Go 7 Places in Nicaragua for Golden Sands & Reefs

Updated On October 4, 2023
Nicaragua butterfly

Ready for amazing nature and beaches?

Nicaragua is the right place.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year to see these magical landscapes with their own eyes.

Lovers of windsurfing, volcanic landscapes and lovers of monuments of ancient civilizations flock to these beaches all year round.

National parks occupy vast territories.

The dazzling whiteness of the coasts contrasts with the blue ocean just like skyscrapers with slums.

It was difficult for us, but we still chose 7 amazing places that are worth visiting for everyone who travels to this country.

Enjoy!

1. Corn Islands

Yellow sky through a palm leaf
Yellow sky through a palm leaf

Let’s call it a secret island.

And it’s not because it’s hard to get there, but because of the distance.

Not all visitors, who came to Nicaragua, come here.

Good for you!

The life here is relaxing on secluded beaches, hanging in hammocks, cooking dinner on beach bonfires and eating fresh fish.

The Cornish Islands are two islands located approximately 70 kilometers east of the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua.

No roads, no cars, no banks, no mail.

The Internet is only in a few places.

In most hotels, electricity is available only in the afternoon.

Only the ocean and gold sand.

Many foreigners live here permanently: they develop the hotel business and open restaurants.

Their stories are very similar: they traveled the world, went to Caribbean paradise and decided to stay indefinitely.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs.

You can swim to them yourself, or you can rent a boat and explore several interesting underwater points at once.

Most corals are shallow, so those who have never been diving in Corn Islands will not lose much.

The first immersion in water and here you are – with stingrays, and sharks.

The price, however, is high.

In 2-3 hours, get ready to pay $20.

2. Playa La Flor

Three turtles on the stone
Three turtles on the stone

Do you have a love for wildlife parks?

Here you can go to the beach and watch the inhabitants of the park.

It will seem to you that you are watching the Discovery Channel.

La Flor is located near the favorite beaches of surf and hiking trails connoisseurs.

It seems as if the jungle froze in anticipation of a nightly performance.

Just imagine a lot of turtles that crawl out of the ocean onto the beach.

La Flor is one of the two beaches on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, where they sail.

But turtles are not the only inhabitants of this area.

Here you will find monkeys, iguanas and large colonies of birds.

3. San Juan del Sur

Crowded beach
Crowded beach

San Juan del Sur is located 140 kilometers south of Managua.

San Juan del Sur is popular with surfers and is a holiday destination for many Nicaraguan families and foreign tourists.

There are hills around the resort and one of them is a statue of Jesus.

There’s a magnificent view of the whole village and the countryside opens from the statue.

Entrance to the territory of the observation platform is paid.

There are cafes and restaurants on the city’s promenade; in the evenings, bars for young people open.

There are many car and motorcycle rentals in the city where you can rent it for $20.

In restaurants, you will be served simple but fine seafood: fish, shrimp, lobster, and natural juices.

4. Playa Maderas

Women sitting at the beach barefoot
Women sitting at the beach barefoot

Playa Maderas is one of the most popular beaches in San Juan del Sur.

Mostly known for its amazing waves that attract surfers through all the year.

This beach is a great option to relax, have some beers and forget about everything!

There are not a lot of options for bars to choose from.

Here you’ll get good waves to surf.

Have a mood to spend time with activities?

There are hotels Buena Vista Surf Club and Hualalai.

These are excellent options both a short walk from the beach and offer sweeping ocean views, and yoga classes.

Besides, you’ll have fun, family-style dinners that give a good chance to bond with fellow travelers.

Boards can be rented for about $5 from any of the surf shacks.

Grab a lesson from one of those guys, or head a few meters up the road to Rebelde Surf School and ask for Juan Carlos, a local favorite.

5. Playa Colorado

Girl and horse looking at each other
Girl and horse looking at each other

Playa Colorado is located on the Pacific Ocean in the municipality of Tola, Rivas, Nicaragua.

Internationally recognized as one of the best surfing beaches.

The territory is about 2 km.

The local nature gives more than 300 days a year of unique conditions that are no longer found anywhere in Central America.

Do you like white sand beaches?

This is just one of the few beaches in Nicaragua.

The entrance to the water is gentle.

This place is suitable for wave lovers.

They are here up to one and a half meters.

Most travelers here are athletes.

They have the opportunity for bodyboarding in the Hacienda Iguana.

Do you like golf?

There are a golf course and horse rental.

Prefer calm?

Then it’s best to choose an outdoor pool.

6. Playa Santo Domingo

Foggy lake in the mountains
Foggy lake in the mountains

Like lakes and volcanos?

At Cocibolca lake you can get both!

That’s why all the visitors are sure: Playa Santo Domingo is a special place to see.

This beach is a place for entertainment for people of any age: here you can eat, drink, listen to music.

For those who want to take care of their health and build muscle, the city municipality has built an outdoor gym.

Decided to stay here for a while?

There are few places, guests love them: Villa Loma del Socorro Luxury Boutique Hotel, Buena Vista Surf Club Verdad Nicaragua, Costa Dulce Beach Retreat, and Hotel Patio del Malinche.

These places are well guarded, and the safety of visitors is ensured at the proper level.

7. Las Peñitas

Wave running after a surfer
Wave running after a surfer

Dream to visit a fishing village?

This is the place you need.

This beach is suitable for lovers of big waves and quiet contemplation of natural beauty.

We recommend getting here to every tourist who is relaxing in Leon.

Here you can go surfing or watch those who can surf.

An amazing sight.

Local cafes offer seafood and local cocktails.

Have you decided to stay here for a couple of days?

No problem.

Get out of any of the hotels Aaki hotel, El Belga Loco, Simple Beach Lodge, Barca de Oro and enjoy the amazing sunrise.

Nicaragua Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Nicaragua Safety Review

Safety Index:
46
  • OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: HIGH
  • TERRORISM RISK: LOW
  • SCAMS RISK: HIGH
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

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