An essential destination for lovers of underwater tourism, this inlet in the department of Sonsonate, not far from the port of Acajutla, is also a sanctuary for numerous marine species, including wrecks invaded by coral.

Groupers, manta rays, turtles and dolphins lurk around the Madrona, the SS Douglas and the Sheriff Gone, old ships turned artificial reefs that adorn this paradise declared a protected natural area almost two decades ago.

In addition, from November to January the giant humpback whale is sighted, measuring about 16 meters, perhaps the largest of the thousands of species that live in the colorful ecosystem, a sort of coral metropolis in the vastness of the oceans.

Outside the water, there are other reasons to visit this area, which covers some 21,000 hectares of rocky beaches, rivers, wetlands and land that contribute to raising awareness about environmental protection.

Four types of sea turtles, including the endangered hawksbill turtle, come to lay their eggs here. In turn, multiple native and migratory species feed and reproduce in this ecosystem, guaranteeing biodiversity.

However, poor fishing and tourism practices, erosion and pollution of the rivers that flow into Los Cóbanos threaten the only coral reef in El Salvador, although global warming causes the greatest damage.

In fact, its coloration changes from the brownish brown impregnated by the plankton to the pallor caused by exposure to the sun at low tide, a calcination that fragments the colonial animals and destroys the habitat of numerous species, particularly algae.

In addition to being a natural filter that releases oxygen, the Los Cóbanos coral reserve contributes to the livelihood of thousands of people: a healthy reef guarantees fishing and tourism and, therefore, the family “pisto” (money). We must take care of it.

pgh/cmv