San Juan del Sur & Pacific
Surf beaches, turtle watching, and coastal sunsets 🐢🏄
San Juan del Sur is the primary beach destination on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, located in a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by steep hills. The town itself is lively and tourist-focused, with plenty of restaurants offering international menus that cater to picky eaters. High above the bay stands the Christ of the Mercy statue; a hike or drive up to the base rewards families with sweeping views of the coastline and is a great spot for sunset photos.
While the main town beach is busy with boats, the real appeal for families lies in the neighboring bays to the north and south. Playa Marsella is known for its calmer waters suitable for swimming, while Playa Maderas offers rock pools to explore at low tide and surf schools for beginners. Many hotels in this region provide shuttles to these various beaches. The most significant natural event in the region occurs at the La Flor Wildlife Refuge, south of town. During the arribada season (typically July to January), thousands of sea turtles come ashore to nest. Guided night tours to see this, or early morning trips to see hatchlings release, are unforgettable educational experiences for children.
The region is also a base for ocean activities like whale watching (seasonal) and fishing trips. Accommodations range from backpacker hostels to family-friendly villas with pools, offering the most comfortable amenities found outside of the capital. The proximity to the Costa Rican border makes it a common entry or exit point for travelers combining both countries.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to rare tropical dry forests and the vital La Flor Sea Turtle Refuge, offering authentic wildlife encounters. Dry season ensures navigable trails and clear vistas; extreme rainfall from June to October (peaking at 289mm) creates hazardous trail conditions and limits exploration.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features a stunning array of 'scalloped' bays and private cove beaches with high-end eco-boutique resorts. Peak dry season offers perfect 30°C temps and low humidity; the May-October rainy season exceeds 150mm monthly, resulting in poor sea visibility and frequent storms.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
San Juan del Sur has consistent surf but calling it a 'global surfing mecca' is inflated. Waves are generally small-to-medium; it's regionally popular in Central America but doesn't compare to truly excellent global surf destinations (Pipeline, Jeffreys Bay, Mentawais, Gold Coast). 'Very good' accurately reflects strong regional surfing with good consistency.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides unique scientific opportunities to witness 'arribadas' (mass sea turtle nestings) under expert guidance. The end of the year offers the best balance of active nesting/hatching and improving weather, whereas the early year dry season sees a total absence of nesting activity.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Described as 'emerging hub' for wellness — by definition, an emerging destination is not yet 'very good'. Nicaragua's Pacific coast wellness infrastructure is developing but limited compared to established wellness destinations in Costa Rica, Mexico, or Southeast Asia. 'Good' better reflects the current state.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Rugged coastal routes lead to secluded gems like Playa Hermosa, offering a genuine sense of discovery for families in 4x4 vehicles. Travel is best in the dry season when dirt roads are stable; heavy rains in the off-season frequently cause road washouts and render remote bays inaccessible.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
The town of San Juan del Sur and nearby fishing villages provide authentic local culture and dining, though it lacks the historic depth of UNESCO cities like Granada. Dry season months are ideal for exploring the harbor and the iconic Christ of the Mercy statue.
Attractions (32 total)
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Carretera Costanera (Southern Pacific Coastal Highway)
San Juan del Sur
35km paved and improved gravel coastal route (1 hour) connecting San Juan del Sur to the Tola region. Part of a major national tourism project, it offers elevated vistas of the Pacific coastline and access to the Emerald Coast's premier beaches.
Visit website →The Chocolata Road (Route to Playa Maderas)
San Juan del Sur
10km well-maintained gravel road (25 mins). This iconic local road trip winds through the dry tropical forest north of San Juan del Sur, leading travelers to the famous surf beaches of Playa Marsella and Playa Maderas. High-clearance vehicle recommended during the rainy season.
Visit website →NIC-16 Scenic Corridor
Rivas
20km paved highway (30 mins). This essential tourist route connects the Pan-American Highway to the coast. Its centerpiece is the Mirador de la Virgen, an overlook providing a world-famous panoramic view of the dual volcanoes of Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Christ of the Mercy Statue
San Juan del Sur
One of the world's largest statues of Jesus, this landmark offers families breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific coast and the town of San Juan del Sur.
Rivas Anthropological Museum
Rivas
Housed in the historic Hacienda Santa Ursula, this museum provides an educational look at the region's pre-Columbian artifacts and colonial history for all ages.
San Pedro Church
Rivas
This historic 19th-century neoclassical cathedral is a significant cultural landmark known for its intricate altars and role in the historic Battle of Rivas.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Christ of the Mercy Trail
San Juan del Sur
2.1km round-trip hike, moderate difficulty, approximately 45-60 minutes duration, 108m elevation gain. The trail climbs steeply to one of the largest Jesus statues in the world. Bike rental: Gaby's Bike Rental (gabys-tours.com).
Visit website →Playa Hermosa Coastal Trail
Playa Hermosa
3.2km out-and-back trail, easy difficulty, 1 hour duration, 15m elevation gain. A scenic beach and jungle fringe walk along one of the region's longest and most pristine beaches. Famous for sea turtle sightings. Bike rental: Gaby's Bike Rental (gabys-tours.com).
Visit website →La Flor Wildlife Refuge Beach Loop
La Flor
4.0km loop, easy difficulty, 1.5 hours duration, 50m elevation gain. This route traverses the primary nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles, moving from the shoreline into the coastal dry forest and mangrove edges.
Visit website →San Juan del Sur to Playa Maderas Route
San Juan del Sur
9.5km point-to-point, moderate difficulty, 2.5 hours hiking or 1 hour cycling, 280m elevation gain. This gravel and dirt route connects the main bay to the surf hub of Playa Maderas through tropical dry forests. Bike rental: Gaby's Bike Rental (gabys-tours.com).
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Da' Flying Frog
San Juan del Sur
A popular canopy tour featuring 17 different ziplines that provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding tropical dry forest.
Visit website →Las Nubes Adventure Park
San Juan del Sur
An eco-adventure park offering ziplining and nature trails where visitors can observe sloths and monkeys from high-altitude lookout points.
Visit website →Playa Hermosa Beach Club
San Juan del Sur
A managed outdoor activity center on a private-access beach featuring surfing, horseback riding, and a turtle conservation program with extensive family facilities.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
La Flor Wildlife Refuge
San Juan del Sur
A vital protected sanctuary where visitors can witness thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles nesting and hatching on the shore.
Playa Maderas
San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua's premier surf beach, famous for its consistent year-round swell and iconic shark-fin rock formations.
Playa Marsella
San Juan del Sur
A tranquil and quiet bay with calm waters, providing a safe and peaceful environment for swimming and family kayaking.
Playa Remanso
San Juan del Sur
A small, sheltered cove popular with beginner surfers and families due to its manageable waves and friendly beachside cafes.
Playa Hermosa
San Juan del Sur
A long, pristine stretch of coastline with excellent amenities and gentle surf, ideal for a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming.
Playa San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur
The town's central bay beach, perfect for evening strolls, waterfront dining, and watching vibrant sunsets over the Pacific.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor
San Juan del Sur
A world-renowned wildlife refuge where families can witness olive ridley sea turtles nesting and hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
Parque de Aventuras Las Nubes
San Juan del Sur
A nature and adventure park where visitors can observe sloths and monkeys in a cloud forest environment with panoramic ocean views.
Visit website →Rancho Chilamate
San Juan del Sur
A premier eco-ranch offering authentic Nicaraguan horseback riding experiences through tropical forests and scenic coastal trails.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
San Juan del Sur Historic District
San Juan del Sur
A vibrant coastal area featuring colorful 19th-century wooden architecture and a rich history as a major transit port during the California Gold Rush.
Church of San Pedro de Rivas
Rivas
A beautiful 18th-century colonial church that serves as the spiritual and cultural heart of Rivas, known for its neoclassical facade and historic significance.
Rivas Museum of Anthropology and History
Rivas
Housed in the historic Hacienda Santa Ursula, this museum displays pre-Columbian artifacts and exhibits detailing the region's pivotal role in the 1856 Battle of Rivas.
Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Aguas Termales de Nahualapa
Rivas
Natural geothermal hot springs consisting of three rustic outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 38°C. These mineral-rich volcanic waters are a popular local destination for relaxation and therapeutic benefits, maintained as a community-managed site in a traditional rural setting.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Church of San Juan Bautista
San Juan del Sur
A charming and colorful parish church located in the town center, serving as a peaceful spiritual site and a central point of reference for visitors.
San Juan del Sur Malecón
San Juan del Sur
A vibrant waterfront boardwalk lined with restaurants and shops, perfect for families to enjoy sea breezes and the iconic town atmosphere.
San Pedro Cathedral
Rivas
A beautiful 18th-century colonial church featuring impressive neoclassical architecture and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors in the heart of Rivas.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museo de Antropología e Historia de Rivas
Rivas
Housed in a historic 18th-century hacienda, this museum showcases a collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial paintings, and regional historical artifacts.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Chacocente Wildlife Refuge
Rivas
One of the world's few massive turtle nesting sites, this reserve offers guided nature walks through rare tropical dry forest to pristine Pacific shores.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge
San Juan del Sur
A pristine protected beach offering calm waters, eco-friendly facilities, and turtle conservation programs, perfect for a relaxing family day in nature.