Scuba diving

Corn Island and other sites on the Atlantic Coast offer warm water diving in transparent waters with anabundance of fauna and coral formations.Among the most fascinating species that can be observed in the Caribbean is the manatee.

In the case of scuba diving accidents (decompression sickness), patients can be transferred to Puerto Cabezas where there is a hyperbaric chamber.

San Juan del Sur, on the Pacific Ocean, is the perfect place to explore the nearby bays and to embark on fabulous underwater adventures in a deep blue sea with a wealth of fauna.

Hiking

The geography and tropical climate of Nicaragua make it possible to hike in various settings around the country. Hiking in the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve is fascinating for those that like to explore the lush vegetation that grows in the area. With a specially trained guide or following the routes indicated on the entrance signs, you can enjoy a wonderful hike that will lead you to a great variety of orchids and other species that flourish in the cloud forest.

You may also hike on the Momotombo Volcano, although its features are very different from those of the Mombacho Volcano. This volcano offers the possibility of climbing to scenic outlook points at various levels, from which you may enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

The Concepcion and Maderas Volcanoes are also often chosen for hiking. On the latter, you will see petroglyphs, waterfalls and a crater lake.

Selva Negra, located between Matagalpa and Jinotega, is known for its coffee plantation. You may hike through the plantation, and also receive an explanation of the process used to produce the famous northern coffee.

Other hiking spots include Zapatera Island, the Masaya Volcano, and the Archipelago of Solentiname.

Arts and Crafts

The creativity and imagination in handicrafts of the Nicaraguan ancestors has continued up to date. In the Central American Region, Nicaragua is known to possess a rich variety of arts and crafts. Nicaraguan artisans possess
a well-recognized ability in decorative woodwork, soapstone sculptures,manila weavings, and ceramics.

Masaya is by far, the cradle of Nicaraguan arts and crafts. Here you will find a variety of handicrafts marketplaces where you can purchase these, mainly hammocks. Nonetheless, the most well-known artisan site is San Juan de Oriente, one of the so-called "White Towns", whose main source of income are sales of their arts and crafts. The creation of clay pieces with pre-Columbian motifs is a family tradition, activity handed down from parents to children.

In Carazo Department there are artisans who work different materials for local consumption, such as woven products, embroidery, clothing and leather goods. In Jinotepe, Diriamba, there is a concentration of painters and mural artists.

Granada is known for its embroidery and jewelers who work gold and silver pieces providing them with excellent finishes and shapes. Carpenters work with wood, currently dedicating themselves to making replicas of antique furniture.

Leon produces spectacular iron furniture and the art of carving wooden religious images.

Matagalpa and Jinotega are distinguished for their black ceramic. Only three countries in the American Continent have the tradition of making black ceramic. This type of ceramic keeps using the same techniques and esthetics as the aborigine culture.

San Juan de Limay Municipality, Department of Esteli, has many soapstone mines and therefore, artisans chisel interesting soapstone figures.

These and many other handicrafts are available in shops and marketplaces throughout the country, such as the Huembes Marketplace in Managua, Old Handicrafts Marketplace in Masaya, San Juan de Oriente, among others.

Canopy

Those delighted with strong emotionscan take pleasure in canopy tours among treetops by sliding on cords and through hanging bridges. All of this takes place by using aerial platforms located between 3 and 30 meters height above the ground, from where you will appreciate nature from a different perspective. You can rely on specialized guides, the best equipment, including safety caps, harnesses, pulleys, gloves, and of course, the best security techniques.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism has great potential in Nicaragua, as the country is rich in biodiversity. It has 76 Protected Areas that represent 18% of their territory.These include 23 private natural reserves that are accessible for tourists.

The least extensive Natural Reserve is Tiscapa Lagoon in Managua with 40 hectares, and the largest is Bosawas Biosphere Reserve that overruns 700,000 hectares.

Nicaragua reports about 6,500 vascular plant species, although we estimate around 9,000. There are also about 43 fish species, 3,716 mollusks, 50 corals, 62 amphibians, and 172 reptile species, from 10 to 15 thousand insects, 676 bird species, 251 mammals and a total of 1,804 vertebrate species.

 

Golf

Managua has a beautiful 18 hole professional golf courses, some of them also have semi-Olympic swimming pools,professional tennis courts, fronton, and different restaurants where you can enjoy international cuisine and typical platters.

 

Kayak

Forty-five kilometers from the capital, in the City of Granada, you can take excursions on board a kayak and tour the canals in Las Isletas in the Great Lake. This tour allows you the benefit of an impressive scenic beauty and bird watching.

San Ramón and the Istian River in Ometepe Island, offers kayaks for traveling while enjoying the exuberant vegetation and observing some tropical wildlife such as monkeys commonly hanging on the trees.

Sport fishing

Nicaragua, with its two oceans,its lakes, crater lakes and watersheds, is a magnificent destination for sports fishing enthusiasts.The National Sports Fishing Tournament is held in September in the San Juan River. This event brings to gether enthusiasts from Nicaragua and the exterior. Some hotels and tour operators offer plans for sports fishing activities.

Sufing

The beaches of the Pacific and Lake Nicaragua are exceptional places for surfing due to the strong winds and waves in both locations.San Juan del Sur is considered an excellent destination, with more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) of coast. Its aquatic topography creates perfect waves for this sport.

Visit San Juan del Sur or nearby beaches: Hermosa Beach, Maderas Beach, Popoyo, Los Perros and Manzanillo.

Sailing trips

San Juan del Sur also offers an exceptional voyage aboard the Pelican Eyes Sailboat, a Marconi Rigged Gulfstar 41, which comfortably carries up to 18 passengers. Excellent on-board service is provided,including snacks and beverages which are available throughout the day’s journey.