San Juan del Sur

Written by Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
02/08/2025
View over Town - San Juan del Sur - Nicaragua - 02
Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons

San Juan del Sur is a vibrant coastal town in Nicaragua known for its beautiful Pacific beaches and excellent surfing opportunities for all skill levels. It offers a blend of adventurous activities, relaxing beach experiences, and a lively social atmosphere.

The town center is a hub for socializing, with many hostels, bars, and restaurants. The renowned 'Sunday Funday' pool crawl is a major weekly event that attracts a large number of backpackers and travelers looking to mingle and party.

Top 6 Things to do in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur offers a dynamic array of experiences, from catching waves on pristine beaches to exploring cultural viewpoints and engaging in vibrant social events.

1. Surfing or Taking Surf Lessons

San Juan del Sur is renowned for its excellent surf conditions, catering to all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner looking to stand on a board for the first time or an experienced surfer seeking challenging waves, there are numerous schools and rental shops. Lessons typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours and often include board rental for the rest of the day, allowing for continued practice. Popular surf beaches like Playa Maderas and Playa Remanso offer consistent waves and a lively surfing community.

Cost: Surf lessons range from approximately $35 USD for a group lesson (max 3 people) to $65 USD for an individual lesson. Some packages might include unlimited board access with accommodation. Board rentals generally start from around $10-15 USD per day, but exact prices can vary.

Transport: The main surfing beaches, such as Playa Maderas and Playa Remanso, are not within walking distance of the town center. Shuttles are available from hostels like Casa Oro, costing around $4 USD one-way or $7 USD for a return trip to Playa Maderas. Taxis are also readily available, with prices ranging from $15-20 USD one-way to Playa Maderas and $10-15 USD to Playa Remanso.

2. Hike to the Christ of the Mercy Statue

Perched 134 meters (440 feet) above sea level, the colossal Christ of the Mercy statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of San Juan del Sur Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the statue is a rewarding activity, typically taking 1-2 hours round-trip from the town center. There is a small chapel at the base of the statue, which was completed in 2009. The viewpoint is particularly stunning during sunset.

Cost: The entrance fee for foreigners is approximately $2 USD (or C$60 Nicaraguan córdobas).

Transport: The statue is accessible by walking from the town center. Follow the main beach north, cross a small bridge, and then follow signs through a residential area. The road is paved but steep. Taxis can also take you most of the way up the hill if you prefer not to walk.

3. Beach Hopping and Relaxation

While San Juan del Sur's main beach is convenient, the surrounding area boasts more picturesque and serene beaches, such as Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Remanso. These beaches offer golden sands, clear waters, and ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding away from the town's hustle. Playa Hermosa, for example, is known for being less crowded and has amenities like restrooms and shaded areas.

Cost: Playa Hermosa has an entrance fee of approximately 100 Cordobas (about $3 USD). Transport costs to these beaches vary (see 'Surfing' activity for shuttle/taxi costs).

Transport: Shuttle services from hostels like Casa Oro are the most common and cost-effective way to reach these beaches, with round-trip shuttles to Playa Maderas typically costing $7 USD and to Playa Hermosa around $10 USD. Taxis are also an option, with prices varying based on the distance.

4. Experience Sunday Funday Pool Crawl

Sunday Funday is a famous, all-day pool and bar crawl that attracts a large number of backpackers and travelers. This weekly event moves between several venues, typically starting at Pachamama Hostel and continuing to other locations like Hotel Anamar and Naked Tiger Hostel, often concluding at Arribas Bar. It offers a lively atmosphere with music, drinks, and opportunities to socialize.

Cost: The ticket price is typically around $25-30 USD, which includes entrance to the different venues, welcome shots, and transportation between locations. Drinks at the bars are usually inexpensive.

Transport: Transportation between the various venues is provided as part of the Sunday Funday ticket.

5. Catamaran Cruise

Embark on a catamaran sailing tour to explore secluded coves, enjoy snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and potentially spot marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, and turtles. These tours often include an open bar with local drinks and snacks or lunch, providing a relaxing and scenic experience along the Pacific coast. Sunset cruises are particularly popular.

Cost: Shared catamaran trips can cost around $85 USD per person. Private charters vary depending on duration (e.g., 4 or 8 hours) and inclusions, with starting prices for groups ranging from approximately $575 USD for a 4-hour trip.

Transport: Tours typically depart from the main tourist port in San Juan del Sur.

6. Turtle Watching Tour at La Flor Beach Natural Reserve

During the nesting season (typically July to December), take a night tour to the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor, a natural reserve south of San Juan del Sur. This significant nesting area is where thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles, as well as Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Green sea turtles, come ashore to lay their eggs. If fortunate, you may also witness hatchlings making their journey to the ocean. The phenomenon of 'arribada,' where thousands of turtles arrive simultaneously, enhances the chance of survival for the young.

Cost: Tours generally cost around $30 USD per person, with a minimum of 3-4 participants required or a flat fee of $120 USD for fewer. This usually includes the entrance fee to the reserve.

Transport: Tours typically arrange transportation from San Juan del Sur to the La Flor reserve. The reserve itself has limited infrastructure, so visitors usually rely on tour operators for access and guidance.

Check out our other pages on San Juan del Sur

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