Among the beautiful beaches that cover the extensive Salvadoran coastline, Los Cóbanos beach stands out, constantly surprising the frequent local and foreign tourists who visit it.
Its space treasures immense and rich biodiversity under its crystalline waters and coral reefs, giving its sand a characteristic color.
LOS COBANOS BEACH - Beaches of El Salvador. Photo by ElSalvadorViajar.
This charming coastal enclave is the favorite destination to enjoy its natural environment, practicing ecotourism, as well as diverse aquatic and recreational activities at any time of the year.
Los Cóbanos Beach Data
| Country: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Department: | Sonsonate |
| Category: | Beaches |
| Waves: | Between 1 y 3 meters |
| Legislation: | Protected natural area |
Location of Los Cóbanos Beach
Location and characteristics
In the town with the same name, Los Cóbanos beach is about 11 km from Puerto de Acajutla, in the municipality of Sonsonate, in the western part of the country.
It is a very touristy area. Therefore some roads lead you to the place by public bus or private car. Although, if you decide to go by bus, you will have to make several stops and change routes since no one reaches the beach directly.
The characteristics of this beautiful beach are apparent as soon as you see it; its yellowish sands are a mixture of volcanic debris and coral reefs that have dragged the current to the shore.
Some natural rock formations in some regions of the coast prevent the waves from breaking completely.
While some rocks are further inland from the shore, about 800 meters, waves of up to 3 and a half meters high are produced on swell days, which lose strength as they move out to sea.
To see this spectacle you can take a boat, hiring one of the locals who provide this service.
The coastline of Los Cóbanos has an extension of 264 km2 from the shore to the sea, covering the entire area of coral reefs. In 2008 it was declared a protected area for its biodiversity.
The local police regularly patrol the area to maintain order and guarantee the stay of tourists and protect the beach and its species.
What to do at Los Cóbanos beach?
Los Cóbanos Beach is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Its coral reef is home to different species of varied and colorful fish, and the structure of the rock itself is something to enjoy enormously. If you need advice, expert divers are available to guide you, but if you are already a connoisseur, you only have to rent the appropriate equipment for these underwater sports.
Also, boat rides are all along the beach and offshore, available at lodgings and for independent hire. You can even go fishing a few kilometers from the shore; there are pits where you can get marine species such as marlin, sailfish and mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo.
However, whale watching is a favorite activity for visitors to this beach. There are different kinds of whales, the most common being the humpback whale and the humpback whale.
It has been reported that some orca whales have arrived in the area and different types of dolphins. As if that were not enough, you can find several sea turtles living in the locality, some of which measure up to 2 meters.
What is the swell and weather like at Los Cóbanos beach?
The waves at Los Cóbanos beach can be pretty high compared to other nearby beaches, such as Salinitas beach, reaching up to 1.6 meters high in the months of higher swell and up to 1 meter in the calmer months.
Winds can reach up to 10 km / h, so the temperature is incredible for a tropical area. Temperatures range between 24o and 33o, so you can visit the beach at any time of the year and still enjoy the tropical heat.
Gastronomy at Los Cóbanos beach
Food is an essential point in Los Cóbanos beach; for this reason, the hotels have restaurants that offer a la carte dishes, with recipes based on seafood, such as shrimp, fried fish, meat and chicken, grilled and barbecued.
Of course, there are also some independent places where you can eat at low costs and try different dishes, including those typical of El Salvador, to please all tastes.
Places near Los Cóbanos beach
Other beaches near Los Cóbanos beach, such as Salinitas beach, El Faro beach, and the cozy beach club Las Veraneras. In the same way, it would be interesting to schedule walking tours to see the landscapes and different species of animals that inhabit each beach, such as crabs and birds, among many others.
Some places near this beach are El Imposible National Park, Cerro Verde National Park, and Puerto Acajutla.
If you are considering traveling to El Salvador, do not miss the opportunity to visit Los Cóbanos beach and enjoy its paradisiacal atmosphere, charms, and, above all, its fascinating marine life. So don’t forget to add it to your travel schedule.
