The 12 Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit in Nicaragua 

Are you seeking inspiration for your next travel destination? With a plethora of options to choose from, you might be intrigued to uncover some of the world’s lesser-known treasures. Nicaragua is a stunning tropical paradise that often goes unnoticed by many travelers. 

This Central American gem boasts majestic landscapes with towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, and sprawling lakes. However, Nicaragua’s coastline is truly awe-inspiring. This country is a hidden paradise with miles of pristine, untouched beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. In this post, we’ll explore some of Nicaragua’s most stunning beaches, each with unique charm and allure.

Must-see Beaches in Nicaragua

Corn Islands

The Corn Islands, consisting of Big Corn and Little Corn Island, are located approximately 50 miles off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. You must take a flight from Managua airport to reach this tropical paradise.

If you are a seafood lover, you will particularly enjoy this island, as the seafood is freshly caught from the Caribbean Sea. The best time to visit is during lobster season from July to March. You can soak up the sun, try different restaurants, and immerse yourself in Afro-Caribbean culture. A trip to this stunning destination is worth your time.

Las Peñitas

This gorgeous seaside town is located just 30 minutes from Leon and is a favored destination among locals. Leon is notably drier and hotter than the rest of the country. The beach is an absolute paradise that stretches for miles. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of warm turquoise waters, powdery golden sand, and perfect surfing waves. 

Las Peñitas is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves sunbathing, swimming, or taking strolls on the beach. Surfing is one of the most popular activities at Las Peñitas. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, you can visit one of the many restaurants and enjoy a well-crafted cocktail and fresh seafood while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Playa Maderas 

This beach is one of the most popular in Central America due to its excellent surfing conditions. During high tide, experienced surfers can enjoy the fantastic waves. However, beginners should avoid the waves off Machete Rock, as they are only suited for experts.

Playa Maderas offers excellent waves, surfboard rentals, a surf school with instructors, and various restaurants. The food is particularly noteworthy, ranging from delicious pizza to refreshing smoothies. So, after a long day of surfing, you can sit back and grab a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Playa Marsella

Located right next to Playa Maderas, Playa Marsella is known as its sister beach. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for a quieter spot. You’ll be surrounded by nature and the sounds of nearby birds. At Playa Marsella, you can spot a whale, go sailing, catch a beautiful sunset, or go horseback riding.

Playa Remanzo

If you’re new to surfing and considering trying it, Playa Remanzo in San Juan del Sur is a fantastic destination. The waves at this beach are small and predictable, which makes it easy for beginners to learn and practice. You can rent surfing equipment; qualified instructors are available for guidance. 

Playa Remanzo is a great family-friendly beach. It is an ideal place to teach your kids how to surf and have fun in the water. 

In addition to surfing, Playa Remanzo offers other activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. There are also several beachfront restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful ocean view. 

Overall, Playa Remanzo is one of the best beaches in Nicaragua for beginners and families. It’s an excellent place to learn to surf and have a great time in the water.

Playa La Flor 

Attention all adventure-seekers! If you’re looking for a unique beach experience, look no further than Playa La Flor. This beach is located south of San Juan del Sur, closer to the Costa Rican border. It is an excellent spot for surfing and relaxing in the water. 

La Flor is a popular nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Every year, female turtles come to the shore to lay eggs, and after about 40 days, baby turtles hatch and run right into the ocean. It’s an incredible sight, so Playa La Flor can only be visited via guided tours. The locals protect the area and want to ensure the nesting and hatching processes go uninterrupted.

Apart from the turtles, Playa La Flor is a haven for plenty of wildlife, birds, monkeys, and iguanas, thanks to the tropical forest background. The beach itself boasts clear water and fine white sand. However, it’s essential to note that this is a protected area, and visitors are expected to follow strict rules when they go there.

Miskito Cays

This is one of the most remote islands in the country, and it can only be accessed by boat. Miskito Cays is an exciting spot to visit. And if you’re lucky, you may have the entire island to yourself for the day! Can you think of a more fantastic place to unwind and hit the reset button?

For all of you adrenaline and adventure junkies out there, this is the perfect spot to visit! The island has no accommodation, electricity, or drinkable water, so you can enjoy boat rides, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming in crystal clear waters, and observing some rare Central American bird species!

Playa Popoyo

Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking sight of Playa Popoyo! This stunning beach is one of Nicaragua’s most well-known spots, and you should visit it. Playa Popoyo is a remote beach that is a surfer’s paradise. It attracts surfers from all over the world who come here to fulfill their wildest dreams.

The waves at Playa Popoyo can be challenging, so beginners should be mindful of that. However, plenty of other activities exist if you’re not into surfing. You can visit the tide pools, relax, and observe exciting sea and land creatures. You can also ride horseback with an authentic gaucho as your guide and catch glimpses of toucans, sea turtles, anteaters, and armadillos. In short, Playa Popoyo does have it all!

Playa El Coco

Located just about 30 minutes from San Juan del Sur, Playa El Coco is renowned as one of the top surfing destinations on the Pacific Coast. The beach is surrounded by numerous trees and beautiful rock formations, making it a scenic paradise. It’s a great place to visit if you want a peaceful and quiet escape from those larger crowds. 

Playa Hermosa 

The beautiful beach, also known as Playa Hermosa, is breathtakingly beautiful. The long open beach is surrounded by white sand and a view of the neighboring country, Costa Rica. 

Visitors will be required to pay a minimal fee of three dollars to access the beach, but it is definitely worth it. Surrounded by the lush green trees, you’ll hear monkeys enjoying their time in nature. There are plenty of activities to partake in, such as surfing and horseback riding, and an abundance of food options at the local restaurant. 

Playa Yankee 

Playa Yankee is a secluded beach located 30 minutes south of the town of San Juan del Sur. It is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the sun and have fun. 

However, visitors should be aware that the beach has one of the strongest breaks in the area. Therefore, inexperienced swimmers and surfers should exercise caution, as this spot is recommended for more experienced individuals.

Remember to bring water and snacks since no restaurants are available on the beach.

Playa Gigante 

Playa Gigante is a small fishing village with a breathtaking ocean view from its white sandy beach. This place differs from your typical tourist destination as it retains its local vibe. You can engage in various laid-back activities here, or if you’re an avid surfer, you can catch some waves, too.

Nicaragua is a beautiful country with plenty of memorable experiences to offer. If you’re planning your next trip, explore these pristine beaches and enjoy the crashing waves, warm sun, and volcanic black sand. Let yourself be swept away by the natural beauty of these breathtaking beaches.

If you want more vacation destinations, please check out our other posts. We have many more amazing places for you to discover!