San Juan del Sur Day Trip Planner

Advisory note, October 2026: At the time of writing the US State Department ranks Nicaragua Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, and names the risk of wrongful detention, arbitrary enforcement of laws, searches of electronic devices and limited consular help. Some US citizens have been turned away at entry or expelled. The UK FCDO does not advise against travel, but it warns that foreigners must take no part in political activity and that drones are prohibited. It also advises against public transport and driving after dark, because the roads are poor and unlit. Check the US State Department page and the FCDO page before you book, and travel with insurance.

San Juan del Sur sits on the Pacific coast, while the lake, the volcanoes and the colonial towns lie inland. Each outing below is listed from the nearest to the farthest, with the road time from town. Start early and plan to be home before dark.

Marsella and Majagual, 25 to 40 Minutes

These two beaches make an easy half day by taxi. Playa Marsella has calm, gently lapping water and is the swim beach, while Playa Majagual is quiet, barely developed and has almost no shade, with waves a little bigger than at Marsella. Bring water and sun protection to both, and agree the taxi fare and pick-up time with the driver first.

La Flor Turtle Refuge, 30 to 45 Minutes

La Flor is about 18 to 22 km south of town. Olive ridley turtles come ashore from July to January, and some nights bring none. Casa Oro Eco Hostel sells an evening trip for US$30 between July and February. The last stretch is dirt road, and the night drive is the main hazard, so use a driver who knows it. The attraction tours page has the ranger rules.

Rivas, 35 to 45 Minutes

Rivas is a market town about 30 km away and the transfer point for most longer trips. A chicken bus takes 45 to 60 minutes and costs about C$30 to 40, roughly US$1.

Ometepe by Ferry

No boats cross to Ometepe from San Juan del Sur, because the town is on the ocean and the ferries sail across Lake Nicaragua. They leave from Puerto de San Jorge, about 40 minutes from town by taxi through Rivas. A private taxi costs about US$25 to 35, so ask the price first. By bus, take the Rivas chicken bus and then a shared taxi to San Jorge for about C$30.

Allow about an hour on the water to Moyogalpa. There are 15 departures between 07:00 and 17:45 on ferries and lanchas, and a few go on to San José del Sur in about 80 minutes. The last departure from Moyogalpa back to San Jorge is at 17:30, and lanchas do not run on Sundays. Winds from November to February can leave the lake rough. Fares are reported at C$35 to 70, with a US$1 port tax, so budget under about US$3. The Ometepe ferry schedule lists the times.

A same-day return is possible only as a very early, tight day, with about three hours on the road and two on the water. An overnight stay suits the island better, and the multi-day trips page covers it. Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas are on Ometepe, not near San Juan del Sur. Concepción is active and both need an experienced guide.

Granada, Two Hours Each Way

Granada is about 95 to 100 km north, and the drive takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. It is the base for boat rides around the Las Isletas islets on Lake Nicaragua. A day there is a long one, so pick one main stop.

Masaya and Mombacho, Two Hours or More

Masaya Volcano admits night visitors for about US$10 for foreigners, and day entry runs from about C$150 to US$5. The park is open, but the glow is weaker than in earlier years, and a visitor in March 2026 saw a red glow and no active lava. Go for the atmosphere and not for a lava lake. Mombacho reserve charges roughly US$25 to 30, so check the current fee. Both are two hours or more from town.

Practical Tips

  • Do not combine Granada, Masaya and Mombacho in one day.
  • Pay in US dollars, with small bills for taxis and fees.
  • Leave before mid-afternoon so the return drive finishes in daylight.

Read more: the activities page covers what to do without leaving town. For a route that links several cities, see the Nicaragua 3 day itinerary .

Guided versions of these outings can be compared on Viator searches for San Juan del Sur day trips .