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.
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Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
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Language
Spanish
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Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
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Best Time to Visit
Jan–Apr
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Typical Duration
22-24 nights
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Price Range
From $50 pp
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Port Type
Port of Call
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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
- cruises to Acajutla
- Acajutla sailings
- Acajutla cruises
- 16-night Holland America Line cruise
- 17-night Holland America Line cruise
- 18-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 21-night Holland America Line cruise
- 21-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 21-night Holland America Line cruise
- 22-night Holland America Line cruise
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
Lots of activities, all you can eat food and beverage.
Parque Arqueológico Tazumal
It is smaller and easy to get through so you can do several things in a day.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Santa Teresa Hot Springs.
There were so many areas to explore and the restaurant made delicious food!
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Las Veraneras Villas & Resort
Highly recommend for a unique and peaceful getaway!
Restaurante Acajutla
From a US-ES citizen, beautiful view and great food w great prices.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Restaurante Cafe La Cueva
Total cost $10USD.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Playa Los Almendros
Highly recommended!!!
Municipal market Acajutla
All in one place
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 AM Thu
Family Pantry Acajutla
They have a good selection of goods and seemed really inexpensive.
🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Artisanal Fisherman's Wharf of Acajutla
🕐 H5P7+2P9, Calle 24 de Octubre Poniente
Centro Comercial Distrito Acajutla
Super market, dollar tree purchases are very convenient.
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Bar Ballena
Love that place by the beach!
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Hotel y Restaurante "Miramar"
We didn’t stay in a room, just had dinner.
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Restaurante Hostal Kilo-5 Acajutla
Dine-in·No delivery
Plaza Santa Lucía
Everything was new, the experience, the sight and the food, perfect.
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Super Selectos
Same-day delivery·Credit cards
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
El Obelisco
Bar Bambu Thai
Ambience was nice and quiet which was great for date night.
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Samy Coffe-Shop
🕐 Open 24 hours
RESTAURANTE EL PARAISAL #3
Restaurant is clean including the bathrooms.
Los Cóbanos, Acajutla, Sonsonate, El Salvador
Great place for the little ones to enjoy the beach and good food around !
Playa de Acajutla
It is a nice raw beech, which is nice for a chage.
Centro de Atención al Cliente Claro | Acajutla
🕐 Closed · Opens 8:15 AM Thu
Rancho La Playa
The best food I’ve had in Acajutla!
🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Mirador El Majahua
Nice cute area to have lunch with a view.
Wharf Lookout
Bar Las Peñas
Dine-in
Dollarcity
In-store shopping
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
LA COCINA DEL GORDO
Dine-in·Takeout
🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM Thu
Ciber Cafe La RED
Reliable place
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Lunada Acajutla
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 AM Sat
IKIGAI
Good food though and well packaged for transport.
The Oasis Bar Ex-San Diego
Muellecito CUELLAR
Dine-in·Drive-through
CASA DE PLAYA COSTA AZUL
Indio´s Beer´s
Rancho Crepúsculo
Hacienda La Encantada.
Recommended.
Entre Brasas Acajutla
Dine-in·Drive-through·No-contact delivery
Coctelería Costa Roca las peñas Acajutla
Dine-in·Takeout
🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
Letrero de Bienvenida ACAJUTLA
Tienda de Artículos Chinos Acajutla
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Coctelería El Gordo
El sotano Acajutla
Delivery
🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
La taberna de Frodo
Tito’s Beach Lounge
Pepinos beers
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 (7 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.