TURTLES.

Guardians of the Tide: Saving Sea Turtles in El Salvador.

Long before surfers carved waves and travelers chased sunsets, sea turtles were already gliding along El Salvador’s Pacific coast — ancient, graceful, and determined. For thousands of years, they returned to the same beaches, night after night, to lay their eggs beneath the starlit sky. And for the past 40 years, people here have been quietly working to protect that miracle.

Thanks to organizations like FUNZEL (The Zoological Foundation of El Salvador), what was once a disappearing dream is now a growing success story. From July to December, the country’s shoreline becomes a sanctuary — not just for turtles, but for hope.

Places like Barra de Santiago, Bahía de Jiquilisco, and Los Cóbanos transform into nesting grounds where dedicated locals and volunteers patrol the beaches, gently relocating eggs to hatcheries to keep them safe from poachers and predators. Tourists who visit during hatching season can often witness one of nature’s purest moments — the release of baby turtles making their first journey to the ocean.

It’s more than just a photo op. It’s a chance to be part of something real. By supporting these programs, donating, or simply spreading the word, travelers become allies in a story much bigger than themselves.

Sea turtle conservation in El Salvador is a quiet victory in a noisy world. It reminds us that nature still has a fighting chance — and that every small gesture counts.

Want to get involved? Visit funzel.org.sv to learn more about ongoing conservation efforts and seasonal experiences.

TURTLES.