Located on the southwest coast of Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur is a charming fishing village nestled in a bay that opens onto the Pacific Ocean. As one of the country’s most popular destinations, it attracts globetrotters and surfers from all over the world. Despite the influx of visitors, the authenticity of local life is palpable, and tourism harmonizes perfectly with the fishing activity that is part of the daily lives of Nicaraguans.
A Top-Notch Surfing Destination
San Juan del Sur has established itself as the go-to spot for surfing in Nicaragua. The village serves primarily as a base camp for reaching beaches that offer exceptional wave quality. Travelers from all over the world come here to conquer the Pacific Ocean’s tough waves. With such a variety, it becomes difficult to choose, as each beach has its own unique strengths.
- Playa Maderas is among the most popular and is only about a twenty-minute drive away.
- Playa Yankee offers a serious challenge for more experienced surfers.
- The beaches of Remanso, El Coco, or the magnificent Hermosa are ideal if you’re just starting out.
It was at Playa Hermosa that we temporarily gave up the comfort of our hammocks to take on the crashing waves. Surfing is a magnificent sport. Even if it’s physically demanding, you swallow a few mouthfuls of water with each missed wave, and your body feels a little sore afterward, it offers an incomparable sensation when you manage to stand on your board, carried by the ocean’s movement.
Swimming and Lounging
It’s not just surfers who will be delighted with the beaches of San Juan del Sur. If you prefer to lounge and enjoy the seaside, many beaches with calmer waters await you, such as Playa Marsella and the previously mentioned Playa Hermosa. The magic of Nicaragua lies in its almost pristine beaches. At Playa Hermosa, you’ll find only a small hotel with its restaurant, a few huts, and some hammocks.
During our visit, there were a maximum of fifty people present on a beach that stretches for several kilometers. This place has no large tourist resorts, only these few small huts with palm roofs that blend perfectly with their environment. It’s an immense strip of white sand, perfect for long walks.
The Village and the Bay of San Juan del Sur
What a pleasure it is to return to the village of San Juan after a day at the beach! Although less of a paradise than its neighbors, the beach of San Juan del Sur offers a warm atmosphere and exceptional sunsets over the bay. If you still have some energy, the statue of Christ at the top of the mountain at the end of the beach offers a magnificent view of the bay.
It is a real joy to watch the fishermen bustling about in the morning, setting sail just as their fathers and grandfathers did. Their sons eagerly await their return, while the birds are never far behind, ready to dive for their share of the catch. Settle into one of the restaurants along the beach and treat yourself to some delicious grilled fish. Once you’re well-fed, the small village of San Juan del Sur is a charming place for a stroll, with its colorful houses and lively market.
All photo credits: Rachel Latour
