is the largest of the Salvadoran islands in the Gulf of Fonseca, a hilly volcanic island of around twenty square kilometres with a village on the sheltered side, a few thousand residents living from fishing, and beaches, of which Majahual on the far side is the one people walk over the hill to reach. There are no cars to speak of, one road, and a handful of simple guesthouses and restaurants. Boats run from La Union on a limited timetable, with the public launch in the morning and returns early, so a day trip means watching the clock or hiring a boat. The gulf is shared by three countries and fishing boats from all of them work it.

What you actually see

• The village - the fishing settlement on the sheltered side.
• Playa Majahual - the beach over the hill from the village.
• The gulf - the bay, its other islands and the surrounding coasts.
• Island life - a community with almost no vehicles or development.

When to go

November to April for the calmest crossings and the driest weather. The public launch runs on a limited timetable, so check departure and return times before travelling. Holy Week brings visitors.

Honest expectations

Boat sailings are few and the timetable governs the visit; missing the return means staying overnight. Accommodation is very basic. There are no banks or shops of any size. Electricity and water supply can be intermittent.

Nearby

La Union lies north; Conchagua volcano rises above the port.