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San Juan del Sur

Nicaragua · Coast · NIO · 11.253000, -85.866700
Family friendly 7.5/10 · Rank 383 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for surfers of all levels, nightlife and outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to enjoy a beach holiday on the Pacific coast.

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$83.00 (≈ 6 965 ₽)
For 7 days
$581.00 (≈ 48 758 ₽)
San Juan del Sur is a picturesque resort town on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, which is the main surfing hub in the country. The town is famous for its wide beaches, excellent waves, and relaxed atmosphere, attracting travelers from around the world. Here you can surf, take a stroll along the promenade, or visit nearby beaches. San Juan del Sur is the perfect place for those seeking a combination of beach relaxation and active entertainment.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

fast

Local character

San Juan del Sur residents are friendly and used to tourists. Many surfers and expats create a lively and open atmosphere.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent surf waves
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Scenic beaches
  • Diverse outdoor activities
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Crowded in high season
  • Strong rip currents
  • Noisy in the centre
  • High prices in tourist areas
  • Transport needed to get around the coast
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.5°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
30.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Maderas
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Beaches are known for strong rip currents, swimming is recommended only in areas where lifeguards are on duty.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are not found in the swimming area, the bottom is sandy

Corals and reefs — details

  • No coral reefs in the coastal area

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in summer months
  • Usually harmless but can cause mild stinging

Sharks — details

  • Sharks inhabit coastal waters
  • Attacks are extremely rare but caution is advised when swimming in deeper water
Attractions

Christ of Mercy Statue

Giant Christ statue on a hill with panoramic views of the town and bay

Playa Maderas

One of Nicaragua's best surf beaches with waves for all levels

Playa Hermosa

Scenic beach with golden sand and calm water for swimming

Las Nubes Adventure Park

Park with ziplining, rope courses and trails in tropical forest

Sunday Funday

Famous pool crawl party, popular with tourists

Best areas

Town Centre

Close to the waterfront, restaurants and main attractions

Playa Maderas

Area with a surf beach and hostels, popular with young people

Playa Hermosa

Quiet area with a beach and hotels, popular with families

Must-try food

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with cilantro and chilli, popular snack

Pescado Frito

Fried fish, served with rice, salad and tortillas

Gallo Pinto

National dish of rice and red beans, served for breakfast

Vigorón

Fried yuca with chicharrón and cabbage slaw, popular snack

Tres Leches

Cake made with three types of milk, popular dessert

Where to go next

Playa Maderas

One of Nicaragua's best surf beaches, 25 minutes by car

Playa Hermosa

Scenic beach with calm water, 20 minutes by car

Rivas

City with a historic centre and museum, 30 minutes by car

Ometepe Island

Island with two volcanoes and nature, accessible by ferry

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$190.00
≈ 15 945 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.10
≈ 8 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
San Juan del Sur: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
San Juan del Sur: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
San Juan del Sur: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
San Juan del Sur: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
San Juan del Sur: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
San Juan del Sur: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Maderas. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
San Juan del Sur: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
San Juan del Sur: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish, sharks. Beaches are known for strong rip currents, swimming is recommended only in areas where lifeguards are on duty.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
San Juan del Sur: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $83.00 (≈ 6 965 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
San Juan del Sur: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $55.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $190.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
San Juan del Sur: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
San Juan del Sur: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $80.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.10, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
San Juan del Sur: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Christ of Mercy Statue — Giant Christ statue on a hill with panoramic views of the town and bay; Playa Maderas — One of Nicaragua's best surf beaches with waves for all levels; Playa Hermosa — Scenic beach with golden sand and calm water for swimming; Las Nubes Adventure Park — Park with ziplining, rope courses and trails in tropical forest; Sunday Funday — Famous pool crawl party, popular with tourists. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
San Juan del Sur: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with cilantro and chilli, popular snack; Pescado Frito — Fried fish, served with rice, salad and tortillas; Gallo Pinto — National dish of rice and red beans, served for breakfast; Vigorón — Fried yuca with chicharrón and cabbage slaw, popular snack; Tres Leches — Cake made with three types of milk, popular dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
San Juan del Sur: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Close to the waterfront, restaurants and main attractions; Playa Maderas — Area with a surf beach and hostels, popular with young people; Playa Hermosa — Quiet area with a beach and hotels, popular with families. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
San Juan del Sur: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
San Juan del Sur: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (code MGA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $80.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
San Juan del Sur: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — NIO. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $83.00 (≈ 6 965 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
San Juan del Sur: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
San Juan del Sur: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
San Juan del Sur: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Playa Maderas — One of Nicaragua's best surf beaches, 25 minutes by car; Playa Hermosa — Scenic beach with calm water, 20 minutes by car; Rivas — City with a historic centre and museum, 30 minutes by car; Ometepe Island — Island with two volcanoes and nature, accessible by ferry. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.5/10
Overall rank: 383 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 251