Embark on a captivating journey to the Barra de Santiago! This protected area is renowned for its extensive mangrove forests, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Central America's most biodiverse ecosystems.
✔ Turtle Release Program: Take part in an unforgettable experience by joining a local women’s association in their turtle conservation project. You’ll have the opportunity to release baby turtles into the wild, contributing to the preservation of endangered species.
✔ Guided Boat Tour: Cruise through the mangrove channels where you will have the chance to spot crocodiles numerous bird species. Your guide will share fascinating insights about this unique ecosystem.
✔ Visit to El Escuco Waterfall: Enjoy a short 15-minute walk to the beautiful El Escuco waterfall, where you can take in the lush surroundings and cool off in the refreshing waters.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:00 AM
Next available
Sun, Oct 4
Adult (ages 13+)
$120
Child (ages 0–12)
$105
In demand: 7 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 3.
Tour Options
Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise
Pickup included
Itinerary
Barra de Santiago
70 min
We will participate in a turtle release alongside an association working to preserve the four species of nesting turtles along the Salvadoran coast. You will learn about the conservation efforts and the specific characteristics of each species, then assist the newborns in making their way to the ocean!
Barra de Santiago
90 min
We will embark on a boat ride through the serene mangroves of Barra de Santiago, where you'll have the chance to spot crocodiles, seabirds, and iguanas in their natural habitat. This unforgettable journey will take you through a protected reserve, offering a rare glimpse into one of El Salvador's most pristine ecosystems.
Cascada El Escuco
Admission included90 min
Last nature adventure of the day: El Escuco Waterfall (80m in height)! Located near the village of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, this waterfall will provide a refreshing break during your nature-filled day. (Easy walk, about 20 minutes).
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Donation for the turtle release association
Entrance to the mangroves
Entrance to the waterfall
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guided Boat tour
Guide
Not included
Lunch
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up from San Salvador, El Tunco, El Zonte, La Libertad, El Sunzal.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
8 reviews
5
8
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in San Salvador
Starting price $120 is 20% above the typical $100 for tours of similar length in San Salvador
Excurgo comparison of 213 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise take?
Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise lasts about 7–9 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise cost?
Prices start at $120 per person for this San Salvador experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM.
How much does Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise cost for children?
Children aged 0–12 pay from $105, adults from $120.
Does Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise sell out?
It can: 7 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-up from San Salvador, El Tunco, El Zonte, La Libertad, El Sunzal. Pickup points include Alive Land Tours Bed & Breakfast, Hotel Marela.
What languages is Turtle Release and Mangroves Cruise offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(8)
K
katiedB9501DA
September 25, 2026
Very cool, unique experience
I loved learning about the work AMBAS is doing to help more baby sea turtles survive. The crocodiles got very near our boat on the mangrove tour. Our guide, Sam, was amazing. Took us to a great spot for lunch. Overall I highly recommend this tour.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed discovering the important work AMBAS is doing to protect baby sea turtles, as well as the mangrove tour and its impressive crocodiles!
We’ll make sure to share your kind words with Sam. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to El Salvador for another adventure someday!
M
michaelpG3308IA
July 23, 2026
Fun day in El Salvador
Great time and where else can you release a baby turtle into the wild? The mangrove was so cool too, got to see a crocodile right next to the boat. Waterfall stop was nice way to end the day…wish I brought my suit. Samuel our guide was friendly and so great! Nice car to ride around in too.
Operator response
Thanks a lot for your review! Wére happy you enjoyed the day with Samuel 😊
S
Sharon_K
January 15, 2026
Don't miss this tour!
This was a private tour with just my husband and I. Our driver, Samuel was very careful and safe. Our tour guide, Elisa, spoke great English and explained everything well. Both Samuel and Elisa were a pleasure to be with all day long. The highlights were the turtle release and the mangrove cruise. The walk to the waterfall was about 15 minutes on a rocky path. I highly recommend this Expedition Maya and it's employees!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re very happy you enjoyed the tour, especially the turtle release and mangrove cruise. It was a pleasure spending the day with you, and thank you for recommending Expedition Maya. We hope to see you again in El Salvador!
T
torchh2022
December 21, 2025
Authentic view of El Salvador
We had an amazing experience on the Nature Adventure in the Mangroves of Barra de Santiago! Ellisa was our guide, and she was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. She took us through the mangroves, which were beautiful and peaceful, and we were lucky enough to see crocodiles and many different bird species along the way.
One of the most meaningful parts of the tour was the turtle release. It was such an important and unforgettable experience, and something truly special that sets this tour apart from others. You can really see the care and passion Ellisa has for the environment and conservation.
We also visited a waterfall, which was a perfect way to end the day. Everything about the tour was well organized and enjoyable. Ellisa was incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive. She helped us take pictures and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the day. I genuinely hope her company continues to grow because she offers something unique and impactful.
For anyone worried about transportation, there’s nothing to worry about at all. The van was very comfortable and clean, and our driver Mauricio did an excellent job. He was safe, professional, and friendly.
I highly recommend this tour. If you’re looking for an authentic experience then this is the one.
Operator response
Thank you so much for this wonderful and thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to us.
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the mangroves of Barra de Santiago and that the wildlife encounters, especially the turtle release, made such a strong impression. Sharing meaningful conservation experiences and authentic moments in nature is exactly what we aim to offer, so your words really touch us.
It was a pleasure to guide you, and I’m very happy you felt well taken care of throughout the day. A big thank you as well for mentioning Mauricio — I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him.
Your support and encouragement mean the world to us and motivate us to keep growing and doing what we love. We hope to welcome you back to El Salvador one day for another adventure 🌿
L
lisadS86FD
June 5, 2025
Amazing!
We had an amazing experience. Our guide, Aleesa, and driver were of the highest quality. Very detail oriented. Highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad to hear you had an amazing experience. It was a real pleasure guiding you and your family. Your recommendation truly means a lot to us!
C
CieraDrake
June 5, 2025
Best Life Moment
Every once in a while we have an experience that I didn’t really think was possible and this was one of those times! Helping release baby sea turtles back into the ocean was a top 10 life moment for me. Plus, I always love an opportunity to work with a women’s organization.
Then, we took a boat ride with a local through the mangroves to check out the local crocodiles, birds and crabs.
After, we had lunch at a really cool spot on the ocean and visited a beautiful waterfall.
Elisa was amazing. One of the best guides I’ve had. She’s accommodating, informative, warm, never rushed us, and I appreciated that everywhere we went, she picked up trash!
I would recommend, this was a highlight, and the best wildlife of our El Salvador trip.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your beautiful words! It truly means a lot to know that this experience was one of your top 10 life moments — what an honor to be part of that. Releasing baby sea turtles is always magical, and I’m so glad you enjoyed connecting with the local women’s organization and exploring the mangroves. I'm also touched by your kind comments — it was a real pleasure guiding you, and I’m happy to hear that the pace, the places, and the little details made a difference. Thank you for recommending the tour — I hope your memories of El Salvador stay with you for a long time!
See you soon,
Elisa
N
noam_cz
May 7, 2025
Wildlife experiences.
Great time spent in the mangroves of Barra de Santiago! The place is beautiful, super peaceful, and we had the chance to observe quite a few crocodiles during the boat ride. It was impressive to see them so closely in their environment. A beautiful adventure in nature, as I love them.
Operator response
Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis que cette expérience nature vous ait plu :)
B
BlackSchwann
April 25, 2025
Unforgettable experience
Immersion in the mangroves amid crocodiles in a motorboat, surrounded by tropical birds, change of scenery guaranteed! The corner is not crowded, you feel adventurous:)
Then head to the sandy beaches, to land and save the turtles and talk with the association: this day is memorable. Thank you for this amazing experience!!
Operator response
Merci infiniment pour votre message ! 🐊🦜🐢
Nous sommes ravis que cette journée d'immersion entre mangroves, plages sauvages et rencontre avec les tortues t'ait autant marqué. C'est exactement ce que nous aimons partager : des aventures authentiques et engagées !
Compare similar tours in San Salvador
Lowest price: Fun Walking Tour of San Salvador's Historic Center — $20
Best rated: Best Day Tour: Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Lake Coatepeque — 4.9 (900 reviews)
Shortest: Fun Walking Tour of San Salvador's Historic Center — 3 hours
