Things to Do in 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.
Where to Start
San Juan del Sur sits on a horseshoe bay on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, and most days here come down to which beach you choose. The water north and south of town is very different from beach to beach. Prices below are in US dollars, which are widely accepted. The local currency is the córdoba (C$), officially about 36.6 to US$1.
Surfing and Beach Days
Playa Maderas lies north of town on a dirt road, roughly 15 to 30 minutes away. It is a consistent A-frame beach break with lefts and rights that suits every level. Surf schools work from it, and beachfront bars and restaurants sit behind the sand. Casa Oro Eco Hostel, in the town centre, runs a shuttle to Maderas for US$7 round trip, leaving at 10:00, 12:30 and 18:00. Its surf class costs US$35 with board and shuttle included, on the 10:00 departure. Check the Casa Oro Group page for current times.
Playa Remanso is the closest surf beach to town, about 5 to 20 minutes south. It is a mellow break for beginners and intermediates, with beachside surf shacks, and it can get heavy in the middle of the wet season. Playa Hermosa, 15 to 30 minutes south, has a 1.5 km beach behind a private gate that charges about US$3 per person. It has a beach club with shaded tables and a restaurant, and its waves peak left and right and turn hollow in the wet season.
Treat these as surf beaches. Maderas, Hermosa and Yankee have no lifeguards and strong currents, and the UK government reports drownings on parts of the Pacific coast where there are no warning signs and no rescue equipment. Do not rely on a lifeguard being there, and keep swimming to calm days in shallow water. For an easy swim, Playa Marsella, about 25 to 35 minutes away, has gentle water.
Boats, Chocolate and a Statue
Casa Oro sells a catamaran sail for US$80, running from 13:00 to 18:00 with snacks and an open bar and a minimum of six people. It also sells a Saturday chocolate tour at 10:30 for US$10, and a turtle trip to La Flor for US$30 from July to February. The page on attraction tours covers these in more detail.
The Christ of the Mercy statue stands above the northern end of the bay, about 24 m tall including its pedestal. Entry is about US$2 for foreigners. The climb is steep, so go in daylight and keep valuables out of sight.
Nights Out
Sunday Funday is a weekly roaming pool and bar crawl for adults aged 18 and over. It starts at Hostel Pachamama and ends at Naked Tiger Hostel, and a ticket costs about US$30 to 35, with five bars and a shot at each included. Check that it is running before you plan around it.
Practical Notes
Get around by taxi or a pre-arranged driver, and agree the fare before you set off. Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated at the border. Managua airport is about 135 km away, 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road, and a taxi costs about US$90.
Read more: Sightseeing for the statue and the quiet beaches, and day trips for Ometepe and Granada.
To compare surf lessons and tours, try GetYourGuide searches for San Juan del Sur .