Nicaragua hasn't traditionally been known as a hot spot for tourism, but recently tourists from all over the world have taken note the extraordinary beaches of Nicaragua that line two coasts. There's plenty to keep you busy on Nicaraguan beaches, from surfing, swimming, and simply relaxing and soaking up the warm tropical air. The exotic beaches of Nicaragua are the perfect place to spend a beach vacation.

San Juan del Sur is one of the most popular Nicaragua beaches for both locals and tourists. Visitors flock there from all over Central America to relax on the shores of Nicaragua black sand beaches near San Juan del Sur. If you'd like to do more than just sit on the beach and relax, you can also go fly fishing, surfing, and scuba diving. Getting to San Juan del Sur is easy from both Rivas and Managua. Many people who want to experience the lovely beaches of Nicaragua stay in Rivas. To get to San Juan del Sur from Rivas, simply hop on an inexpensive public bus.

Nicaragua beaches play host to a wide range of species, including rare fish, crabs, and sea turtles. For a look at the biodiversity of Nicaraguan beaches, head south from San Juan del Sur to the La Flor beach. In addition to being an ideal swimming beach, La Flor also is a home for hundreds of Olive Ridley sea turtles. If you visit between July and January, you can watch hundreds of baby turtles hatch and make their way toward the sea.

Nicaragua Map

Surfing is one of the most popular activities for Nicaragua vacation-goers. For Nicaraguan beaches that are great for surfing, head to the Maderas beach. There are several Nicaragua hotels in this area, including many all-inclusive Nicaragua resorts and hotels that cater to ecotourists. Even though Maderas beach is very popular with tourists, it rarely gets extremely crowded.

If you're staying in Managua, you can find great Nicaragua beaches within 100 miles from the city center. Head to the Masachapa and the Pochomil beaches for nice surf and an area full of restaurants serving traditional food. Pochomil Beach is also the perfect place to go horseback riding. If you don't have a rental car, you can take a bus that departs from the Israel Lewites market for under a dollar.

The city of Leon is a very popular town to tour if you love old historical Latin American cities. Many visitors don't think to visit the Nicaraguan beaches and fishing villages nearby. Take a day trip to the quaint fishing village of Poneloya for a great beach for swimming and paddling. After your day at the beach, stop by one of the many seafood restaurants in the area and enjoy a deliciously fresh and inexpensive seafood dinner.

It"s for good reason that Nicaraguan beaches are considered to be among the best in Central America. There are dozens of gorgeous and relaxing Nicaraguan beaches--some still untouched by tourism, too--just waiting to be explored.