San Juan del Sur and the Southern Pacific Coast
A crescent bay on Nicaragua's southern Pacific coast, about three hours by road from Managua airport, with surf beaches up and down the coast and calmer coves for families.
At a glance
- Fly into: MGA (Managua). About 3 hours by road to San Juan del Sur, 130 km from the airport.
- Best weather: November to February. The dry season runs from December to April, with the strongest winds from mid-December to March.
- Pairs with: Granada and Lake Nicaragua. Shared and private shuttles run between Granada and San Juan del Sur.
Why San Juan del Sur works as a base
San Juan del Sur is a small town on a crescent-shaped bay, and it works best as a base rather than as a single beach. The surf is at the beaches up and down the coast, reached by a short shuttle or drive. Playa Maderas, an A-frame break on the north side of town, is about 20 minutes away and is the one the surf schools favor. Playa Hermosa runs for just over a mile. Playa Marsella, the neighbor of Maderas, is calmer and suits families. Offshore winds blow much of the year and groom the waves, so there are breaks for beginners and for experienced surfers alike. The town is also a vacation spot for many Nicaraguan families as well as visitors from abroad. Above the north end of the bay, the Christ of the Mercy statue stands 134 meters above sea level, with a small chapel at its foot. The walk up is short but steep, and many people choose to do it at sunset.
Surf for every level
Remanso and Hermosa suit beginners, Maderas works with coaching, and Playa Yankee is a heavier wave for experienced surfers.
Calmer coves
Playa Marsella is the family-friendly neighbor of Maderas, and Playa Majagual is a cove with a laid-back feel.
A walk with a view
The hike to the Christ of the Mercy ends at a viewing platform 134 meters above the sea.
Places to know
San Juan del Sur town
The base on the crescent bay, and a cruise port: the only one in Nicaragua apart from Corinto.
Playa Maderas
An A-frame break north of town, about 20 minutes away, with surf schools and beach bars.
Playa Hermosa
Just over a mile of sand with several peaks, popular for lessons.
Playa Marsella
A calmer beach next to Maderas, good for families.
Christ of the Mercy
A hilltop statue at the north end of the bay, with a small chapel at its foot and views over the coast.
Rivas
The junction town where buses connect from Managua, Granada and Costa Rica, about an hour by bus from San Juan del Sur.
When to go
The dry season runs from December to April, and the most comfortable months for most visitors are November to February. Daytime highs stay at roughly 29 to 32°C all year. Dry-season winds are strongest from mid-December to March, which grooms the waves but can cool the water; advanced surfers often prefer May to October, when the town is quieter and the green season brings more rain.
Getting to San Juan del Sur
From Managua airport (MGA)
About 3 hours. By private transfer or taxi, 130 km. There is no direct bus from the airport.
From Managua city
About 3 hours. By bus from the Mercado Roberto Huembes terminal, or by shuttle.
From Rivas
About 1 hour. Frequent buses run to San Juan del Sur.
From Liberia airport (LIR), Costa Rica
About 2.5 hours. By road, crossing the border at Peñas Blancas.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Juan del Sur from Managua airport?
It is 130 km by road, and the drive takes about 3 hours. A private transfer or taxi is the only direct option, because no bus runs from the airport itself.
Can I fly into Costa Rica instead?
Yes. Liberia airport (LIR) is about 2.5 hours from San Juan del Sur by road, and the route crosses the border at Peñas Blancas. Managua (MGA) is the other main option, at about 3 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February gives the most comfortable weather. The dry season runs from December to April, and the winds are strongest from mid-December to March. Advanced surfers often choose May to October.
Is San Juan del Sur only for surfers?
No. The town is a vacation spot for many Nicaraguan families and foreign visitors. Playa Marsella is calmer and family friendly, and Playa Remanso and Playa Hermosa suit beginners.
Can I surf in the town itself?
The waves are at the beaches up and down the coast, not in town. Shared shuttles to Maderas, Hermosa and Remanso are common, and Maderas is about 20 minutes from the center.
Gallery
Location
San Juan del Sur, Rivas Department, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur and the southern Pacific coast: surf beaches, calmer coves, the Christ of the Mercy viewpoint and how to get there from Managua.