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Things to do

Boat days, beaches, sea turtles and day trips.

Last checked: October 2026

What are the top things to do in San Juan del Sur?

Get out on the water, surf one of the nearby beaches, and watch the sunset over the bay. A day on a boat covers the most in one go: fishing, snorkeling, wildlife and a quiet beach. Add a surf lesson at Remanso or Maderas, the Christ of Mercy viewpoint, and a day trip to Ometepe Island or the turtle beach at La Flor.

The detail

  1. A day on the boat. Fish, snorkel, look for dolphins, turtles and whales in season, then eat the catch as ceviche on a beach.
  2. Surf. Remanso for beginners, Maderas for consistent waves. See the beach guide below.
  3. Christ of Mercy (Cristo de la Misericordia). The statue above the north end of the bay has the best view of town. There's a small entry fee in cash.
  4. Sunset on the bay. Any beachfront restaurant in town works.
  5. Sea turtles at La Flor. July to January, at night, with a guide.
  6. Ometepe Island. Two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, about an hour by ferry from San Jorge.
  7. Sunday Funday. The weekly pool-party crawl, if that's your crowd.

How Mantra helps

The Blue Tour packs the first item into one day: fishing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, a beach stop and fresh ceviche. 5.5 hours, $75 per person, or $420 for a private boat for up to 6.

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Which beaches are best for surfing, swimming or relaxing?

For swimming, stay on the town beach, where the bay is calmer. For learning to surf, go to Remanso, about 10 minutes south. For bigger, consistent waves, go to Maderas, about 20 to 30 minutes north. For a quiet day, try Marsella next to Maderas, or Playa Hermosa to the south, which has hammocks, showers and a beach bar.

The detail

BeachWhereBest forGetting there
San Juan del Sur (town)In townSwimming, sunsets, gentle beginner wavesWalk
RemansoAbout 4.5 km southLearning to surfTaxi or shuttle, about 10 minutes
HermosaAbout 6 km southSurfing, lounging, facilities4x4 recommended; there is an entry fee
YankeeSouth, past HermosaSurfing, no crowds, no facilitiesCar or taxi, about 30 minutes
MarsellaAbout 5 km northQuiet beach daysTaxi or 4x4
MaderasAbout 5 km northConsistent surfBeach shuttle from Casa Oro (about $5 return) or taxi

The State Department warns that currents at Nicaraguan beaches are strong and lifeguards are rare. Ask locally before swimming at any beach outside town.

How Mantra helps

The Blue Tour stops at a beach you reach by boat.

[Name of the beach the Blue Tour stops at.]

For beach days by road, Mantra Vacations sets up a rental car at the cheapest price available, so you can try a different beach every day.

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How do I book a sunset cruise or deep-sea fishing charter in San Juan del Sur?

Book directly with the operator, usually on WhatsApp. One or two days ahead is often enough in the green season. Book a week or more ahead in December to April, or for groups. Before you pay, ask what's included (drinks, food, gear), how many people are on board, and what happens if weather cancels the trip.

The detail

Questions worth asking any boat operator:

  • Is there a life jacket for every person?
  • Is it shared or private, and what's the maximum on board?
  • Is the catch cooked for you?
  • What's the policy if the trip is cancelled for weather?
  • Where does the boat leave from, and at what time?

How Mantra helps

Every Mantra boat leaves from San Juan del Sur port and carries a life jacket for every guest.

Deep Sea Fishing Tour: a guided trip with a fishing guide, captain and large panga, and one beer per person. $600 for 6 hours or $700 for 8 hours, up to 7 guests. You choose the departure time.

Fishing Charter: our budget option, a private boat and captain with no guide on board. $320 for 3 hours, $370 for 4, $420 for 5, up to 6 guests. Add a fishing guide for $50.

Big Sugar: a private day for groups, birthdays and celebrations, from 12:00 to sunset. All-inclusive is $1,800 for 15 guests, or bring your own drinks for $1,500. Extra guests $90 to $100 each.

[Big Sugar: maximum number of guests.]

Ask on WhatsAppSee the Deep Sea Fishing TourSee the Fishing CharterSee the Big Sugar

Where can I see sea turtles nesting near San Juan del Sur?

At La Flor Wildlife Refuge, about 20 km south of San Juan del Sur. Olive ridley turtles nest there from July to January, peaking in September and October. They come ashore at night, usually between 9pm and 2am. On a big night, thousands arrive at once. In October 2026, rangers counted 32,949 nesting females in one mass arrival.

The detail

  • The mass arrivals are called arribadas. They last several nights and can't be predicted far ahead.
  • Go with a guide and follow the rangers. You're likely walking on nests even when you see no turtles.
  • No flash photography, and never shine a light at a turtle coming out of the water.
  • Outside the season, La Flor is a quiet beach with short trails.

How Mantra helps

We arrange turtle trips to La Flor in season, with transport and a guide who watches for arribada reports.

[Licensed guide, price and refuge entry fee.]

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Can I take a day trip to Ometepe Island or Granada from San Juan del Sur?

Yes. Ometepe is a full day: about 40 minutes by road to the San Jorge pier, then about an hour on the ferry. Ferries leave San Jorge from 7am, with the last one back in the late afternoon, so start early. Granada, the colonial city on Lake Nicaragua, is a longer drive north and easy to pair with Masaya.

The detail

  • Ometepe. Two volcanoes, the Ojo de Agua spring pool, beaches on the lake. Guides are required for volcano hikes. Ferries run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes; the schedule is the same on holidays.
  • Granada. Colorful colonial streets, the cathedral, boat trips around the islets on the lake. Easy to combine with the Masaya volcano or market.
  • [Drive time from San Juan del Sur to Granada.]
  • Doing it yourself means a bus or taxi to Rivas, then on to San Jorge. A private driver saves the transfers.

How Mantra helps

We run day trips to Ometepe Island, Masaya Volcano, León and Rivas, with a Mantra shuttle from San Juan del Sur.

[Prices, what's included, and whether we run Granada day trips.]

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