San Juan Del Sur is a cute little surf town in the southwest of Nicaragua, on the Pacific coast. It is 140km from the capital Managua and 40km from the Costa Rica border at Peñas Blancas.
It’s long been a favourite destination for North American ex-pats and there are a few Canadian bars and restaurants opened up in town. It’s also a favourite when backpacking Nicaragua.
San Juan Del Sur is the most developed coastal town in Nicaragua and a little different from everywhere else in the country. It is less about the culture here as there is a large foreign community and a lot of the cafes and restaurants serve international cuisine.
There are a few different things to do in San Juan Del Sur so let’s have a look.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
What is San Juan Del Sur famous for?
San Juan Del Sur is a famous party town and a famous surf town. When I visited San Juan Del Sur nightlife was quite quiet outside of the weekend, just be aware of this.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Partying – Sunday Funday Pool Crawl
San Juan Del Sur is famous for mainly two things, partying and surfing. There are many bars in San Juan Del Sur but the main attraction is the infamous Sunday Funday Pool Crawl. This is the number one thing to do in San Juan Del Sur as up to 500 backpackers attend this major all-day event every week.
Where Does Sunday Funday Go?
This event is a pub/pool crawl to 4 different locations (3 with a pool) held every Sunday. The crawl starts at Hostel Pachamama at 1 pm and finishes at Arribas Bar (continue as long as you can!).
The second stop is Hotel Anamar from 3.30 pm, which is a hotel on the beach with a pool. The 3rd stop is Naked Tiger Hostel from 5.30 pm to enjoy an epic sunset and more pool vibes. The final destination is Arribas Bar, located on the beach. The locations do change from time to time so you can check when you buy your ticket.
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online for $20 if you buy in advance, which you can do from their Instagram account instagram.com/sundayfunday. If you purchase tickets in cash on the day, the cost is $30. You can receive a 50% discount if you stay at either Pachamama or Naked Tiger on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Tickets are on sale from about 10 am on the day from either hostel.
If you join the party you get transported to each destination and receive a free shot at each place as well as a Sunday Funday tank top. For all other drinks, you must pay for yourself.
Being on the wrong side of 30, I decided to give this party a miss and leave it to the youngsters. I know a few people who attended and they had an amazing time. Therefore, if you want to party, plan to stay in San Juan Del Sur over the weekend.
Top Tips for Sunday Funday San Juan Del Sur
Top Tips from those that have been:
- Have a good breakfast before the drinking begins and get some snacks later in the day
- Only take what you can afford to lose. Many people lose possessions after an all-day drinking session. Only take the money you need for the day and even consider leaving your phone at home.
- It’s a pool party, so wear your swimsuit!
- Pace yourself, the party goes on all night, you don’t want to be in bed by 5 pm!
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Surfing in San Juan Del Sur
If you didn’t come to San Juan Del Sur for the parties, you probably came for the surf, or maybe even both. There are some fantastic surf beaches nearby for all levels of surfers.
To go surfing you need to visit one of the nearby beaches. Depending on your level of surfing and the time of the year you should find a suitable beach for surfing. I stayed at Saltwater Hostel and the staff there were able to give great advice on the best beach for me to visit.
If you’ve never tried surfing before this is a great place to have some surfing lessons. You can have surf lessons at both Maderas and Hermosa beaches.
It’s best to book in town as the cost should include transport to and from the beach. A two-hour group lesson will cost about $25, which considering you’re in Nicaragua isn’t really cheap, but surfing is so much fun so I encourage you to give it a try.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Surf Beaches in San Juan Del Sur
Playa Maderas is a beautiful beach famous for its surf. There are a couple of huts on the beach selling food and drink and sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented very cheaply.
There are a couple of outlets renting surfboards as you approach the beach. Half a day surfboard rental costs $10 and different lengths of surfboard are available. Check the condition of the board before you take it as some of them are a bit worn.
If you need a break from surfing go and check out hundreds of little crabs. Walk to the north of the beach and climb over some little rocks. There won’t be many people around and it looks as if the sand is moving as hundreds of crabs go in and out of the sand.
Playa Hermosa is another lovely little beach close to SJDS. You can surf here too but the waves are not as big, and it’s a better place for beginners. The beach has all the facilities you will need but the food can be expensive from the restaurant on the beach. Note that this is a private beach so you need to pay an entrance fee of $3 for the day.
Playa El Remanso is another good beach for beginners to learn to surf. It’s quite a small beach and can get busy at weekends as it’s one of the closest to SJDS. Similar to the other beaches, there are a few restaurants here and you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas for the day.
How to get to the Surf Beaches Near San Juan Del Sur
To get to any of the beaches named above you will need transport. If you have your own transport it’s easiest as you can decide when you want to go.
If you don’t have your own transport, you can take a shuttle or a taxi. The best place to enquire about shuttles is Casa Oro Hotel. They have frequent departures throughout the day, ask your hostel for the latest schedule.
Depending on what beach you are going to, a return ticket will cost between $5 and $10. Ask when the last shuttle back to town is, as you don’t want to miss it.
Alternatively, if you are a group it may be better to get a taxi. A taxi can cost $20 one way so makes sense if you are four people. If you are just one person I recommend taking the shuttle.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
What are the best things to do in San Juan Del Sur
As well as partying and surfing, there are a few other things to do in San Juan Del Sur to keep you busy for a few days. Some of these are cheap or free, and others can cost quite a lot. Depending on your budget, pick and choose which ones interest you.
Relax at the Urban Playa San Juan Del Sur
Of course one of the main things to do in San Juan Del Sur is hit the beach. Playa San Juan Del Sur is in the town itself and therefore very accessible. It is a large crescent-shaped bay with some beach bars found at the southern end. As the beach curves more north there is less infrastructure and it feels a little more remote and private. You can walk from end to end in about 30 minutes.
The beach can get windy throughout the day, and the sand is light, so it does blow up in your face from time to time.
When I was there the beach wasn’t very busy which was surprising as it’s so close to the town. It could be that many people come to SJDS to surf, but you can’ surf here. This is, however, a great place within walking distance of the town to come and relax for an afternoon.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Enjoy the Sunset at Playa San Juan Del Sur
There are beautiful sunsets in San Juan Del Sur consisting of multiple shades of orange, Yellow, and red. With the background of the boats anchored in the bay, and many birds flying in the sky, there is a great backdrop to match the colours.
Every night I was in San Juan Del Sur the sunset was amazing. Grab a few Tona’s from the supermarket and enjoy the view.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Visit the Jesus Statue (Christ of the Mercy)
From the beach, in SJDS you can see the huge Jesus statue overlooking the town from atop the hill. One of my favourite things to do in San Juan Del Sur was to visit the Jesus statue, known as Cristo de la Misericordia (it’s one of the largest Jesus statues in the world).
From town, it takes about an hour in total to walk here. It’s flat until you reach the bottom of the hill, and then there’s a steep climb for about 15 minutes.
The views from the top are amazing, you can see all along the coast and San Juan Del Sur below. There is a small entrance fee of 30 Cordobas and you can stay as long as you like.
The site closes at 6 pm once the sun sets but if you are already there you can stay a little longer.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Eat Healthy in San Juan Del Sur
As you walk around the town you will notice many cafes and restaurants focusing on international, healthy, and vegan food and smoothies. If you want a detox and a break from the typical Central American food, this is a good place to do it.
Some top places in San Juan Del Sur include the burger joint Dale Pues. They have a lovely outdoor garden area and the food is great, with some Vegetarian options.
Another great place with an indoor/outdoor vibe is Simon Says Smoothie Bar. As well as serving up great smoothies, their whole menu offers healthy options to keep you full.
If you want some fresh fish, head to La Lancha, a lovely seafront restaurant offering a more traditional Nicaraguan menu.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Walk the Colorful Downtown Streets
A free thing to do in San Juan Del Sur is to appreciate the street art. Downtown San Jun Del Sur is only a couple of main streets but many buildings have been painted in bright colours that make for some great photos.
There is also a lot of street art to admire around town and you’ll find a few galleries selling local artwork.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
See the Turtles at La Flor Wildlife Refuge
La Flor Wildlife Refuge encompasses Playa La Flor and the surrounding forest and is 20km south of San Juan Del Sur. This is the place where 30,000 Olive Ridley turtles come each year to mate and lay their eggs.
The nesting season begins in July and lasts till January, but the season peaks during October and November.
If you’re not visiting during the nesting season, as well as turtles, you will also see other animals all year round. The surrounding forest is home to several monkeys, coyotes, iguanas, raccoons, and hundreds of birds.
There is an entrance fee of $200 cordoba and if you have your own tent you can camp inside the park for $500 cordoba.
How to get to La Flor Nature Reserve
It is possible to get there by public transportation directly from San Juan Del Sur. You need to find a bus heading to El Ostional at the municipal market of San Juan del Sur.
All the buses pass by the entrance of the reserve. From there, you will have to walk for a bit to get to the beach. There is a sign at the entrance, but it is also recommended to ask the bus driver to leave you at the reserve.
The following activities I didn’t do as they are all quite expensive but if you can afford to, here are a few more things to do in San Juan Del Sur:
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Horseback Riding Along the Beach
I didn’t do this activity myself as it was out of my budget but you can organise a horseback riding tour from a couple of places in town. A 5-hour tour costs $65 which for me, was too expensive.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Take a Catamaran Tour
Another tour you can do is an all-day catamaran trip. Quite a few agencies are selling this tour but it can cost $100+. The deal includes all food and drink for the day and I heard good reviews from people who did it. If you have the money to spend, this could be a great way to spend a day.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Rent an ATV or go on an ATV tour
If you want to do some exploring independently you could consider renting an ATV. There are a few places in town that rent these out so shop around to get the best deal. Make sure you check the condition of the ATV the same as you would with a rental car to avoid any problems later on.
If you rent an ATV you could explore several different beaches all in one day and on your schedule.
Alternatively, you could join an ATV tour. This will be a little more expensive but you don’t have to think about where to go. The best advice is to visit the rental places and see what different tours they are offering.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Is San Juan Del Sur Safe for Tourists
During the day San Juan Del Sur is safe with many people around. At night, especially during the week when it’s a little quieter, I thought it felt a bit sketchy when I went out one night.
There weren’t many people around and a few dodgy-looking characters that may have been selling drugs. There were also working women trying to get some business, so if you go out at night, take care and be careful.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
How long should you spend in San Juan Del Sur
Consider what you want to do in town and plan accordingly.
If you want to go partying you need to plan to be in town on the weekend. If you factor in a day or two for surfing and a day or two to relax and chill you could easily spend 5-6 nights here.
For me, three nights was enough here to enjoy the beaches and the town. Be aware that during the week the town is a lot quieter and no big parties are going on.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Is San Juan Del Sur worth visiting?
San Juan Del Sur is a little different from everywhere else in the country and a firm favourite on the backpacker trail. If you’ve visited the colonial cities of León and Granada, this is definitely a change of scenery.
San Juan Del Sur is so close to Ometepe Island and Granada and en route to or from Costa Rica, it makes sense to visit.
Even if you’re not mad about partying or surfing, you can still enjoy a few great relaxing days at the beach or eating your way through town.
Therefore, San Juan Del Sur is definitely worth visiting.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
When is the best time to visit San Juan Del Sur
December to April is the dry season in Nicaragua and therefore the best time to visit as you will experience dry days perfect for the beach and surfing.
Bear in mind it is always hot in San Juan Del Sur, even during winter.
Should you visit Ometepe or Granada as a day trip from SJDS
I would strongly discourage anyone to take a day trip to Ometepe Island or Granada from San Juan Del Sur. Ometepe Island is a fascinating place to visit and it’s also quite large. Although you could visit in a day, it’s possible, you won’t be able to fully appreciate this magical place.
Give Ometepe the time it deserves and stay for 3-4 nights.
Granada likewise deserves more than a day. If you don’t have time to fit everything in then decide what you prefer most – colonial town or beach town.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Onward travel from San Juan Del Sur
There is a well-trodden backpacker path in Nicaragua that hugs the Pacific coast. I started my trip in León and San Juan Del Sur was my final stop in Nicaragua. I headed to Costa Rica next which was easy to reach via Rivas.
If you haven’t already been to Ometepe Island or Granada they make a great next stop.
For a full Nicaragua Itinerary check out my post – Best places to visit in Nicaragua
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Money saving Tips in San Juan Del Sur
- Sunday Funday is a fairly expensive experience for Nicaragua. Drinking is usually a cheap activity in Nicaragua and $30 for a ticket is very expensive to me. You could drink all night and not spend anywhere near that much. If you’re set on attending, stay at one of the hostels offering 50% discounts. This gives you a head start to meet some like-minded friends too.
- If you are going to Ometepe next, find out the bus schedules first and use buses rather than taxis. An exception to this is if you are travelling in a group, If so, it may be a similar price, and quicker, to take a taxi to Rivas and then San Jorge.
- There are some popular insta-worthy cafés in San Juan Del Sur that charge prices not too different from what you’d pay at home. Look around and search for more local joints. I found a Chinese restaurant just off the main street that offers big portions, and tasty food at great prices.
- If surfing is your main objective in San Juan Del Sur choose to stay at a hostel closer to one of the beaches. Playa Hermosa Ecolodge is a great option right on the beach, and you can also get discounted board rental.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Where to stay in San Juan Del Sur
You have a few options when it comes to accommodation in San Juan Del Sur depending on your preference.
I stayed at Saltwater Hostel as they had great reviews and were in the centre of town. This was my preference as I like to walk to shops and cafes whenever I want rather than wait for shuttles.
I would highly recommend Saltwater Hostel as the rooms were clean and tidy and the hostel has a great vibe and location. It’s up a little hill which offers great views over the bay.
They also have good communal areas including hammocks to chill and relax.
If you want to party in SJDS try staying at Pachamama or Naked Tiger. Consider that Naked Tiger is not in the centre of town and you need to rely on their shuttle service that operates every two hours back and forth.
If you want to focus on surfing and the better beaches, you could stay at one of the hostels near the beach. Bear in mind though that there aren’t many restaurants and shops nearby so you will need to take a shuttle to visit the centre of town.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
How to get to San Juan Del Sur
San Juan Del Sur is fairly easy to get through, but wherever you are coming from you’ll need to go via Rivas.
How to get from Ometepe Island to San Juan Del Sur
How do you get from Ometepe to San Juan Del Sur? When you depart the ferry in the small town of San Jorge there should be a bus waiting that will take you to the Bus depot in Rivas. If there isn’t a bus you can take a taxi, but negotiate the price first. You shouldn’t pay more than 50 cordobas.
From Rivas take another bus directly to San Juan Del Sur. Rivas was one of the few places in Nicaragua where I felt harassed by taxi drivers. They try to tell you that there are no more buses or the next bus is in three hours.
Don’t listen to them. Try to ask one of the market stall workers where the bus departs from and head in that direction. Once there you can ask the bus driver when they leave.
If you don’t want to wait, a taxi isn’t that expensive, especially if you are in a group. A taxi will cost no more than USD 10 so if there are four of you, it’s still a good option.
If you really want to save money a bus will cost a fraction of this price, about 30 cordobas (less than $1).
How to get from Granada to San Juan Del Sur
If you are coming from Granada you will again have to travel to Rivas first. The journey time is about two hours and the fare should be between $50 and $100 cordoba. There are a few bus stations in Granada. To travel to Rivas you need to go to the Nueva Terminal de Buses to the south of town.
How to get from Costa Rica to San Juan Del Sur
If you are travelling to San Juan Del Sur from Costa Rica, it’s a fairly easy journey. You will cross the border at Peñas Blancas and you need to take a bus to La Virgen.
All buses leaving Peñas Blancas will stop here as there is only one road. The cost should be C$20. Once at La Virgen, cross the street to the bus stop opposite and await a bus to San Juan Del Sur. This bus should cost another C$20 and take you directly to San Juan Del Sur.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Conclusion – Best things to do in San Juan Del Sur
I hope this article covers everything you need for a trip to San Juan Del Sur. I’ve included many things to do in San Juan Del Sur, some free, and some more expensive.
If you think I’ve missed anything or if you found this useful please add a comment.