NI
San Juan del Sur
A Pacific beach town on a horseshoe bay, a base for surfing, sunsets and turtle nesting
A Pacific beach town on a horseshoe bay, a base for surfing, sunsets and turtle nesting
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
The US asks travellers to reconsider travel to Nicaragua because of arbitrary enforcement of laws and the risk of detention, and entry can be refused without explanation. Check the latest advice before booking.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
The town has colourful wooden houses, beach bars and a seafront lined with restaurants. Fishing boats anchor in the bay.
Photo: Lubi nuñez, CC BY-SA 4.0
A large statue of Christ stands on the headland at the north end of the bay. You can walk or drive up for views over town; a small fee is charged.
Go in the late afternoon for sunset.
Photo: Lubi nuñez, CC BY-SA 4.0
North of town, this beach has consistent waves for surfing and surf schools. Shuttles run from town.
Photo: Jason Briscoe, CC0
Steady offshore winds make the coast good for surfing much of the year. Remanso, to the south, has gentler waves for beginners.
Watch for rip currents.
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0
Boat trips go along the coast to quieter beaches, for fishing or at sunset. Turtle-watching trips to La Flor are arranged in town.
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try gallo pinto (rice and beans), grilled fish and vigorón. Seafront restaurants serve fresh seafood.
The town market has cheap local food stalls.
San Juan del Sur is about 140km from Managua, roughly 2.5 hours by road. Chicken buses run via Rivas, and shuttles run from Managua, Granada and the Costa Rica border at Peñas Blancas.
Taxis and shuttles go to the surf beaches.
Nicaragua uses the córdoba (NIO). US dollars are widely accepted.
Beaches, surf and sunsets.
Explore town and walk up to the Cristo for sunset.
Take a surf lesson at Playa Maderas or Remanso.
Take a boat trip, or a night trip to La Flor in season.
Check your government’s current travel advice for Nicaragua.
Swim with care on surf beaches.
Visit La Flor with a guide; no flash photos.
Carry small notes in córdobas or dollars.
Quick answers for planning time in San Juan del Sur.
About 140km, roughly 2.5 hours by road.
Playa Maderas to the north and Remanso to the south.
Mainly July to December at the La Flor refuge.
The córdoba, though US dollars are widely accepted.
November to April, the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Nicaragua travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.