San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a small Pacific port on Nicaragua's coast, known for surf beaches, a working fishing harbor and sunsets over the bay. Go for a few days of surf, beach walks and seafood.
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San Juan del Sur is a small port town on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, in the Rivas department near the Costa Rica border. The town sits around a bay, with a fishing harbor on one side and beaches on the headlands. Surfers come for the waves at Maderas and Hermosa, and others come for the sunsets over the water. A large statue of Christ sits on the hill above town, with views over the bay.
The town suits surfers, beach travelers and anyone who wants slow days with seafood and time on the sand. December to April is the usual dry season and the most reliable window for beach days. Plan two to three days for the town and its nearby beaches, and add more time if you want surf lessons or day trips along the coast.
San Juan del Sur in five
- Carry córdobas and small billsDollars are taken in many places, but change often comes back in córdobas. Break larger notes in town before you head out to the beaches.Money and costs
- Agree the taxi fare before you rideTaxis in town do not always have meters, so ask the price to your street or beach before you get in. Keep small notes for the fare.
- Book the transfer from Managua airportThe drive from Managua airport to San Juan del Sur takes about 2.5 hours by road. Arrange the ride before you land, or check bus and shuttle times in advance.Getting around
- Get a Claro or Tigo SIM or eSIMClaro and Tigo are the main mobile networks, and signal can drop on beach roads and hill paths. Download offline maps before you leave the town.Phones and eSIM
- Swim at Playa Hermosa with local advicePlaya Hermosa is a surf beach with strong waves and currents. Ask your lodging or a surf school which stretch is safe before you go in.
Need to know
- Currency
- Córdoba (NIO)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check the entry rules before you book
- Emergency
- 911 for all emergencies; 118 police, 115 fire, 128 Red Cross
- Tipping
- 10% common at restaurants if no service charge is added
- Time
- UTC-6, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, holiday crowds
- FebruaryDry, breezy
- MarchDry, breezy
- AprilDry, hot
- MayHot, Easter crowds
- JuneRains begin
- JulyRainy season
- AugustRainy, green
- SeptemberRainy, peak
- OctoberRainy, green
- NovemberDry season starts
- DecemberDry, holiday crowds
Right now in San Juan del Sur
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 70%
- Wind
- 23 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 76%
San Juan del Sur
02:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today31°25°76%Monday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Tue31°24°60%Tuesday: Rain. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 60%.
- Wed26°22°95%Wednesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Thu24°22°86%Thursday: Rain. High 24°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Fri26°23°82%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 26°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Sat28°23°80%Saturday: Rain. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Sun29°23°66%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 66%.
Updated 01:55 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 36.86 NIO
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Playa Hermosaabout 10 to 15 min by carA surf beach north of town, good for a long walk and a board lesson.
- Managuaabout 2 to 3 hours by roadThe capital, and home of the main international airport.
- Granadaabout 3 hours by roadA colonial city known for painted facades, on the shore of Lake Nicaragua.
Before you go to San Juan del Sur
Rules for San Juan del Sur, checked
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; check the current entry rules with Nicaragua's migration office before you travel.
- Declare cash above the legal limit on arrival, and check the current limit with Nicaragua's customs authority before you fly.
- Drug laws are strict and penalties include prison, so do not carry drugs, even in small amounts.
Plan around San Juan del Sur
Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Nicaragua trip
Read the guideGetting aroundTransfers from Managua and getting between beach towns
Read the guideVisas and entryWho can enter visa-free and what to check before you book
Read the guideMoney and costsCórdobas, dollars and typical prices for a day in town
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels, hostels and lodges by area of town
Read the guidePhones and eSIMMobile networks and offline maps for beach and hill routes
Read the guideSan Juan del Sur FAQ
Is San Juan del Sur worth visiting?
Yes, if you want beaches, surf and seafood by the water. The town is small, so two or three days covers most trips.
How do you get to San Juan del Sur from Managua?
By road, by shuttle, bus or private car, in about 2.5 hours. Check current bus and shuttle times before you travel, since schedules change.
How many days do you need in San Juan del Sur?
Two to three days covers the bay, a beach day and a surf lesson or boat trip. Add a day if you plan to visit beaches farther from town.
Is San Juan del Sur safe?
Keep valuables out of sight, use taxis your lodging calls, and ask locals about the area before walking after dark.
When is the best time to visit San Juan del Sur?
December to April, when rain is rare. May to October is the rainy season, with greener hills and more showers.
Is San Juan del Sur or Granada better?
Choose San Juan del Sur for beaches and surf. Choose Granada for its colonial streets and painted facades.