El Salvador is a country where tourism is booming thanks to its stunning scenery and variety of activities that can perform. One of the favorite destinations is the beautiful Zacatillo Island, with 4 km2 of an extension where you can find the most beautiful beaches of the gulf.
In short, a magical place surrounded by an incomparable landscape that you can not miss. If you want to know the best beaches in El Salvador, this is the tourist destination you should choose. Read on to discover everything you can find on this beautiful island.
ZACATILLO ISLAND - Islands of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
Zacatillo Island Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | La Unión |
| Category: | Beaches |
| Island belonging: | Gulf of Fonseca |
| Population: | 2 thousand inhabitants |
| Advice: | Ideal to enjoy with the family |
Location of Zacatillo Island
Location and characteristics of Zacatillo Island
Zacatillo Island is more than 9 km from La Unión department in the Gulf of Fonseca. It has an area of 4 km2 and is administratively divided into five villages. Among them, the most important is El Rincón and La Playona.
Although there are fishing villages, its beaches have a natural appearance without many modifications made by man. This, in turn, makes the air and the environment fresh and comfortable.
On the other hand, from its coast, you can see the entire east, a complete view of the gulf and the islands that border it. Among which are some belonging to Honduras and Nicaragua.
A curious fact about Zacatillo Island is that it is also known as the Alcatraz of Central America. According to its inhabitants, there was a fort that served as a prison between 1915 and 1940.
It is said that its closure was because many inmates died of malnutrition. When the island was reopened, those walls were torn down, leaving only the memory of what the island once was.
What to do in Zacatillo Island?
Zacatillo Island is characterized by the passivity of its landscapes, which makes it possible for the whole environment to inspire incredible peace. So if you want to lie on the sand and enjoy nature, it won’t be a problem.
However, water activities of different types are also available. For example, you can take boat rides and do some kayaking. If you like, you can fish during the day or at night, and if you love eco-tourism, you can go hiking and get into the island’s nature.
Now, a complete tour would be ideal if you want to get to know the Gulf of Fonseca to the fullest. You will be able to see the different islands that compose it. Finally, if you bring your tent, you can enjoy the best sunrises and sunsets.
But if you don’t have camping equipment, don’t worry. On the island, there are stands where you can rent tents and sleeping bags. In case you travel alone the cost is 10.00$ USD, while for a couple you will have to pay 15.00$ USD..
Zacatillo Island’s waves and climate
The climate on Zacatillo Island is hot and tropical, so temperatures are a little high most months of the year. Although there are shaded areas, it is advisable to bring sunscreen to prevent UV rays from affecting the health of your skin.
On the other hand, thanks to the island’s location, all its beaches have a light swell. Ideal for the enjoyment of the whole family, especially if you are traveling with children, the elderly, or disabled people.
Gastronomy in Zacatillo Island
If there is something in abundance on Zacatillo Island, it is the variety of its most typical and traditional dishes. As expected, its gastronomy comprises recipes with fresh ingredients extracted from the sea.
Such is the case with seafood and its different preparations. In this sense, you can taste exquisite stuffed lobsters, seafood, ceviches, and battered shrimp. As well as stuffed and fried fish, sea and land grills, aphrodisiac drinks, and a great variety of cocktails.
The cost of the dishes varies according to the type of fish or seafood you choose, so you can find prices starting at USD 6.00. In the case of traveling in a group, the restaurants on the island offer different meal deals to tourists.
Places near Zacatillo Island
If you are ready to know and enjoy all the magic Zacatillo Island has, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the Conchaguita Monastery. Or take a trip to Meanguera del Golfo Island and Marín Pérez Island. Both are uninhabited, so they preserve their virgin aspect.
Finally, you can find the costs of the boat rides and the transfer to Zacatillo Island directly at the port of La Union. You can also learn about the different tours on land to get to know the whole island in detail.
