NI
San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua's easygoing Pacific surf-and-sunset town
Nicaragua's easygoing Pacific surf-and-sunset town
The town’s sheltered horseshoe bay is lined with seafood restaurants and bars, calm enough for a swim and the gathering point for the town’s famous Pacific sunsets.
💡 Grab a beachfront table for sunset over the bay.
One of the tallest Jesus statues in the world stands on the northern headland; the climb or drive up rewards with a panorama over the bay and coastline.
💡 Go late afternoon for cooler air and golden-hour views.
The area’s best-known surf beach, a short shuttle north of town, offers consistent waves, a laid-back beach-bar scene and legendary sunsets.
💡 Catch the surf shuttle from town and stay for the sunset.
South of town, this protected beach hosts mass arrivals of nesting olive ridley sea turtles, an unforgettable sight on guided evening visits in season.
💡 Turtle arribadas peak July to January; go on a guided tour.
A long, wild expanse of golden sand and rolling surf south of town, a beautiful and quieter beach that has featured in reality TV, good for a full beach day.
💡 There is a small access fee; it is calmest on weekdays.
San Juan del Sur is all about the sea: fresh ceviche, grilled fish, lobster and shrimp at beachfront tables, plus taco stands, backpacker cafes and international menus for the surf crowd. The Sunday funday pool crawl is a party institution, and the bay’s bars pour cold Toña and rum cocktails. Fish tacos at sunset are the quintessential local meal.
Settle in, walk the bay, climb to the Christ of the Mercy statue for the view, and toast the sunset from a beachfront bar.
Take the shuttle to Playa Maderas for surfing and beach time, staying for its famous sunset over the Pacific.
Spend the day at Playa Hermosa, then join an evening turtle tour at the La Flor refuge in season.
The best surf is at Maderas and Hermosa; use the surf shuttles or a taxi to reach them.
La Flor’s mass turtle nestings run roughly July to January; always visit with a guide.
Cash is needed for stands, shuttles and beach fees; cards work only in bigger spots.
November to April brings reliable sun; surf is good much of the year.
Colonial Granada, revolutionary Leon, the twin volcanoes of Ometepe, surf town San Juan del Sur and the castaway Corn Islands — Nicaragua at its best.