Acajutla, El Salvador's Pacific gateway, distinguishes itself among cruise ports with a cinematic coastal setting, a purpose-built terminal that blends efficiency with warmth, and a suite of signature Shore Experiences that bring guests face to face with the country’s vibrant heritage and dramatic landscapes. From the port, guests can choose immersive excursions such as a morning drive to the Izalco and Santa Ana volcanic belt for panoramic crater views, a sweet-and-spice tasting tour in the Ruta de las Flores towns like Ataco and Juayúa, and relaxing beach days on the golden sands of Costa del Sol, all just a short ride away. Inland adventures can include coffee plantation tours, birdwatching along mangrove estuaries, and cultural encounters with local artisans showcasing distinctive pottery, handwoven textiles, and pupusa-making demonstrations. The terminal itself is built to handle modern, mid-to-large cruise ships with wide promenades, shaded queuing areas, efficient immigration halls, state-of-the-art digital check-in, and easy tender platforms when ships anchor offshore, ensuring smooth embarkation and disembarkation. Onboard services supported by the port’s ecosystem emphasize comfort and personalization: multilingual guest services, excursion desks with curated Salvadoran experiences, private transfers for exclusive groups, and hospitality that blends hotel-grade service with local flavor—included snacks, refreshing beverages, and opportunities to sample regional cuisine right after debarkation. Together, Acajutla’s pristine coastline, diverse day-trip options, contemporary fleet-friendly facilities, and hospitality-driven shore programs offer a distinctly Salvadoran welcome that sets it apart from other Pacific port calls, turning every visit into a memorable gateway to El Salvador’s sun, culture, and natural beauty.
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Best Time to Visit
Jan–Apr
Typical Duration
22-24 nights
Price Range
From $50 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Gateway to Central America's Pacific coast, offering access to colonial architecture, coffee plantations, and nearby Mayan ruins for cruise passengers exploring the Panama Canal region.
Cruises that visit Acajutla
Build Your Day in Acajutla
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Royal Decameron Salinitas
High-end, all-inclusive hotel with a spa
Parque Arqueológico Tazumal
Great Salvadoran archeological site about an hour fr San Salvador.
Open · Closes 4 PM
Las Veraneras Villas & Resort
The beach is the nicest beach I have been to in El Salvador.
Restaurante Acajutla
Forget About NAWI this is the best food we had in El Salvador .
Open · Closes 9 PM
El Encuentro Sonsonate Mall
Loads of choice for food and clothes
Open · Closes 10 PM
Restaurante Cafe La Cueva
Highly recommend this option in Acajutla.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Restaurante "El Tayacán"
They have frozen drinks, chicken, stake, and seafood.
Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Beach Blue Mery
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu
Open · Closes 8 PM
Playa Los Almendros
Municipal market Acajutla
Open · Closes 4 PM
Family Pantry Acajutla
It is quite small but you can find here most of your essential needs.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Hostal y Restaurante Marsolie
I arrived on Holy Saturday and found myself surrounded by many locals.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Artisanal Fisherman's Wharf of Acajutla
Solymar
Open
El Ranchón
Good beach, good affordable food compare to other beaches
Playa Costa Azul
Water was warm and clear.
Centro Comercial Distrito Acajutla
Super market, dollar tree purchases are very convenient.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Bar Ballena
I had the jumbo shrimp and the cocktail platter assortment.
Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Hotel y Restaurante "Miramar"
Food was delicious and prices accordingly.
Open
Restaurante Hostal Kilo-5 Acajutla
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegetarian options
Open 24 hours
Plaza Santa Lucía
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails
Open · Closes 10 PM
Super Selectos
Same-day delivery·Credit cards
Open · Closes 10 PM
Comedor Cancun
The food is great with each day different menu and the prices even better.
Open
Cobanos Beach
It’s a very nice beach, but it’s looks dangerous to swim.
Playa las Flores
Bar Bambu Thai
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Food at bar
Open · Closes 10 PM
El Paraisal • Acajutla
As I have come to expect from El Salvador, friendly service and good food.
Los Cóbanos, Acajutla, Sonsonate, El Salvador
Great place for the little ones to enjoy the beach and good food around !
Restaurante Rancho Estero Metalio
The food is top-notch, 100% recommended.
Open
Samy Coffe-Shop
Open 24 hours
Playa de Acajutla
El Paraisal k5
Dine-in·Takeout
Open · Closes 6 PM
Rancho La Playa
The best food I’ve had in Acajutla!
Open · Closes 10 PM
Fuente De Flores Parque Botánico
Open · Closes 9:55 PM
Restaurante El Carricon
Friendly staff, good variety of dishes and cheap beer.
Open
Wharf Lookout
Open 24 hours
Pupuseria Yaya
And honestly BEST PUPUSAS I’ve had in El Salvador.
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Thu
China Wok • Distrito Acajutla
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Open · Closes 8:30 PM
Bar Las Peñas
Cash-only·Food at bar
Closed · Opens 3 PM
La Galerita
Open
Dollarcity
In-store shopping
Open · Closes 9 PM
Anthony's Pastelería Acajutla
Delivery
Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Cocteleria July's
Cash-only·Great cocktails
Open · Closes 8 PM
LA COCINA DEL GORDO
Open
Piscina De Agua Salada - Royal Decameron Salintas
Lunada Acajutla
Closed · Opens 12 AM Sat
IKIGAI
Open
Pluma hacia Playa Los Almendros
Chack Balam
Open
Coffee House.
Fantastic coffee, very nice people and a food menu as well.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Playa Los Lagartos
Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Acajutla Pearl of the Pacific
Open · Closes 6 PM
Muellecito CUELLAR
CASA DE PLAYA COSTA AZUL
Open 24 hours
Party Time Disco
Dancing
Closed · Opens 8 PM Sat
Indio´s Beer´s
Playa De Acajutla Pilsener
Bungalows burgers
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Playa El Limon
Hacienda La Encantada.
Entre Brasas Acajutla
Open
Coctelería Costa Roca las peñas Acajutla
Cash-only·Outdoor seating
Closed · Opens 1 PM
Laud Café Bistro
Dine-in
Open · Closes 8 PM
Comedor El Patio de mi abuela
Open
Hotel y restaurante los 3 fuegos
Open
Anthony's Pastelería • Distrito Acajutla
Dine-in·Takeout
La Placita Café
Dine-in·Takeout
Open · Closes 8 PM
Sweet and Salty
Curbside pickup·Delivery
Open · Closes 10 PM
Sabor Casero Acajutla
Dine-in·Takeout
Open · Closes 10 PM
Baratillo Acajutla
Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Tienda de Artículos Chinos Acajutla
Open · Closes 7 PM
Tito’s Beach Lounge
La taberna de Frodo
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Acajutla
Cruise Lines at Acajutla
- Holland America Line (5 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Acajutla
Cruises Visiting Acajutla
Ship Schedule at Acajutla
Acajutla Location
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Acajutla?
SVAQJ.
Where is Acajutla Port located?
On the Pacific coast of El Salvador, coordinates 13.5957, -89.8270894.
What is the port type?
Official port.
Which country does Acajutla belong to?
El Salvador.
What is Acajutla used for?
A commercial port for import and export cargo.