Nicaragua Beach Vacation

With over 500 miles of Pacific and Caribbean coastline, much of it remote and unvisted, Nicaragua is the best place to sleep steps from the sand and sounds of the crashing waves. We have handpicked the best oceanfront hotels below. From luxury resorts to remote eco lodges and surf camps, Nicaragua has it all. Not sure what you want, or have questions? Contact us, or call 1-866-347-4012 for info and advice.

Nicaragua’s beach scene is really around the town of San Juan del Sur, on the country’s southern Pacific Coast, close to the border with Costa Rica. First put on the map in the 19th century when Mark Twain passed through, this once sleepy fishing village is the heart of the surfing community, with miles of beaches stretching both north and south. On Playa Ocotal you’ll find the luxury eco lodge Morgan’s Rock, about 35 minutes out of town. From Morgan’s Rock, south to San Juan del Sur there’s Playa Majagual and Playa Maderas, which is the core of Nicaragua surfing. Then Playa Marsella, a beautiful, tranquil stretch sand suitable for gentle swimming and relaxation. Then there’s the town beach itself, in San Juan del Sur. Very busy (especially on weekends), this is a perfect crescent-like bay backed with a myriad of bars and restaurants to sit in with a cold drink and enjoy one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Access to the town beach is literally minute’s walk away from Pelican Eyes and La Posada Azul, both great options if you want some activity and nightlife to your Nicaragua beach vacation. South of San Juan del Sur lies the great surfing beaches of Playa Remanso and Playa Yankee, and further on down, towards the border, El Coco Maritime Park and La Flor Wildlife Reserve, where, if you come between August and November, you’ll more than likely experience the mass arrival of turtles to lay their eggs.

Further north than San Juan del Sur, a little closer to Managua, the Tola area is becoming known for its remote, boutique eco, wellness and luxury resorts which provide excellent accommodation for an incredible Nicaragua beach vacation. Mukul, Central America’s most luxurious resort is here, and also Aqua Wellness Resort, a relaxing yoga retreat on white sands next to the expansive Playa Gigante. Close to the world class surf of Popoyo (international competitions are regularly held here) you’ll find Punta Teonoste, a rustic resort steps away from the waves.

Other parts of Nicaragua’s coast are less easy to get to, but still worthwhile. The Northern Pacific, close to colonial Leon, and the pristine Caribbean Corn Islands both offer a glimpse of a country where the footprints in the sand of tourists are still rather rare. Little Corn Island, in particular, takes you back to an old school Caribbean – incredibly rustic but offering an unforgettable Nicaragua beach vacation.