Leisure Boating Sites in Nicaragua

Travelers in Nicaragua are frequently fascinated with suggestions of boating expeditions. Once in possession of several motivating data on a number of Nicaraguan spots which can be reached while boat-tripping – so as to simultaneously get acquainted with an alternative manner of “experiencing” Nicaragua – a great part of the traveler’s curiosity for this country is redirected towards boating opportunities.

The most popular boating explorations are enabled by the San Juan River, which crosses an area of sheer breathtaking tropical wilderness in the form of rainforests. Expeditions are habitually organized both down and up the San Juan River. From the city of San Carlos – southeast part of Lake Nicaragua, about 300 kilometers away from Managua – down the San Juan, boating trips can reach the sunny sites of the Caribbean Sea. From San Carlos to San Juan del Norte – mouth of Rio San Juan – boats can reach the town of El Castillo, the Bartola River and the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve.

Rio San Juan

The boating to El Castillo gives the traveler the chance to see the over 300-year-old ruins of the fortress sheltered within the town, namely the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception. Additionally, the town provides its visitors by its remoteness from several common urban “systems” such as streets and cars.

Less than ten kilometers from El Castillo, the Bartola River – where there exists a well-liked refuge, the Bartola Lodge, providing both accommodations and meals to the tourists – is another must see location. The same tropical wilderness will enchant the adventurer. In the company of qualified guides, travelers have the very plausible occasion to see some of the place’s remarkable animals, such as snakes, monkeys, parrots, or tocans.

From Bartola, still by boat, the Indio Maiz Reserve can be entered. Another access way in the reserve is through San Juan del Norte. Lagoons, canals and an ample array of exotic plants and animals are sheltered within the Reserve. Thus, the tourist can see here the unusual freshwater shark, the three varieties of monkeys which can be met in Nicaragua, namely the spider monkey, the howlers and the white face monkey, jaguars, anteaters, various hummingbirds, and a diversified flora (mushrooms, passion-flowers, orchids, bromeliads).

However, there are other places as well where you can be directed in boating explorations. One such location is the wide Lake Nicaragua (or Lago Cocibolca as the locals name it), one of the widest lakes in Latin America. From Granada you can boat on the lake to one of its islands, maybe the Ometepe Island (the largest one on the lake), where you can explore its two volcanoes, Volcan Concepcion and Volcan Maderas or relax on its sunny, welcoming beaches.

Boating to the southeastern end of the lake, you will be able to reach the Solentiname Archipelago. One of the charms of the archipelago, the Elvis Chavarria Island, keeps under firm wraps an interesting cave, the Elf’s (Imp’s) Cave, which is under water almost all year long. However, during the dry months of the year – therefore most likely during March or April – there exists the possibility to reach this cave, once said to be an opening into the abode of the dead.

Boating is also possible on the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua. From Bluefields, the main Nicaraguan port to the Caribbean Sea, boats can be hired to reach Pearl Lagoon, after a little more than an hour’s boat journey from Bluefields. Pearl Lagoon meets the traveler with a uniquely pure, peaceful ambiance, just to give you an accurate idea of what serenity means more precisely: locals living mainly on fishing in an essentially green paradise.

Boat trips can be made from here to Pearl Cays, islands situated at an hour’s ride from Pearl Lagoon. They are fairly isolated and in short supply of tourist resorts. However, they can offer incredible hours of relaxation, and on the way towards them the tourist can take delight in seeing dolphins.

While in Pearl Cays (one or more of the 14 islands, depending on how many you can visit during a day), you can do some fishing or even some diving, if you have been inspired enough to bring along snorkeling equipments. Or you can simply opt for a day of repose on one of the islands’ beaches, while sunbathing or enjoying a palm tree’s shade. The azure waters, the unbelievably shining white sand and the warm sand will give you an incomparable sensation of relaxation and regeneration.

Azure waters along one of the Pearl Cays

Whether you are looking for an adventure along a river crossing tropical wilderness, or whether you just want to take a break and relax, while enjoying the warmth of the sun or the exotic shade of a palm tree, opting for a boat ride might just provide you with the opportunity corresponding to your need. Boats are widely accessible in a country where tourism is developing as one of the leading businesses, a country such as Nicaragua is.