Surfing in San Juan del Sur
In southwest Nicaragua, on the Emerald Coast, near the border with Costa Rica, San Juan del Sur is a vibrant town with a large ex-pat community and an excellent surf beach just 20 miles to the north. The town itself is filled with colorful buildings and murals. There is also a large Christ of the Mercy statue perched on a hill overlooking the city below that is worth a hike up for sunset, especially to experience the views. And then there is the long gold-sand meets Pacific Ocean Playa Maderas beach, which is also lined with small hotels and eco-resorts. It picks up most of the swells that hit Nicaragua and is best approached at medium to high tide. The beach is also known for its long, drawn-out sunsets with an amazing display of bright, shifting colors.
A hit with surfers and backpackers, San Juan del Sur is the most popular beach destination, and also the best things to do in Nicaragua. All the beaches are beautiful and lapped by warm water. Here you’ll find great surfing, the second-largest statue of Jesus in the world (behind Christ the Redeemer in Brazil), and lots of cheap bars. Expect to pay around $30 USD for a two-hour group surf lesson. Other popular activities include taking an ATV tour and heading to Ometepe Island for a day trip. All the beach lovers and amateur surfers will go head over heels for San Juan Del Sur the second they set foot on the white sand beaches. Though this buzzing fishing village remains a somewhat hidden gem, it’s starting to gain serious momentum with the tourist crowd since its allure is absolutely undeniable.
