We all love to lounge around and catch some Zs under the sun. But between Nicaragua’s active volcanoes, tropical forests, sparkling lakes and unique coastlines, there are just too many cool things to do and see in this one-of-a-kind oasis. So, don’t just spend your whole vacay sitting pretty in a poolside lounger! We’ve compiled a list of four awesome activities to do if you’re ready to take your Nicaragua vacay to the next level.
Dive in the Corn Islands
Photo by @sam_gonzcLocated off Nicaragua’s east coast, the Corn Islands are where you can find the quintessential laid-back island vibe that we all know and love. The two islands, Big Corn and Little Corn, are surrounded by stunning coral reefs that are crawling with marine life and filled with divers from all over the world.
Sled Down a Volcano
Yep, you read that right! This is the perfect daytime activity for adrenaline junkies looking to do something totally out of the ordinary. Cerro Negro, one of the youngest volcanoes in the world, earned its name due to its black sandy slopes and has since made a name for itself as a premier sandboarding destination.
The sport involves riding down the side of the volcano on a wooden board. After making the 40-minute hike to the top of the slopes, you must wear a boiler suit and goggles for protection before zooming down the black ash. You can either sit sled-style or stand on the board like a surfer, but you’ll want to test out your skills prior to making the plunge, especially since your speed can reach up to 60 mph.
Explore Lake Nicaragua
Photo by @thelifeof_freillyWay back in the day when the Spanish colonists first saw Lake Nicaragua, it was so vast they thought it was an ocean! And technically, they weren’t too far off. Lake Nicaragua is the only lake to have ocean-like animals, including sharks! It’s believed that the lake was once a sea bay, but when a volcano erupted, the bay was closed off to the ocean, trapping the marine life and transforming the body of water into an inland lake.
The lake is home to over 300 small uninhabited islands as well as two volcanoes in the lake’s center. The views are seriously jaw-dropping, plus with tons of amazing hiking, kayaking and birdwatching, it’s the perfect outdoor adventure!
Surf at Playa Maderas
No trip to Nicaragua is complete without riding a wave! Known for its gnarly waves, Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is the perfect surf spot for beginners and pros alike. San Juan del Sur is a colorful coastal town with cute shops, fun restaurants and of course, awesome beaches for surfing. Head to Playa Maderas for a surf lesson and stay for an unbelievable sunset–you won’t regret it!
Alright, now that you have some fun activities in mind for your Nicaragua vacay, you can focus on finding the perfect all-inclusive resort to relax at after a day of exploring. Your next vacation is just a click away!
