Puerto de Acajutla
Description
El Salvador’s main maritime gateway
The Port of Acajutla is the main seaport on the Pacific coast of El Salvador and serves as a strategic entry point for cruise ships touring the Central American Pacific coast. It is located in the Sonsonate department and is managed by the Autonomous Port Executive Commission (CEPA) in collaboration with the Maritime Port Authority (AMP).
Cruise operations and Shore Excursions (Shorex)
Although its infrastructure is predominantly commercial, in recent years it has been successfully adapted for small and medium-draft cruise ship operations. The nearest port city is located about 5 km from the cruise pier. Regarding tourism use, cruise passengers generally participate in organized shore excursions right from the dock, which gives a more “authentic” and less crowded touch to the arrival.
Relevant technical and logistical data
Below are the most relevant technical and operational data for cruise operations in Acajutla:
| Item | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| UN/LOCODE | SVAQJ |
| Geographic coordinates | Approximately 13°34′ N, 89°49′ W |
| Type of port / infrastructure | Seaport with docks, breakwater |
| Draft / permitted depth | Up to about 12 – 12.8 m for the offshore terminal (authorized zone) |
| Draft at cargo pier / general pier | Between 11 m and 12.2 m at cargo piers |
| Anchorage depth / nautical channel | Authorized offshore zone with a maximum draft of ~12.8 m |
| Available port services | Pilotage, tugboats (use of up to two tugboats > 1,500 HP and one smaller) |
| Type of goods (usual port use) | Containers, general cargo, liquid and solid bulk, petroleum products |
| Capacity / storage area (containers, yard) | Currently ~91,000 m² to handle up to 350,000 containers annually (after expansion) |
| Expansion plans / future | ~US$1.62 billion concession by Yilport to expand Acajutla, tripling capacity. Other sources estimate that upon completion of the works, the port will be able to handle more than 235,000 containers annually in certain expansion phases. |
| Nearby attractions (logistics for cruise passengers) | Excursions to volcanoes, coffee plantations, archaeological sites, nature within a short distance. |
The Avitours Experience as a Ground Handler
As your DMC in El Salvador, at Avitours we are the ideal logistical partner for ground handling operations for cruise lines. We deploy fleets of executive transportation directly at the port to connect passengers with major tourist attractions a short distance away. We guarantee on-time return to the ship, certified bilingual guides, and a premium service for unforgettable shore excursions (Shorex).