Los Cobanos

Best time to dive

November to March; May to November

What you might see

• BarracudaLikely
• DolphinLikely
• Eagle rayLikely
• Manta rayPossible
• Moray eelLikely
• Sea turtleLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - shore-accessible snorkeling just off the sandy beaches (El Amor, La Privada) within the Los Cobanos Marine Protected Area; warm water year-round makes it viable in any season, with tropical reef fish, sea snails, urchins and starfish among rocky/coral patches

Safety notes

Rocky bottom with sandy patches (not soft coral, so more abrasive contact risk), tidal/drift currents, boat traffic near the fishing village and port of Acajutla, wreck penetration hazards (sharp/deteriorated metal) at SS Douglas/Cheribon/Arce, reduced visibility and stronger wind/swell in the wet season (rainy season not the operators' preferred dive window)

Permits & fees

Site sits within the Los Cobanos Marine Protected Area (a declared marine park); no specific park entrance fee or permit amount independently confirmed in available sources - VERIFY locally with operators/authorities

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: San Salvador