San Juan del Sur is a municipality located in Rivas, Nicaragua. This city represents Central American maritime culture and attracts a lot of global interest in surf tourism and eco-luxury travel. What started as a fishing village is now one of the top destinations in the region for social events, weddings, nature hikes, surfing competitions, and so much more.
The town is located between the capital city Managua and Liberia, Costa Rica, so it attracts a lot of cross-border tourists. There is no lack of activities in San Juan del Sur. Some of the best things to do include surfing and fishing, but there is so much more to this town.
Let’s explore some of the best things to do in San Juan del Sur, including hot spots to enjoy as a local (like bars and restaurants) and some unique activities for tourists looking to learn more about Nicaragua’s local culture.
Key Takeaways:
- San Juan del Sur has endless cultural, gastronomic, and leisure activities to choose from.
- Hike to the massive Christ of Mercy statue for 360-degree views or surf world-class waves at nearby beaches like Playa Maderas.
- The La Flor Wildlife Refuge is one of the rare places on Earth to see thousands of sea turtles nesting at once.
- Boat tours are the only way to reach hidden coastal coves, offering the best spots for snorkeling, fishing, and sunset views.
- The Sunday Funday pool crawl is a legendary weekly event that brings travelers together from all over the world.
- Places like Tuani’s Resto Bar and Tree Casa Resort offer high-end steaks, fresh seafood, and eco-friendly luxury right by the beach.
The Statue of Cristo de la Misericordia
One of the first things you notice when arriving in San Juan del Sur, is the statue of Cristo de la Misericordia, or Christ of Mercy. This landmark is one of the largest Jesus statues in the world, and positioned on top of a headland that offers a 360-degree view of San Juan Bay and the entire town. You can even see Ometepe Island (another iconic tourist destination) right from the pearl.
Reaching the statue is a hell of a hike, but an essential activity for any visitor. Don’t be surprised to find locals hiking along with other tourists. You can reach the top via a paved, steep road (that we recommend reaching in a vehicle) and later walking to the top where the statue is perched. It’s an intense physical challenge but the view is worth it.
Here are some facts about this statue:
Key Takeaways:
- It stands about 134 meters (77 feet) high
- It was constructed from reinforced materials designed to withstand the coastal winds, like fiberglass
- It’s the biggest image of Jesus in Central America, only followed closely by Honduras
- The statue was designed by Max Ulloa Rayo, a Costa Rican sculptor and architect
- It’s been available for tourists since 2009
- It features a small chapel where visitors can sit, pray, take pictures, and enjoy the local architecture.
There is a small entrance fee on site to contribute to the maintenance of the viewing platforms surrounding the statue.
Surfing in the “Outlier” Beaches
San Juan del Sur is sought after because of the surfing scene. It’s recognized globally as one of the top surfing destinations in the world, friendly for beginners and with enough of a challenge for seasoned surfers.
The beaches in the vicinity of San Juan are close to town and offer a variety of wave types for surfers. Though San Juan Beach is great for surfing, these particular spots are intwined in the surf culture. Here are some of the top ones to bring your board to:
- Playa Maderas: At just 20 minutes North from the town, this beach offers consistent waves, beach bars, restaurants, and surf shops. It can get a little crowded in high seasons, but it’s worth it.
- Play Hermosa: Only a 30 minute ride south, Play Hermosa is a long beach stretch with black sand and multiple peaks to enjoy a unique surfing challenge.
- Play Remanso: 15 minutes south of San Juan, El Remanso is a small bay with beginner friendly waves, delicious restaurants, and a great tourist scene.
- Play El Coco: 15 minutes north, Playa el Coco (Coconut Beach) is a surfable spot that features turtle release practices that attract locals and tourists.
We recommend accessing these beaches through a surf shuttle or in a 4×4 vehicle.
Sunday Funday
Created in 2013, the Sunday Funday Pub Crawl is one of the most famous events in Nicaragua. Several hostels, bars, and restaurants come together to hop hundreds of tourists and locals through town.
The bar hopping experience or pub crawl moves you via shuttles between spots like the Pachamama Hostel and Arribas Bar, where travelers can enjoy drinks, food, and fun. It involves security, great transportation, and international DJs.
Sunday Funday is more than just a high-energy party. Because so many people come together, it also serves as a networking event for backpackers, attracting travelers all the way from the Philippines. We encourage you to eat a good meal before the 1:00 PM start time.
Tree Casa Resort
Tree Casa Resort is located just outside the town. It’s a luxury resort that integrates the surrounding forest into their decor. They focus on table-to-table gastronomy and eco-friendly practices.
One of the advantages of the resort is that they offer a day pass, which is popular with people staying in other locations in San Juan or just looking to spend the day. The day pass access features two swimming pools — one with a waterslide and a waterfall — and access to their hiking trails.
The resort is built around a huge Ceibo tree and they offer so many activities like free salsa lessons, organic garden tours, cooking classes, private yoga sessions, and spa treatments.
Prices range from C$740-C$1100 for a day pass. Accommodation prices vary.
Boat Tours and Private Charters
The best way to see San Juan del Sur isn’t from the shore, it’s from the deck of a boat! With its cliffs, hidden beaches, and marine animals, it is best explored by sea.
Our tours set sail right from the bay, whisking you away to secret spots that cars simply can’t reach. Here are some of the most popular activities you can do on a boat tour:
- Beach hopping: Visit beautiful beaches like Playa Blanca, Playa El Coco, and Playa Maderas. These beaches are great for swimming, relaxing, and exploring places many visitors never get to see.
- Snorkeling and swimming: Some areas along the coast have rocky reefs where colorful fish and other marine life gather. These spots are perfect for jumping in the water and exploring.
- Sunset cruises: Sunsets over the Pacific Ocean are one of the highlights of San Juan del Sur. Many private charters offer evening cruises with drinks, music, and clear views of the sun setting over the water.
- Sportfishing trips: The waters near San Juan are known for great fishing. Local captains often take guests out to catch fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish.
- Wildlife watching: Dolphins are often seen swimming along the coast. During certain times of the year, visitors may also spot sea turtles or even migrating whales.
Private charters are popular for small groups, birthdays, and weddings. Wet Sand Nica boats include onboard seating areas, shade, drinks, and experienced captains who know the coastline well.
La Flor Wildlife Refuge
Just 18 kilometers south of San Juan del Sur, the La Flor Wildlife Refuge is one of Nicaragua’s greatest natural treasures. It is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness an “arribada”, a spectacular event where thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles swarm the beach all at once to lay their eggs.
This event typically occurs between July and January, with the peak nesting frequency in September and October.
Visiting La Flor is a regulated activity to ensure the protection of the turtles. Tourists are generally allowed onto the beach at night, accompanied by park rangers. Here’s what you need to know:
- The use of white light is prohibited, as it can disorient the turtles; instead, guides use red-filtered flashlights.
The entrance fee of approximately $6 USD contributes to the conservation efforts, including the salaries of - rangers who patrol the beach to prevent egg poaching.
- The reserve is also a site for turtle releases.
Gastronomy and the Creative Scene
San Juan del Sur has very diverse food options. The town has moved beyond traditional Nicaraguan cuisine and you can find a wide range of national and international food. You can also see the change in the creative scene.
Some must-see spots are:
- The Art Warehouse: a venue that serves as a cafe, an art studio, and a gallery. It’s a popular spot for remote workers (digital nomads) because of its reliable Wi-Fi and healthy menu that includes vegetarian and vegan options. It also hosts workshops for painting, pottery, clothing upcycling and other creative activities.
- Simon Says: Another well known place to eat in town. Simon Says is known for its extensive “secret garden” seating area with a jungle-like look. Simon Says is particularly popular for its smoothies, healthy pancakes, and sandwiches.
- San Juan del Sur Cervecería: Founded in 2014, this spot claims the title of the town’s first craft brewery. It’s great for tourists and locals who want to enjoy high-quality beer in a “chill” setting.
The Standout: Tuani’s Resto Bar
Tuani’s Resto Bar is the ultimate beachfront spot in San Juan del Sur. It serves high-end steaks and fresh local seafood with excellent service and prime sunset views. At night, the vibe shifts from dinner to a lively club and bar with live music, cocktails, and endless amount of drinks.
While many beachfront spots stick to basic tacos and burgers, Tuani’s leans into a more premium menu. They offer premium steak cuts like a Ribeye and a Tomahawk and fresh seafood like Lobster and Ceviche.
Location is everything here. Because it sits directly on the bay, you have an unobstructed front-row seat to the Pacific sunset.
Tuani’s is consistently praised for being attentive and professional. It feels a bit more “refined” than your average surf shack, making it a go-to for birthday celebrations or a “treat yourself” final night in town.
Visit San Juan del Sur Today!
San Juan del Sur is much more than a simple beach town. You can spend your morning hiking to the giant Christ statue for the best views in the country and your afternoon surfing world-class waves at Playa Maderas.
From the wild energy of Sunday Funday to the quiet magic of watching sea turtles nest at La Flor, the variety here is incredible. Ending a day with a premium steak at Tuani’s as the sun hits the horizon is the perfect way to cap off the experience. It is a unique place where rugged adventure and coastal relaxation come together, making it a must-visit corner of Nicaragua.