Attraction Tours from San Juan del Sur
Travel advisory, as of October 2026: The US State Department rates Nicaragua Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, at the time of writing. It cites the risk of wrongful detention of US citizens, arbitrary enforcement of laws, searches of electronic devices and very limited consular help, and some visitors have been refused entry or expelled. The UK FCDO does not advise against travel, but it warns that foreigners must stay out of political activity and that drones are prohibited. San Juan del Sur itself is a long-established tourist town. Read the US State Department advisory and the UK FCDO advice before you book, carry travel insurance and leave any drone at home.
Which Tours Run
The organised options around San Juan del Sur fall into five groups: turtles, treetops, chocolate, boats and beer. Most can be booked through hostels and tour desks in town, and prices below are in US dollars.
La Flor Turtle Expedition
Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor is a turtle refuge about 18 to 22 km south of town. The turtles that come ashore are olive ridleys. Mass nestings, called arribadas, run from July to January and sometimes into February, with the peak in September and October. Nights without turtles do happen, so no tour can promise a sighting.
Casa Oro Eco Hostel sells a turtle expedition for US$30, from July to February. Other operators ask about US$25 to 35, usually with transport and often the entry fee. If you go independently, the refuge fee is about C$200 (about US$5.50) for foreigners, with half price for children, and a taxi costs US$25 to 40 each way. The last stretch is dirt road with stream crossings, so a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is needed from May to October.
The rangers’ rules apply: no flash, no white light (red-filter torches only), no touching turtles or eggs, and stay a few metres behind a nesting turtle. Swimming and surfing are not allowed inside the refuge because of rip currents. Leave hatchlings alone.
Zipline Above the Town
Aventura Las Nubes is a canopy park on the ridge about 10 minutes above town, with views over the Pacific and, on clear days, Lake Nicaragua. Listings give it nine platforms. Guided tours with transport are sold from about US$40 for a two-hour zipline, and the minimum age is around 8 to 10 depending on weight. Ask for the final price when you book.
Chocolate, Boats and Beer
Casa Oro runs a guided cacao session, a half-morning chocolate tour, on Saturdays at 10:30 for US$10. Its catamaran trip costs US$80, runs from 13:00 to 18:00, includes snacks and an open bar and needs a minimum of six people. Private catamaran charters for up to eight guests are listed from about US$800 to 1,300.
CervecerÃa San Juan del Sur, also called Nicaragua Craft Beer Co., is a brewpub in town started around 2013 to 2014 by two American surfers. Its flagship beer is Panga Drops Keller Pils.
Rancho Chilamate runs horse rides from about US$65 to 75, booked through the ranch.
Tips for Booking
- Pay in US dollars and carry small bills.
- Confirm pick-up points and departure times the day before.
- Skip any tour that sends you on dirt roads in the dark without a reliable driver.
- Taxis and pre-arranged drivers are the usual way to get around, so agree a fare first.
Read more: Day trips for longer outings, and sightseeing for places you can see without a booking.
For comparing tour options, try Viator searches for San Juan del Sur tours and the Casa Oro Group listings.