San Juan del Sur Beach
San Juan del Sur Beach
San Juan del Sur Beach
4
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Top ways to experience San Juan del Sur Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
74 within 5 kms
Attractions
8 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
944 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
288
Average
244
Poor
75
Terrible
24
David
5 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Spent the day cleaning this very dirty beach with some other volunteers, I would not walk barefoot here or swim in the water. Very sad towns that make their money from being on the sea completely destroy it like this. Get a taxi or motor bike get to a beach away from the town it is well worth it if you want to get in the water and have less garbage, sewage and broken glass around.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rowan H
Cairns, Australia1,721 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
The beach is still recovering post hurricane Julia. All along the shore is driftwood/logs as well as garbage. The excessive rain that has fallen on the mainland is also making its way out to sea through a stream that cuts down the centre of the beach, making the water a mix of green and brown. On some of the edges you may be able to go for a swim, but the water was not particularly alluring.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel E
Toronto, Canada8 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
The small, fishing village on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, is a beautiful little town that takes you back to the "good old days". Economic downturn has hit them hard. There are few tourists and little organised activity in town. However, the views are spectacular, food excellent quality and very cheap, abundance of seafood restaurants where you can get an excellent meal for less than $15. People are friendly. Coffee is good. Must see, a 100ft statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the harbour.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichelRobinson
Hawkesbury, Canada19 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We love San Juan Del Sur. Actually we had friend that cancel last minute because they were scared for their safety. This place has lots of family, young kids and we feel safe enough to be back next year. People are very nice and their food exquisite. From breakfast to diner we have not been disappointed.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KathyGrey2015
Caledon, Canada67 contributions
Feb 2020
Clean and accessible. Lovely restaurants to enjoy food and /or drinks while enjoying the view of the beach and harbour . Especially beautiful at sunset. Sit back relax and watch the boaters, surfers and families.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajlangar
UK1 contribution
Jan 2012 • Friends
Do not visit the beaches around san jaun del sur.I was robbed and beaten with rocks and machetes held to my throat by armed robbers at the beach of playa del remanso close to san juan del sur.This happened in broad daylight with other visitors who were sunbathing close by.They all left after the so called secuity guard and shopkeeper were shown not to have told any of us when we arrived that armed roberrys occured in the area.They were more interested in getting peoples business at thier shop.On returning to san juan del sur the police did not appear helpful untill the local press and tourism chamber got involved.We were told by local residents that this happens reguarly with some buses even dropping people of at the surrounding beaches and not warning tourists.We were told the police do not care about doing anything and are not interested in bad publicity surrounding the resort of san juan del sur, and they didnt like residents or visitors complaining about these crimes.I was treated agressively by the police for talking to the press who were only called by local residents and the police were under the asumption i was just another american when i am in fact european.They seemed to act as if they disliked americans.the robbert was a violent hateful attack which happened after i cooperated and gave the bandits everything i had of camera,wallet and watch.The local reaction was one of deep concern because many business people in the area dont want this affecting their trade and customers..and several tour operators claimed to have been threatened by local bandits for working with tourists...all in all it was a bad experience being robbed, and then even worse it seems it is being covered up on a regular basis.Tourists are thier business and source of income so they should be protected,made to feel secure and treated better.Covering things up for quick profit is not a good idea as it will affect thier reputation in the long term
Written January 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott W
Reno, NV1 contribution
May 2013 • Friends
Anyone who tells you, "Nicaragua is really safe compared too..." pay attention to if they say "Baghdad". My friend and I just returned. We are male, in our early 30's and are both tall and athletic, not your typical targets for crime. We both have extensive travel experience around the world, and both speak moderate Spanish.
Please read the travel warnings from the US State Department. A place getting safer, is not necessarily safe: petty theft, armed robbery, violent attacks and sexual assault are all potential and very real problems.
San Juan Del Sur is beautiful. The beaches are incredible. There are several nice hotel options, with clean beds and wonderful customer service. The food was outstanding the views are endless. All of that is very secondary in my mind. The locals will tell you how friendly everyone is, and how much they like tourist dollars. We found this to be absolutely true. Once the sun goes down be prepared for roving bands of young hooligans who will begin to case every restaurant and every bar. Walking home anywhere is a terrible idea. Most of these youths are all about offering help or cigarettes, cigars, etc., while an accomplice works your other pocket if you're lucky. If you're unlucky you have a knife or small machete waved in your face.
Please understand this not your average, "be on your guard" warning, which is generic enough to apply to anywhere in the world.
Nicaragua is dangerous for tourists, and make sure you know where you are going, and how you are getting home in a group. If you want adventure, hire a guide and go see the rain forest or the volcanoes. The adventure down any dark street in San Juan Del Sur (or any Nica city for that matter) is absolutely not worth it.
The smart tourists had hired drivers for the entire trip. The hindsight 20/20 tourist is now telling you to hire a driver. The dumb tourist tells you, "Nicaragua is really safe compared too..."
Please read the travel warnings from the US State Department. A place getting safer, is not necessarily safe: petty theft, armed robbery, violent attacks and sexual assault are all potential and very real problems.
San Juan Del Sur is beautiful. The beaches are incredible. There are several nice hotel options, with clean beds and wonderful customer service. The food was outstanding the views are endless. All of that is very secondary in my mind. The locals will tell you how friendly everyone is, and how much they like tourist dollars. We found this to be absolutely true. Once the sun goes down be prepared for roving bands of young hooligans who will begin to case every restaurant and every bar. Walking home anywhere is a terrible idea. Most of these youths are all about offering help or cigarettes, cigars, etc., while an accomplice works your other pocket if you're lucky. If you're unlucky you have a knife or small machete waved in your face.
Please understand this not your average, "be on your guard" warning, which is generic enough to apply to anywhere in the world.
Nicaragua is dangerous for tourists, and make sure you know where you are going, and how you are getting home in a group. If you want adventure, hire a guide and go see the rain forest or the volcanoes. The adventure down any dark street in San Juan Del Sur (or any Nica city for that matter) is absolutely not worth it.
The smart tourists had hired drivers for the entire trip. The hindsight 20/20 tourist is now telling you to hire a driver. The dumb tourist tells you, "Nicaragua is really safe compared too..."
Written May 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fanifo
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua7 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
Hi just a heads up for anyone heading to San Juan del Sur - be very careful of your cameras and phone - especially at the Black Whale restaurant- heaps of phone have been nicked there and wallets - around town at nite you will see the transvestites - these guys run a neat little business that takes phone and cameras of tourists with their knowledge and sells them on. Dont expect the Police to help you - they wont even come if you call - they will say come in the morning and fill out a report form - you wont get your stuff back even if they have it - word on the street is these guys are part of the same little phone camera deal as the tranys -best thing to do is buy a cheap nica phone when you get here and leave your I- phone some where safe - or another cop here will have a good smart phone - its a shame as this place could be awesome but for the corrupt Police who feed of the tourists.
Written May 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suz
501 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
A peaceful stretch of beach on the Pacific coast. Nearby shops and food stands with Nicaraguan crafts and designs. Quiet and enjoyable time.
Further into town there are bars, restaurants and shops that are quaint and beckoning. Levy afternoon.
Further into town there are bars, restaurants and shops that are quaint and beckoning. Levy afternoon.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David F
Lexington, KY38 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
The only thing really good about this beach is its proximity to San Juan del Sur. If you are staying in town and want to put your toes in the ocean, fine, but otherwise go to Playa Coco or Playa Hermosa for a better 'beach experience'. Nobody is really hanging out on this beach. Go down to one of the restaurants and have a drink/dinner, look at the ocean, etc., but spend your beach time at one of the many other excellent beaches.
Written February 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola! Looking for a private chef for dinner this evening. Family of 6. I know, very last minute but loving the view from our rental home and want to stay in.
Written September 18, 2021
Where could I park my rental car in San Juan del Sur? If no parking by my hotel, is it possible and safe to park somewhere else?
Written February 5, 2020
I can only speak from our experience there. I think it is safe to park we’re permitted
Written February 5, 2020
What is the best way of transportation in town or to beach hop?
Written March 21, 2018
You can pretty much walk the town anywhere you want to go. To beach hop or to get farther than you can walk you can get a taxi. Be careful , though, because taxi drivers can have different fares to the same place. Ask your hotel or the place your staying to recommend or get a taxi for you, they usually know the good ones.
Written March 21, 2018
I'm looking at a flight into Managua, landing at around 2am & my return flies out of Managua at 2am. I am planning to stay in SJDS w/friends. Will it be safe for me to travel alone at those times? Are there taxis or a bus to take at that time?
Written February 16, 2018
It’s better if you have a car for a day. Maybe you will spend $50. Or take a taxi and afford $50 dollars.
Written June 26, 2018
It’s about 2.5 hours by car to Managua from San Juan del sur.
Written January 15, 2018
We are looking to visit San Juan Del sur in February with our two children. A lot of what I'm reading about the town is that it's a big party town. Would it still be a nice place for a family to visit or should we be looking for a more subdued beach town?
Written September 30, 2017
San juan is cool place but loud at night so it depend on your kid(s) age.. 0 to 5 years stay somewhere else. Or you can get a hotel remove from city center or near the main beach area.. they have beautiful hotel in the surrounding hills that provides a beautiful vista.. the sunset by the christ statue is worth it tho.. so go and have a blast.
Written October 7, 2017
Hola, puedes hacer cabalgata, canopy, caminata al cristo de la misericordia, paseo en catamaran o en bote
Written July 31, 2019
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