San Juan del Sur On Your Own

The 10 Top Things to do in San Juan del Sur

There's a surprisingly large number of things to do in and around the small town of San Juan del Sur. If you're Nicaragua bound, just count yourself as one of the lucky ones.

1. Explore the beautiful Colonial town of Granada. It's history goes back to the 16th Century.


2. Exercise your shopping gene on a trip to Masaya. Masaya is ground zero for arts and crafts in Nicaragua.


3. Dude, catch some waves. San Juan del Sur is the epicenter of surfing in Nicaragua.


4. Spend a half day at sea aboard the Pelican Eyes. It's a 41-foot sloop, and it's ready to take you away to undiscovered bays for an idyllic ride on the Pacific.


5. Enjoy a day pass at the Pelican Eyes Resort. San Juan del Sur plays host to this 4-star hotel. Spend some time around their pool, have a drink at their bar, and enjoy some of their excellent cuisine.


6. Do the Spa thing. Traveling is terribly stressful, but a spa treatment will work out all your kinks.


7. Go Sportsfishing. Why not spend some time in San Juan del Sur testing your angling skills?


8. Buy some coffee beans. Nicaragua grows some mighty good coffee; take home some of these magic beans.


9. Spend three hours in the saddle. Enjoy a morning or afternoon of horseback riding at Rancho Chilamate.


10. Enjoy a drink at a beachside restaurant. Grab a seat and relax with a drink; it's an essential part of the concept of "vacation."

Getting Around

Orientation

Your ship will lay anchor in the bay, and passengers are transported to shore aboard your ship's tenders. You'll land on the dock at the south end of the bay, where a small band of musicians will greet you with Nicaraguan music. Here you'll also find a small group of vendors hawking their wares of locally-made craft items, ersatz cigars and post-dated bags of coffee. It's a 5 minute walk from the dock to the center of San Juan del Sur. If you're going on a shore excursion, you'll board your transportation at the dock.

Walking

Since San Juan del Sur is such a small place, there's no better way to see the town than walking. It takes around 5 minutes to walk to the center of San Juan del Sur from the dock.

Beach Shuttles

Beach shuttles are the way that surfers get from San Juan del Sur to their favorite surfing beaches. They are loosely organized by the folks in the numerous surf shops that dot the town. The shuttles are high axle 4WD vehicles that can more readily navigate the rutted roads that are a feature of rural Nicaragua. If you're going surfing, check with the surf shops for a ride. But mind your schedule so you can re-board the tender in time for your ship's departure!

Taxis

San Juan del Sur's taxi fleet can be found in the center of the city near the marketplace. As you walk by, they'll yell "Taxi, Taxi!" Frankly, if you're traveling within the town, there's no need for a taxi. If you're going to Granada or Masaya or Lake Nicaragua, book a day or private tour with one of the tour operators we list below.

Shopping

What's Special in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a town whose tourist industry focuses on surfers and eco-tourists, not cruise ship passengers. Don't expect lavish malls, chic shops and a Diamonds International boutique crowding the Malecon. And if you go to Granada, don't look for the above either.

This is a poor country, so most of the things to buy are handmade. Probably the best buys here will be handicrafts, coffee, cigars and leather goods. The town of Masaya, located north of Granada, is definitely your best bet for handicrafts and leather goods.

See our Map of Recommended San Juan del Sur Shops for the locations of the shops listed below.

El Gato Negro
Coffee Beans
Nicaragua grows some mighty good coffee beans. Relax with a cup of coffee or espresso at El Gato Negro, and if you like it--which you will--buy some beans to enjoy back home.

As a rule, good Nicaraguan coffees are considered a "classic" cup: great body, clean flavor and balance. If you're a coffee fanatic, but unfamiliar with Nicaraguan beans, the Espresso & Coffee Guide describes Nicaraguan coffee thusly: "With a medium to full body and a mild yet distinct acidity, Nicaraguan coffees provide rich yet subtle flavors, sweet and balanced, with a nutty bouquet that often exhibits notes of vanilla."

Dockside Market
Handicrafts & Souvenirs
You'll be landing at the tender dock in town, and if you're going on an excursion, you'll pick up your bus here. While you're waiting to board, or on your return to San Juan del Sur, there's a small group of vendors who sell a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. Check the expiration date on any coffee beans they sell you; also, the cigars may carry brand names, but the prices are very low--of course, they're fakes. And they're not even very good fakes, or very good or stogies, for that matter.

Surf Shops

Surfing is a big cottage industry in San Juan del Sur, complete with around 10 surf shops in the town. If you're looking for some gear, like clothes, sandals, sunglasses, tees and sunscreen, the surf shops carry these items, as well as surfer gear. They also arrange transportation to local beaches, and offer panga fishing trips as a sideline.

San Juan del Sur Surf & Sport
San Juan del Sur Surf & Sport sells, t-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals, and other souvenirs. Their store is located across from the market, off of Avenida Mercado.
Phone: 954-557-4933

Arena Caliente Surf Shop
Established in 1999, Arena Caliente is the original Surf Shop in San Juan del Sur. While their primary activity is running a week-long surf camp program, the company also has a surf shop in the central area of town, just down the street from SJDS Surf & Sport near the market.

Nicaraguan Cuisine

Nicaraguan cuisine is notable for the strong influence of indigenous cultures, often integrated with the cuisine of immigrant groups. You'll find a large variety of regional dishes as you travel through the country, but you'll find a common thread in some of the dishes we list below. Because Nicaragua is bordered by both the Caribbean and the Pacific, seafood is an important feature of regional cuisine.

Meals in Nicaragua are generally made from traditional foods, including corn, rice, beans, plantains, yucca and a variety of peppers and spices. Meats include chicken, beef, fish and seafood, particularly along the coasts.

Traditional Dishes of Nicaragua

• Gallo Pinto: a Nicaraguan staple, gallo pinto is made of pre-cooked rice and beans fried together. It is considered the national dish of Nicaragua, and is eaten as a part of any meal, although mostly for breakfast.


• Nacatamal: This is a Nicaraguan tamale; they are much larger than the tamales typical of Mexico. Made of a corn tortilla stuffed with pork (or other meats), potatoes and vegetables, Nicaraguans eat nacatamales typically on Sunday morning with bread or coffee; they are also eaten during lunch or dinner any time of the week.


• Tostones: made from sliced green plantains, which are cut either length-wise or width-wise and are twice fried. They are salted and eaten much like potato chips or French fries.


• Quesillo: a snack typically made from a thick corn tortilla wrapped around soft cheese, pickled onions and a sauce of sour cream or liquid cheese and vinegar. In Nicaragua, they're encased in plastic, and after ripping off a corner, are eaten by squeezing the quesillo out the hole.


• Chicharrones: A dish made of deep fried pork rinds; they're typically eaten as a snack.


• Pastel Tres Leches: A delicious dessert, Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream.


• Macua: the National Drink of Nicaragua, the macua is a cocktail made with white rum and fruit juices, usually lemon and guava juice. "True" macuas are made with Flor de Cana rum.


• Nica Libre: named in homage to the Sandinistas' amigos in Cuba, for whom Nicaraguan political leaders seem to have an affinity, the Nica Libre is made with rum and Coca Cola.

Restaurants

San Juan del Sur is a tourist town catering to visitors from North America and Europe. As a result, it's got many restaurants that do a yeoman's job in the food department.

In general, the food in Nicaragua is pretty inexpensive. If you opt to dine at one of the local market food stalls, a meal can cost as little as $2 or $3 for a lunch of gallo pinto, fried fish and cabbage slaw. On the other hand, you can enjoy a tasty meal at a reasonable price at one of the beachside restaurants, or at one of those in town as well. Many of San Juan del Sur's restaurants feature delicious seafood dishes, including lobster.

See our Recommended San Juan del Sur Restaurants Map for the locations of the restaurants listed below.

Recommended Restaurants in San Juan del Sur

Big Wave Dave's
Gringo food
Big Wave Dave's is a popular place for tourists. Decked out with several TV sets so you don't miss your favorite game, Dave's is the kind of place where you'll be tempted to order a cold one and enjoy the bar's convivial atmosphere.

Big Wave Dave's is aptly known for its excellent breakfast, which is served all day, and their comfort food-laden menu includes chili, soups, burgers, nachos, meatloaf, salads and other Gringo food. Open daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Big Wave Dave's is located on Calle del Tropezon, which is the main road into town.

El Timon
Seafood
This beachside restaurant is a local landmark, and specializes in fresh seafood. Try the seafood soup, their snapper fried with garlic, or a lobster. And since you're on the beach, you will feel obligated to buy an adult beverage with rum in it. Of course it has a great view, with refreshing breezes wafting through the place. Located on the beachside malecon, it's hard to miss. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

La Cascada
International
Located at Pelican Eyes Hotel, La Cascada offers unique international and Nicaraguan gourmet fare. Guests can dine al fresco by the pool or at an ocean-view table in the open-air dining room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They do a really good breakfast buffet, where favorites include freshly-baked bread, super-fresh fish and seafood, corned beef hash and eggs benedict. Their handcrafted pastries and desserts are excellent. A poolside menu featuring snacks and light lunches is offered. You can get Wi-Fi in their facility, and they also have a generator, so when the power goes out in the rest of town, they are still operational. Open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

Restaurant Buen Gusto
Seafood
Located right on the beach about 200 feet south of the El Timon restaurant is where you'll the Restaurant Buen Gusto. It's a rustic place, and one of the best of the beachside seafood restaurants. Order a macua--Nicaragua's national drink from their capable bartender. Their strawberry daiquiris are quite good as well.

Dorado's Bar & Grill
Seafood/Central American
Located across the street from the El Timon restaurant, the accommodating Dorado's Bar & Grill is a sports bar (with TV sets showing the latest game) with a big local following. Here you'll find attentive English-speaking service and good food. If you catch a fish while angling earlier in the day, you can take it to Dorado's, and they'll process it for you. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus drinks all day.

Pau Hana
Hawaiian
Sporting a Hawaiian inspired menu, Pau Hana's chef/owner Kenny offers up good burgers, fish tacos, a variety of healthy salads and yummy bar snacks. The service is good, too. If you catch a fish while angling earlier in the day, you can take it to Pau Hana, and chef Kenny will cook it for you.
Located on the beach about 200 feet north of the El Timon restaurant

El Gato Negro
The El Gato Negro is a coffee shop, cafe and bookstore with the largest selection of books in English. They sell sandwiches, crepes, pastries and fresh juices that hit the spot. Open from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. They're located at the corner of Calle del Tropezon at the intersection of Avenida Central.

Activities

Private Tour Guides

Iskra Tours
Iskra Tours is a local travel company that offers private, tailor-made tours of Granada, Masaya, the Masaya and Mombacho volcanos, the Apoyo crater and other points of interest in southern Nicaragua. All of the fully licensed tour guides speak English, the prices are reasonable, and you'll travel in a late model vehicle. Iskra Tours can accommodate groups that range in size from 2 to 10. They'll meet you at the dock in San Juan del Sur so you can begin your day's adventure right away.
Phone: (505) 2568-2054 Office (within Nicaragua); or (267) 248-0844 USA Line

Pelican Eyes Resort
The concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort is at your service in creating an individualized tour of Nicaragua during your stopover in the country. Whether you're looking to visit one or more of the country's famed colonial cities, such as Granada or Masaya, or spend a half day on the ocean sailing into undiscovered bays and inlets, or explore a world-renown turtle and wildlife refuge, your custom-designed tour awaits. Road trips will have you traveling in style in a top-flight vehicle for 1 to 6 people, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

The concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort can organize a trip in Nicaragua that will be the highlight of your cruise. Please make advance arrangements.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000; from the U.S. call: (310) 776-9364

Trips to Nearby Towns

Granada
Founded in 1524 by Spanish Conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba, Granada today retains much of its colonial charm. Here you can visit the city's colonial churches, walk down narrow cobblestone streets, and pass Spanish-style homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and bright Latin colors.

Granada is also known as La Gran Sultana, due to its Moorish and Andalusian-style appearance, unlike its sister city of Leon and historical rival, which has Castilian architectural features.

Granada sits on the northern shore of Lake Nicaragua. This massive freshwater lake was nicknamed La Mar Dulce (the sweet sea) by Spanish Conquerors, who at first believed it was an actual sea because of its oceanic qualities: large waves, heavy storms and nothing but water to the horizon.

During the mid-1850s, Granada was home to William Walker, the American filibuster, who took up residence in the city and attempted to take control of Central America as a ruling monarch. One of Walker's generals, Charles Frederick Henningsen, set the city ablaze before escaping in December 1856, destroying much of the ancient city and cynically leaving a note that said only "Here was Granada."

Granada features a number of interesting touristic venues, including the Parque Central (the main plaza) that fronts the ornate Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, as well as the Convent of San Francisco, founded in 1529, which is now a museum housing pre-Columbian statues unearthed on local volcanic islands.

Pelican Eyes Resort
The oldest colonial town in Central America, Granada was constructed by the Spanish as a showcase city. In recent years, its glorious homes and buildings have received numerous facelifts, and new restaurants, cafes and shops have opened by the score. The result? An almost regal beauty. Granada is Nicaragua at its most photogenic, with graceful adobes and elegantly proportioned porticoes drenched in rich tropical colors.

The concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort can organize a trip for you and your party to Granada and the surrounding attractions, including Los Isletas, that will be a highlight of your time in Nicaragua. Please make advance arrangements.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000; from the U.S. call: (310) 776-9364

Iskra Tours
On a tour to Granada, Iskra gives you several options. You can take a walking tour of the Parque Central in the city center, where you can explore the Culture Palace, the San Francisco Convent and a stone portico with sculpted lions, which is the only surviving portion of a Colonial building set ablaze by William Walker's forces in 1856. Alternatively, you can take a classic tour of the city in a horse-drawn carriage, or visit Lake Nicaragua and take a cruise through the beautiful Los Isletas.
Phone: (505) 2568-2054 Office (within Nicaragua); or (267) 248-0844 USA Line

Masaya
Masaya--the City of Flowers--is situated just 10 miles west of Granada, at the foot of the Masaya volcano. Masaya is also known as "The Cradle of Nicaraguan Folklore" and is the very heart of Nicaraguan arts and crafts production.

The main market in Masaya is located next to the central bus station. The market is divided into sections, with each section serving a different need. In addition to unique Nicaraguan products, such as hand woven hammocks, embroidered blouses, wood carvings and hemp weaving, the market is very diverse. An entire section of the market is dedicated to selling electronic devices and clothing, while another area is reserved for raw meat. Masaya's market is the Nicaraguan equivalent of a mall, selling seemingly everything the locals could ever want, from hardware and beauty supplies to produce from the surrounding area.

The Mercado de Artesanias (Craft Market) has been designated as a tourist market, where crafts from Masaya and other areas of Nicaragua can be found. In addition, every Thursday night there is a Noche de Verbena, or Night of Revelry, where folkloric dances are presented.

The historical city center has open plazas and two large Baroque churches dating from the 16th Century--the Assumption's Parish Church and St Gerome's Church.

Pelican Eyes Resort
You're invited to shop until you drop in Masaya, Catarina or San Juan del Oriente, where you'll discover the area's artisan markets and pottery shops. The famous Masaya Market, encased within the town's ancient castle walls, sells Nicaraguan art, crafts and souvenirs, ranging from wood carvings, fiber handicrafts, high-quality bags and hammocks to the local artisans' stunning etched pottery that's unique to Central America.

The concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort can organize a trip to Masaya and the surrounding attractions for you that will be a highlight of your time in Nicaragua. Please make advance arrangements.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000; from the U.S. call: (310) 776-9364

Iskra Tours
Iskra Tours' trips to Masaya will take you to the still active yet easily accessible Masaya volcano, which is nearby the city of Masaya. At the volcano, you'll find walking trails and a visitor center, and you'll have plenty of time to explore the area. You can also visit El mirador de Catarina, an overlook that provides you with a phenomenal panoramic view of the volcanoes, the Apoyo lagoon and area's lakes. And of course no trip to Masaya is complete without visiting the Mercado Viejo for some great shopping for Nicaraguan arts and crafts.
Phone: (505) 2568-2054 Office (within Nicaragua); or (267) 248-0844 USA Line

Day Pass at a Local Resort

The Pelican Eyes Resort is a 4-star getaway just 6 blocks from the dock in San Juan del Sur. The resort sits on a hill, affording its visitors to enjoy an idyllic view of the town, the cove and the Pacific Ocean.

Frankly, the words "Day Pass" are a bit of a misnomer. What they do offer is wonderful Nicaraguan hospitality, a fantastic venue with a pool to cool off in and a restaurant and bar that will accommodate everyone in your party.

The Pelican Eyes' La Cascada Bar & Restaurant is where you can dine al fresco by the pool or at an ocean-view table in the open-air dining room overlooking the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Cascada features signature dishes prepared using only the freshest local ingredients. They also offer a poolside menu for snacks and light lunches. The La Cascada bar features a full cocktail menu, plus local and international beers, and an impressive wine list.

The Pelican Eyes Resort accepts cash, credit cards and ATM cards; however, travelers checks are not accepted.

Explore the Pelican Eyes facilities with this resort map.

Diving

The ocean off of southwestern Nicaragua has been declared a National Reserve, and is protected by the government. Here you'll find coral reefs teeming with marine life, and from late December to early March, visibility is optimal. It's these conditions that make scuba diving San Juan del Sur a good option for both new and experienced divers.

There are a couple of dive sites that are easily accessible from San Juan del Sur. The island of La Paloma is only 25 minutes away, and the reef off of La Flor is just 40 minutes from town; both feature pinnacles not too far from shore. In addition, a sunken Russian shrimp boat sits in 52 feet of water just off of La Paloma.

The marine life you'll encounter include barbers, Cortez angelfish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, trigger fish, bermuda chubbs, blennies, gobbies, sand rays, spotted eagle rays, southern stingrays, sea devil rays, spotted eels, garden eels, sea snakes, lobsters, octopus, Olive Ridley turtles, dolphins, whales, Dolphin fish, Barracuda, Tarpon, Horse eyes Jacks, black tuna, grouper, scorpion fish and star fish.

San Juan del Sur is home to a couple of scuba diving operations, including:

Neptune Watersports
For the past 10 years, Fidel Lopez has operated Neptune Watersports in San Juan del Sur. Neptune is the first Nicaraguan owned and operated dive shop in the country. Fidel is a PADI certified Open Water Scuba Instructor. He's been a diving instructor since he was 21, and spent 11 years diving in Cozumel. Dive trips with Neptune include all the equipment that you'll need for a great time in San Jose del Sur's waters.
Phone: (505) 2568-2752; cell phone: (505) 8903-1122

Snorkeling Trips

Iskra Tours
Iskra tours can arrange a snorkeling trip aboard a local Panga boat, as well as all of the equipment rental details. Then you'll be off to explore the coral reefs that harbor an amazing variety of fish and sea life in the waters off the San Juan del Sur coastline.
Phone: (505) 2568-2054 Office (within Nicaragua); or (267) 248-0844 USA Line

Pelican Eyes Resort
"Panga" is the local term for a small outboard motor boat. The Pangas are canopy covered, providing some sun protection, and are available for hire to explore the phenomenal coastline and pristine beaches, stopping along the way for a swim, snorkeling, and a picnic.

The concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort can organize a snorkeling trip that will be a highlight of your time in Nicaragua. Please make advance arrangements.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000; from the U.S. call: (310) 776-9364

Turtles at La Flor Wildlife Refuge

The Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor (La Flor Wildlife Refuge) is best known for the annual migration of Olive Ridley turtles that come here to lay their eggs. From August to January, thousands of females will deposit their eggs along the half-mile long sandy beach.

In addition to the beach, the La Flor Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 2,400 acres of protected land that includes a tropical dry forest that is home to rare plant and flower species, as well as a mangrove swamp. The Refuge is open year round, and is located 40 minutes south of San Juan del Sur.

Pelican Eyes Resort
The concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort can organize a trip to the La Flor Wildlife Refuge for you that will be a highlight of your time in Nicaragua. Please make advance arrangements.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000; from the U.S. call: (310) 776-9364

Iskra Tours
Enjoy a trip to the La Flor Wildlife Refuge to admire all that it has to offer. Iskra Tours can arrange an all-inclusive trip to this natural wonder..
Phone: (505) 2568-2054 Office (within Nicaragua); or (267) 248-0844 USA Line

Canopy Tour

Da Flying Frog Canopy
A San Juan del Sur entrepreneur woke up one day with an Epiphany: tourists to the town would like something to do in the town aside from beach activities. So he built Da Flying Frog Canopy just a stone's throw from the village of San Juan del Sur. It's one of the few canopy tours to be found in Nicaragua.

If you've got 4 hours to spare, and want to take in this 16-line canopy tour, you'll have a fun time. The course is just over a mile and a half long, and each of the 17 stations is located in a tree equipped with a large wooden platform. The longest cable is just over 1,000 feet long, and you'll be sailing 200 feet above the ground. As you descend the hill, zipping from tree to tree, you'll enjoy great views of the Pacific and the surrounding countryside. You'll be sharing the trees with all sorts of wildlife; expect to see howler monkeys and a wide variety of endemic and migrating birds.

For those folks with acrophobia, or who like to live life on a saddle, you can go horseback riding at the facility for $12 per hour.

Da Flying Frog is open Monday thru Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is closed on Sundays. Make sure to call ahead for a reservation. The operators can make arrangements to pick you up and drop you back off afterwards. The canopy tour costs US $30 per person.
Phone: (505) 8613 4460; (505) 8611 6214; and (505) 8465 6781

Pelican Eyes Resort
If you'd prefer, the concierge at the Pelican Eyes Resort can organize a trip to Da Flying Frog Canopy for you that will be a highlight of your time in Nicaragua. Please make advance arrangements.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000; from the U.S. call: (310) 776-9364

Sportsfishing

Enjoy some good sportsfishing on your trip to San Juan del Sur. The fish like it here, and you'll be targeting sailfish, marlin, dorado, roosterfish, mackerel, tuna (yellowfin, white, and black), wahoo, kingfish, barracuda and amberjack.

The prime time for fishing in San Juan del Sur is usually between early May and early November. Recommended charter operators include:

Aguaholic
Aguaholic offers full- and half-day on- or offshore fishing charters. Their friendly English speaking staff has been fishing and surfing the waters of San Juan Del Sur for over ten years, and is familiar with the local fishing patterns and surf conditions. Their half-day charter includes 6 hours of offshore and/or onshore fishing, depending on conditions and season. They'll meet you at the docks with the Aguaholic ready to go, decked out with all gear, bait, permits and a cooler of drinks. The price is $450.

Iskra Tours
Iskra Tours can arrange a full-day or half-day (morning or afternoon) fishing charter aboard a local panga boat. The pangas have all you'll need for a memorable fishing experience, including all gear, bait, permits and a cooler of drinks.
Phone: (505) 2568-2054 Office (within Nicaragua); or (267) 248-0844 USA Line

Sailing Tour

Pelican Eyes Resort
Explore the sunny (and largely undiscovered) southern Pacific coastline aboard the 41-foot sloop Pelican Eyes. The Pelican Eyes Resort offers a Full-day (8 hour) sailing trip that includes swimming and beachcombing in hidden Nicaraguan coastal bays; a gourmet BBQ lunch on a deserted white sand beach; snacks and desserts served throughout the day; your choice of beer, rum, soda, juice, and more; and a dedicated and attentive crew attuned to meet your every need. Their Half-day (4 hours) sailing trip includes a morning or afternoon sail; swimming and beachcombing; your choice of beer, rum, soda, juice, and more; snacks served during the sail; and an attentive crew attuned to meet your every need. Reservations should be made in advance.
Phone: 310-776-9364 (in the U.S.); or (505) 2563 7000 (in Nicaragua)

Horseback Riding

Rancho Chilamate
Join owner and Trail Boss Jamie Lake at his Rancho Chilamate, located just 6 miles south of San Juan del Sur. At this very eco-friendly ranch, you can take part in a number of different horseback riding options. Their most popular ride is a half-day (5 hour) Rural Nicaragua & Beach Tour that features transportation from San Juan del Sur to the ranch and return; western boots, hat and good tack; strong healthy horses; an English-speaking trail boss; Fun and Run; a total of 3 hours in the saddle; and the knowledge that a portion of every ride goes to the local community development fund. Plus you get a bonus: a photography shoot of your ride, all for the price of $59 per person. They also offer 4 additional tours.
Phone: (505) 8-755-6475

Spa Services

What's a vacation without a little self-indulgence? Fortunately, San Juan del Sur is home to two spa facilities that can make you whole again.

Pelican Eyes Resort
The Pelican Eyes Resort is home to their spa, the Casa Tranquila. They offer a full range of services, including Swedish, aromatic and therapeutic full body massages (1 hour for $50, 90 minutes for $70), four body buff treatment options, three different Body Cocoon treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures and combination packages. Located at the Pelican Eyes Resort in San Juan del Sur.
Phone: (505) 2563 7000.

Spa del Sur
Spa del Sur offers a full range of therapeutic, relaxing, beautifying and decadent spa treatments, provided by highly skilled spa specialists with extensive training and experience. Hour-long massages run $35, or $50 for 90 minutes. Other treatments include facials, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, body wraps and Thai foot massage. Located just a half block south of the municipal mercado in central San Jose del Sur.
Phone: (within Nicaragua) 8-381-7671

Surfing Trips

San Juan del Sur Surf & Sport
Surf & Sport owns two boats that are available for hire for either fishing or surfing trips. Their store stocks everything that you'll need for your trip, from surfboards and boogie boards to beach umbrellas, sunscreen, sunglasses, t-shirts and sandals. They also rent fishing poles, and offer surfing lessons. If you want to head to the beach by car, they can arrange that too, along with specialty tours. Contact owner Dario Obando at 505-2568-2022, or at his shop at 954-557-4933

Mope's Surf Shop
Gerardo, the owner of Mope's, is a local surfing legend. You can rent a board here if you didn't bring your own (and if you're on a cruise, why would you???) Gerardo can also arrange for transportation to one of the local surfing beaches, and even provide surfing lessons. Mope's is located on Avenida Bahia on the malecon.

Surfing Beaches near San Juan del Sur

If you're planning to go to any of the following beaches, you need to rent your board in San Juan del Sur, as they are unavailable on the beaches themselves.

Playa Maderas: Just 20 minutes north of San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas is the most popular surfing spot in the area; however, it's only accessible by 4WD vehicles, due to the condition of the road. The best bet for experienced surfers, Playa Maderas enjoys wave sets that range between 3 and 18 feet.

Playa Remanso: Located just 10 minutes south of San Juan del Sur, Playa Remanso is a good beach for surfing newbies, as the waves generally come in at a height of only 2 to 3 feet.

Playa Yankee: Playa Yankee is another beach that is geared to surfing newbies, and the waves generally come in at a height of 3 to 9 feet. Because Because it's located a little more than a half hour south of San Juan del Sur, it's less crowded. Access to Playa Yankee is by car.

Playa Coco: Located about 20 minutes south of San Juan del Sur is Playa Coco, a beautiful beach that is again geared to surfing newbies, as the waves are fairly moderate in size. Playa Coco has the advantage of having a restaurant/bar located right on the beach.