Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise: Barra de Santiago

Release baby turtles at sunset before cruising silent mangrove waterways

A full-day tour in Barra de Santiago where you release baby sea turtles with a local conservation group, cruise through protected mangrove channels by boat to spot crocodiles and seabirds, and walk to El Escuco Waterfall for a swim. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Turtle release and nature exploration

• Participate in turtle release program
• Boat tour through Barra de Santiago mangroves
• Walk to and visit El Escuco Waterfall

The experience

Seven to nine hours takes you through three distinct ecosystems in one day. You start by joining a women's association working to preserve four species of nesting turtles along the Salvadoran coast. After learning about each species and their conservation status, you help newborn turtles make their way to the ocean: a hands-on moment that anchors the whole experience.

The boat ride through Barra de Santiago's mangrove channels comes next. The guide navigates the serene waterways where crocodiles, seabirds, and iguanas live undisturbed in this protected reserve. The mangroves themselves are the draw: an ecosystem dense enough that spotting wildlife becomes the rhythm of the morning, and the guide's knowledge of what lives where shapes what you actually see.

El Escuco Waterfall closes the day. An easy 20-minute walk from the boat landing brings you to an 80-meter drop surrounded by lush growth, with a pool deep enough to swim in and cool off. The waterfall sits near Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and the refreshing break it offers comes after hours in the sun and on the water. Private transportation picks you up from your hotel and returns you the same way, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle.
• participation in the turtle release program with a donation to the conservation association.
• entrance to the mangroves and guided boat tour through Barra de Santiago.
• entrance to El Escuco Waterfall.
• live guide in your choice of language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Expédition Maya

Is this one for you?The day runs seven to nine hours with a 20-minute walk and time in the boat, so you're moving steadily but not rushing. Choose this tour if you want to spend a full morning and afternoon in nature without a packed itinerary. The pace gives the guide room to point out wildlife and lets you absorb each stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the four turtle species I'll learn about on this tour?

The conservation association works to preserve all four species of nesting turtles found along the Salvadoran coast. The guide teaches you the specific characteristics of each species before you help the newborns reach the ocean, so you understand what you're releasing and why the work matters.

Will I actually see crocodiles in the mangroves?

Crocodiles live in the mangrove channels of Barra de Santiago, and the boat tour gives you the chance to spot them alongside seabirds and iguanas in their natural habitat. The guide knows where to look, though wildlife sightings depend on the animals being active when you pass through.

How difficult is the walk to El Escuco Waterfall?

The walk to El Escuco Waterfall is easy and takes about 20 minutes. It's a short break in the day, and the waterfall itself is 80 meters high with a pool where you can swim and refresh yourself.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour. Plan to bring food or eat before or after, depending on your schedule.