Violent crime is a serious problem throughout the country. However, murders in El Salvador tumbled 56.8% in 2022 amid a widespread crackdown on gang violence, according to the Country’s government, extending a sharp drop in killings in a nation which for years had one of the world's worst murder rates.
Some incidents of petty or opportunistic theft, but very few serious crimes against yachts have ever been reported.
Cruisers should take basic safety precautions and use common sense when ashore. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night. Don’t carry large amounts of cash around or wear expensive jewelry.
The risks of petty theft, pickpocketing and assault increases during regattas and festivals. Do not leave drinks unattended.
Road safety: Driving in El Salvador can be hazardous because local vehicles are often overloaded and poorly maintained. Criminals may assault travellers on isolated rural roads. Avoid driving after dark.
Street gangs: The majority of crimes are committed by organized street gangs (maras). While gang culture has spread throughout the country safeguarding measures have focused on areas most visited by tourists, such as the metropolitan area of San Salvador. In 2022 President Nayib Bukele asked Congress to approve a temporary state of emergency to combat gang violence. The controversial measure, which has been extended numerous times, remains in effect,
ATM fraud: Be cautious when using ATMs. Criminals observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals.
Public transportation: Use reputable tour operators, local or intercity public buses can be mechanically unreliable and passengers are known to be robbed.
Taxis are widely available but get local recommendations for safe options.
Dinghy thieves operate throughout South America and the Caribbean basin. Be sure to lift, chain, and lock your dinghy and outboard when not in use, especially at night. When leaving your dinghy ashore, ensure that your dinghy and outboard are securely locked.
AirTags and other cell based/Bluetooth tracking devices are being used by cruisers to track their dinghys/outboards. Some thieves are aware of this practice and may detect, locate and disable them. Understand the limitations of using tracking devices. (See this May 24 Jost Van Dyke, BVI CSSN report.) The use of GPS trackers (rather than Bluetooth trackers) is recommended. See this Report by David Lyman.
Advice throughout the region is to remove items from the deck that may be tempting for thieves. When going ashore close all hatches, lock your boat, hide valuables out of sight and secure any loose items, including fuel/jerry cans and jugs. Keep the boat well-lit to deter boarders. It is also advisable to keep your cockpit/salon areas and hatches locked at night when sleeping onboard.
A new method of corruption appearing in Caribbean islands is for a “finders” fee to be demanded when a stolen dinghy is “found”. (See this Nov 23 Tyrell Bay, Carriacou CSSN report and this Apr 24 Clifton Harbour, SVG CSSN report.)
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) collects and shares reliable reports of crimes against yachts in the Caribbean, helping cruisers make informed decisions.
The CSSN website offers current and past incident reports, stats, regional piracy info, and annual summaries. Here are some of the ways to use their site:
Visit the CSSN Interactive Map to keep up to date with the latest incident reports.
Users can also check related security reports for El Salvador.
See General Info - Emergencies for more details.
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Not necessarily clearance agents, but an American couple in Bahia del Sol will help you coordinate a pilot boat and time to cross the bar at the entrance of the bay. With waves breaking on both sides of you when you cross the bar, this is tricky entrance and a few boats have capsized here in the past. Timing is important.
To arrange a pilot boat and discuss the procedures and timing for entry to Bahia del Sol, contact: Bill and Jean at Marina Bahia Del Sol, elsalvadorrally@aol.com or WhatsApp: +503 7487 4969 or +503 7490 6894
Marina Barrillas is now closed as a port of entry.