Guide to the Beaches: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches and surfing in the world. Many of which you’ll find in San Juan del Sur.

Here is a guide to our favorites in the area.

PLAYA MADERAS

With year round waves Playa Maderas is one of San Juan del Sur’s most popular surf beaches. Three restaurants (Tacos Locos, Los Tres Hermanos and Maderas Sunset Bar) offer frosty cervezas and local fare at reasonable prices. Dorm beds, as well as private rooms are available for rent at Los Tres Hermanos. Surf board rentals and lessons are also available here. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for travel to Playa Maderas, especially in the rainy season.

PLAYA MAJAGUAL

For an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing Playa Majagual is ideal. Grab a cold beverage or some typical Nicaraguan fare at Matilda’s Snack Bar. Playa Majagual is just a 5 minute walk North of Playa Maderas, but can also be reached by car from San Juan del Sur in approximately 25 minutes. Basic lodging is also available at Matilda’s Hostal. For a unique sleeping experience on the beach inquire about their dog houses.

PLAYA MARSELLA

Playa Marsella is less well known than her sister bay of Playa Maderas and is the quieter non-surfing beach. With a long, white sandy beach stretching from one end of the bay to the other, Marsella is strikingly beautiful. At the mouth of the estuary you’ll find Restaurante Rancho Marsella where you can get cold beer and enjoy fresh and delicious seafood. Depending on the time of day you may catch a glimpse of resident crocodile Paco. At the other end of the beach you’ll find the slightly more upscale restaurant El Secreto. Playa Marsella Beachfront Hotel has rustic cabins and rooms for rent. Stand up paddle boards and kayaks are also available for rent here.

THE BAY OF SAN JUAN

The Bay of San Juan is not likely to win any awards for the prettiest beach, but it is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or watch the sunset. The water in the bay is almost always calm, making it an excellent option for kids to swim and play. Locals regularly gather here in the afternoons to play soccer and volleyball. A myriad of thatched roofed restaurants offering happy hour food and drink specials line the beach. Our favorite is El Timón!

PLAYA PEÑA ROTA

Pristine, but rocky, Playa Peña Rota is located just 4 kilometers South of San Juan del Sur. It is accessible by car, even in the rainy season. If you’re a fan of the popular CBS series Survivor you may recognize this beach and it’s prominent rock formation. For those looking for a non-touristy beach experience Peña Rota fits the bill. Due to it’s ruggedness Peña Rota isn’t the greatest beach for swimming, but it’s a perfectly tranquil place to relax for the day. Bar Peña Rota offers seating in the shade, cold beverages, simple food and great views. Moreover Peña Rota is a great beach for an evening bonfire.

PLAYA REMANSO

Playa Remanso is a small beautiful bay just 15 minutes south of the center of San Juan. On a clear day at Playa Remanso you can see the mountains of Costa Rica which are less than fifteen miles away. Playa Remanso is a great beach for beginner surfers. Here you’ll find a handful of beach bar restaurants. Each of them offer some seating in the shade, fresh fruit smoothies, cold beer and simple food like fish tacos and chicken nachos. Our favorites place to hang at Playa Remanso are Slaudy Brothers and Bokana Cocktails & Bar.

PLAYA HERMOSA

At Playa Hermosa you’ll find Playa Hermosa Ecolodge with a full service restaurant and bar. Fresh water showers and lockers are among the many amenities provided here. Massages and horseback riding are also offered. With a dozen or more thatched roof palapas with hammocks Playa Hermosa has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable beach day. Playa Hermosa Surf camp offers surf board rentals and surf lessons. Playa Hermosa is perfect for all surfing ability levels. The hotel has even implemented a turtle conservation program. Please note: Outside beverages are not allowed and there is a fee of $3 USD per person to enter.

PLAYA YANKEE

This long beautiful secluded sandy beach is favorited by local surfers. With no amenities and little shade available here you’ll want to bring some snacks and plenty of water. The drive from San Juan del Sur to Playa Yankee takes approximately 30 minutes. Entrance fee is C$100 per vehicle. A 4×4 is recommended for travel to Playa Yankee, especially in rainy season.

PLAYA EL COCO

A jewel of a beach, spanning nearly a mile long Playa el Coco is great for relaxing, swimming and sunset watching. Restaurante Puesto del Sol, the one and only restaurant in the area offers hammocks and beach chairs. It also has a nice pool. Unfortunately the food quality and service level don’t warrant the higher menu prices. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Playa el Coco from San Juan del Sur.

PLAYA OSTIONAL

This wide and imposing beach is one of the least visited in the San Juan area, perhaps because of its remoteness, which makes it a tranquil and lonely spot, but if you’re looking to get off the beaten path and go on a little adventure Playa Ostional is worth the trip. Manta Raya Hospedaje is a great place to sit and enjoy the view and a cold Toña or two. If you follow the main road and cross the river you’ll find Bar Miramar. It too is a good spot to hang out and enjoy the sights and sounds of this out of the way beach.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 5, 2015. It has since been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness and republished on January 8, 2019.