8 Best Outdoor Activities in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a coastal town in Nicaragua with a reputation for surfers and Sunday Funday bar crawls. But did you know it’s also a hotspot for outdoor activities? Nature lovers and intrepid adventurers will find no shortage of day trips and local excursions in this beach town. Check out our list of the 8 BEST outdoor activities in San Juan del Sur if you want to stay active and embrace the natural terrain when you visit Nicaragua:

Surf Lessons

Tribu Surf

San Juan del Sur is known for its many surfing beaches. But if you’re not an experienced surfer, don’t let that stop you from experiencing one of the town’s best outdoor activities!

SJDS has several surfing schools that can take you out for private or group lessons at any age or skill level. We recommend Tribu Surf–they’re a local business that offers everything from kids’ lessons to individual coaching (plus professional video and photo add-ons). It’s located right in town. Just ask for Pedro (the coolest guy you will ever meet).

I went with a Tribu Surf group to Playa Maderas, and we spent a whole afternoon learning the basics and surfing in the shallows before grabbing a beer and watching the sunset. It was a great vibe and a definite highlight of my time in San Juan del Sur. Tribu starts at $35/person, including transportation and board rental.

Catamaran Sunset Sail

Nica Sail

The absolute BEST outdoor activity in San Juan del Sur? Hands down, it’s taking a catamaran sunset sail.

If you’re going to visit San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, you have to get out on the water. There’s no better way to do that than to get a group together and hop aboard a boat. This is a great outdoor activity not only because you get so much out of it, but also because you can tailor it to your personal preferences and itinerary. You can find something for everyone, or customize your own sailing adventure.

For a catamaran sail in SJDS, we highly recommend Nica Sail.** They offer all kinds of excursions, but we had a fantastic time on their catamaran sunset sail. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon in San Juan del Sur. We got to enjoy: unlimited beer, seltzers, and rum mixed drinks; guacamole and fresh-caught fish ceviche; private beach access; AND an absolutely epic sunset view. The timing was ideal–we were able to enjoy a full morning and evening in town.

The all-inclusive catamaran sunset sail starts at just $80/person. Check out Nica Sail for more options.

**Remember to mention Hidden Nicaragua when you book with Nica Sail!

Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Capitán Alfred Panga Tours

Want to bring back a trophy from your boating expedition? Try out another top outdoor activity in San Juan del Sur: taking a deep sea fishing trip.

San Juan del Sur has deep roots as a fishing town. Panga boats dot the horizon on the bay every evening as fishermen return with their fresh catches. It’s part of the reason seafood in SJDS is so good–it was reeled in the same day! Going out to sea and sportfishing enormous fish like dorado (mahi-mahi) with expert Nicaraguans is an epic outdoor activity in San Juan del Sur for a group.

The best time to go fishing in San Juan del Sur is during the rainy season months of late May to early November. But with the plentiful varieties of big fish like marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, you’re likely to catch something (or many somethings!) in the teeming Pacific waters at any time of year.

HN Hint: Some restaurants in SJDS will actually cook your catch for you. Ask your fisherman guide for recommendations.

There are a few different ways to take an onshore or offshore fishing trip in San Juan del Sur. Going out with a local fisherman in a simple panga boat will be less expensive, but also come with fewer frills. Booking a sportfishing charter is a pricier but more upscale experience. (Can’t decide? Capitán Alfred Panga Tours is a great place to start.) All in all, a half-day fishing trip in SJDS costs anywhere from $150-$450.

Horseback Riding

Big Sky Ranch

Just 20 minutes south of San Juan del Sur lies beautiful Escamequita, a small town with a strong community and scenic rolling hills. There, you’ll find some of the best horseback riding views in Nicaragua. 

Stepping outside of downtown SJDS gives you a taste of the surrounding landscape and quiet beauty of the region. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran cowboy, horseback riding in San Juan del Sur is an outdoor activity that is both doable and unforgettable with the experienced local guides.

HN Hint: If you don’t have a ride to reach Escamequita, don’t worry–the horse ranches will come pick you up from central San Juan del Sur.

Big Sky Stables at Big Sky Ranch is a reputable horseback riding establishment in San Juan del Sur that’s been leading beach and jungle adventures for over 15 years. Gallop (yes, literally!) along the beach at sunset and finish strong with a happy hour drink, or take a trail ride and try to spot howler monkeys and anteaters. One to two hour horse rides range from $45-65/rider.

Zipline Canopy Park

Parque de Aventura Las Nubes

Fly high above San Juan del Sur at the zipline canopy park Parque de Aventura Las Nubes! The adventure park is right off the main road that takes you into town, but feels like it’s worlds away from busy storefronts. Both a nature reserve and an adventure park, it sits at the highest point of San Juan del Sur and gives you a breathtaking look at Ometepe’s twin volcanoes. 

Parque de Aventura is ideal for those who want a family-friendly outdoor activity in San Juan del Sur. Ziplining through the trees is just the beginning of what you can do. In addition to the Tarzan swing and rappel activities, there’s an iguana exhibit, bountiful exotic wildlife, kid’s playground, walking trails, and a restaurant and bar with elevated views. It’s not unusual to see monkeys, toucans, and even sloths at Parque de Aventura!

HN Hint: While you’re in the area, stop by the fun little SJDS café Peace & Cake for treats and good eats!

Parque de Aventura Las Nubes offers several different outdoor experiences. The basic zipline canopy tour starts at $35/person

ATV Adventure Tour

A thrilling way to see the many sights of San Juan del Sur is on the back of an ATV. Take the quad through winding jungle ravines and up to the famous Cristo de la Misericordia statue. Visit the distinctive beaches dotting the coastline, from Playa Maderas to Playa Hermosa. Roam around the surrounding communities and spot monkeys on the ride. It’s a fast-paced outdoor activity, and one of the best that SJDS has to offer.

The best part of taking an ATV tour? You aren’t limited to San Juan del Sur. You can take an ATV adventure that acts as a day trip around Nicaragua. See places like Laguna de Apoyo, Masaya Volcano, or Cascada Blanca waterfall alongside a guide, or go as far south as Costa Rica. 

You can rent a quad for your own explorations or opt for a guided tour with San Juan ATV Rentals in central San Juan del Sur. Prices vary depending on the experience you choose.

SEASONAL: Sea Turtle Release

Want to see baby sea turtles waddling their way to the great big ocean? How about thousands of massive mama turtles wading in from shore to dig a nest? 

Experience this phenomenon in the wild by taking nesting and hatching tours at Playa La Flor, a nature reserve 40 minutes south of San Juan del Sur. La Flor is known as an important nesting area for vulnerable olive ridleys: more than 3,000 turtles descend upon the beach at once in massive arribada events to lay their eggs. Time it right, and you can help the babies shuffle to sea by protecting them from natural predators.

The sea turtle nesting season runs from late July to early January. Turtle hatchings are unpredictable, but typically occur in the evening. We highly recommend visiting with a local guide for the best experience. There is a $5 entrance fee for Playa La Flor.

SEASONAL: Whale Watching

Association ELI-Scientific

If you time it right, a great outdoor adventure in San Juan del Sur is whale watching

The pods of humpback whales are most active off the SJDS shores during their mating season, in the months of November to April. This coincides with Nicaragua’s dry season, which is worth taking into consideration when planning the timing of your trip.  

HN Hint: Dolphin sightings are also common during this time of year!

While there’s no guaranteeing you’ll spot one of these magnificent creatures, your chances are best from the peak months of January to March. Either way, you’ll get to spend a beautiful day sailing on the water, with or without a whale sighting.

You can spot marine animals at any time on a sailing trip during the peak season. But if you’re specifically looking for a whale watching expedition in San Juan del Sur, there are more niche options. Try a morning outing with seasoned local tour operators like La Mar del Sur Tours, or look for independent fishermen guides to take out on the water. Expect the cost to be in the ballpark of $35.

Another cool opportunity for whale watching in San Juan del Sur is the non-profit Association ELI-S. You can go out on the water with marine biologists and help them collect data on dolphins and whales in the region. Listen to whale song using their special equipment and learn all about the sea creatures from the scientists. This specialized tour costs $60.

Conclusion

Get outside and explore Nicaragua’s natural beauty with the 8 best outdoor activities in San Juan del Sur. Whether it’s spending a day relaxing on the water, surfing into the sunset, or reeling in a fresh catch, you’ll go home with a new appreciation for the popular coastal town and the many adventures it holds.

Which of these outdoor activities are you most excited to try in San Juan del Sur? Tell us below!

Pin this post for your next visit to San Juan del Sur, and follow us on Instagram for more Nicaragua travel tips and inspiration.

Meet your Tour Guides

Hola! We’re Gail & Luis, a team of two with a deep love for Nicaragua. Luis, a professional tour guide, is the knowledgeable source behind the blog. Gail, an American writer, is the voice. 

We started this blog as a way to stay connected from afar and support Nicaragua in our own small way.

Today, our mission is to open hearts and minds to the wonders of Nicaragua and make it easier than ever to start planning your trip.

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