El Salvador · Spearfishing zone
Area Marina Protegida Complejo Los Cobanos
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Area Marina Protegida Complejo Los Cobanos.
First officially declared marine protected natural area in El Salvador (Executive Decree No. 22, 12 Feb 2008; Ramsar site since 2 Feb 2019). The only coral-reef formation between Mexico and Costa Rica. Subject to a special regime under Art. 29 of the fisheries law and zoned into public-use, sustainable-use and strict-protection zones; diving and other in-water activities require MARN authorization and ranger (guardarrecursos) supervision. Critical nesting site for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
13.5283°N, 89.7578°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for El Salvador
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to the competent authority (formerly CENDEPESCA, since 2026 the Autoridad Salvadorena de Economia Azul - ASEA) following the requirements in the respective regulation; vessel-based activity also needs a 'zarpe via la pesca' from the Maritime Authority (AMP).
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · elsalvador.eregulations.org