Nicaragua has one international airport in Managua (Aeropuerto Internacional Augusto C. Sandino). We generally recommend this airport as the best option and we offer 24/7 transportation. Also, you can fly into Liberia, Costa Rica but you must cross the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border. Additionally, you would need to find your own transportation to the border because we do not offer transportation from Liberia airport direct to your rental. After you cross the border, we can offer transportation.

Yes, Nicaragua is safe to travel. Statistically, it is the safest country in Central America. Nicaragua is a peaceful and safe country; however, theft and other occasional criminal activity can occur. We always remind visitors to use good judgement to prevent unfortunate situations. Simple things to avoid include riding with an unknown taxi driver (best to set up private transportation or rent your own vehicle), walking alone on isolated beaches, leaving valuables unattended in a vehicle (especially computers, smart phones, tablets, etc), leaving doors unlocked, leaving belongings outside at night, etc.

We always recommend driving during daylight. As previously mentioned, we offer transportation if your flight arrives at night. Our drivers are experienced with night time driving and have a great understanding of typical road hazards (such as farm animals, poor road conditions, driving etiquette, etc.). We do not recommend that guests rent a vehicle and drive at night. If wanting to do so, ask us about a guide who can lead you out to your rental property (with you following behind). For those who arrive at night and prefer to stay in Managua overnight and make the drive the following morning, there are numerous hotel options.

The hotel closest to the airport is the Best Western (located directly across the street). For something a little nicer and more modern, the Camino Real is a good option (5 minutes from the airport). Both options are in the $100/night range and offer a free shuttle service if requested in advance. Here are the links to each hotel:

Best Western: http://www.lasmercedes.com.ni/#
Camino Real: http://www.caminoreal.com.ni/

There are several car rental agencies at the Managua airport but we highly recommend reserving your vehicle in advance. While you may be able to get by without a 4wd vehicle, we recommend reserving one so that you will not be limited where and when you can go. Below are links to some of the rental agencies at the airport

Budget rental car: http://www.budget.com.ni/
Avis rental car: http://www.avis.com.ni/
Dollar rental car: http://www.dollar.com.ni/

Aside from the obvious items (drugs, weapons, etc.), leave your spear fishing guns and drones at home. In 2014 new regulations were established to prohibit the entry of spearguns and drones in Nicaragua. If you bring them, Customs is likely to hold onto them until you leave the country. Retrieving them from customs is a time consuming process you will not want to deal with on your last day.

Yes, in most instances you can. Beware of surfboard embargoes, especially during the June-August timeframe (United has been known to turn away surfboards during our prime season). Check the board baggage fees as traveling with boards can some times be cost prohibitive. As always, make sure the board is safely packaged.

Don’t want to travel with boards? We have you covered. Our rental quiver has over 125 boards. We are constantly adding new brand name boards to our quiver and cycling out those that have seen better days. Rest assure that if you rent a board with us, it will be a quality board. For those staying in or near Hacienda Iguana, you can also take advantage of our free rental board swap out program. As the conditions change, so can your board. You can change boards as often as you like at no additional charge. All board rentals come with fins, leash, and a day bag.

Cruise through our on-line quiver here: http://www.surfnsr.com/nicaragua-surfboard-rentals
To ensure you receive the board you want, email us in advance to reserve it: rentals@surfnsr.com

The local currency is the Cordoba. In addition to the Cordoba, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere. If the foreign currency is marked, torn, or in poor condition, many places are likely to reject it. If you bring US currency, we recommend bringing small bills ($20 or smaller).

There is a $10 entry fee and currently no exit fee.

Most people come here without any special vaccines or medicines. In the rainy season, we encourage packing bug spray. If you are concerned about this topic, we recommend you consult with the CDC website for a thorough overview: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nicaragua

Depending upon where you are staying, there should be a nearby clinic for basic treatment or illness. In the southern region of Nicaragua where we are based, you will find a medical clinics in the SJDS, Gigante, Limon (near Rancho Santana,) and Hacienda Iguana. Please note these clinics are suited to treat very basic injuries and medical attention needs. Some clinics are also equipped with a pharmacy. For anything outside of basic medical care, we recommend Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas in Managua, which offers the best care in Nicaragua: http://www.metropolitano.com.ni/

For a serious medical complication, consult a doctor in your home country and consider returning home when possible.

Contact an NSR representitive if you need help with a medical emergency.

Depending upon where you are staying, there should be a nearby clinic for basic treatment or illness. In the southern region of Nicaragua where we are based, you will find a medical clinics in the SJDS, Gigante, and Limon (near Rancho Santana). Please note these clinics are suited to treat very basic injuries and medical attention needs. Some clinics are also equipped with a pharmacy. For anything outside of basic medical care, we recommend Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas in Managua, which offers the best care in Nicaragua: http://www.metropolitano.com.ni/

For a serious medical complication, consult a doctor in your home country and consider returning home when possible.

Contact an NSR representitive if you need help with a medical emergency.

Lessons can generally be given year round, though we sometimes have to schedule around swells. The ideal months are November, December and January. February and March also offer mellow surf, however those also tend to be months when we see cooler water temps and stronger waves.

Water temps late April-November are generally nice and warm and hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. January, February and March are when we see the coolest water temps (and these dips in temperatures are generally only the case for the southern part of the Pacific coast). Believe it or not, water temps during this timeframe can be anywhere from lower 60’s to mid 70’s. This is due to strong offshore winds and the upwelling of the deep cool water. Visitors coming to Nicaragua during this timeframe should definitely come prepared for cooler temps. Most of the time a long-sleeved top will suffice (it’s still 85 deg air temp) and rarely you’ll want a wetsuit. Email your NSR rep leading up to your visit for a report on water temps. If you forget to pack gear, visit the NSR shop for gear.

Our rainy season is May-October. Do not be alarmed by “rainy season”. A rainy season day generally consists of sunny skies with scattered showers in the afternoons or evenings. It’s usually a welcome break from the sun and heat. The trees and brush are green and we generally see our best surf. Fishing is also better during the rainy season.

November-April are our dry months so it’s a safe bet that these months will bring constant sunshine. For those looking to escape harsh winters, this could be the perfect time to visit. The surf is typically mellower during this timeframe so it’s a great time for lessons. You may also pay a bit less for accommodations during the dry season months. Note the off shore winds tend blow harder in the January through March timeframe.

Usually, there is service for most international providers. Check with your local phone company regarding roaming services and fees. Visitors may want to purchase a local cell phone with minutes. Phones can be purchased at many locations, including the airport. This is a more affordable way to stay connected in country and even call home (a phone should run $30 plus roughly $20 in phone minutes).

We experience occasional power outages. These generally occur once a week and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours. It’s very rare we have longer outages. Many rental properties are equipped with back up generators or battery systems. For those condos with a back up battery system, it’s important to only use those lights and fans that are necessary. Conserving electricity will extend the amount of time the battery system works. We also experience occasional internet outages. These outages are out of our hands, but we will do our best to follow up with the providers to ensure utilities are restored as quickly as possible.

For any other question related to Nicaragua, reach out to your NSR rep. We will answer your questions and help you prepare for your vacation!