Destination & Travel Info
Visiting San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a historic fishing village turned vibrant surf town on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. It offers a unique blend of beach culture, local markets, and lively social energy—perfect for travellers seeking adventure in a welcoming, community-driven environment.
While Latin culture generally celebrates family and intergenerational connection, the people of San Juan del Sur seem to embrace families with young children especially enthusiastically. Kids are welcome almost everywhere—restaurants, cafés, pubs, and even some bars with designated play areas—allowing parents and children to feel at ease and included wherever they go.
The town’s mix of locals, expats, and travellers creates a friendly, tight-knit community that welcomes people of all ages. It’s the kind of place that families fall in love with—and return to year after year. See our FAQs for more information.
Travelling to Nicaragua
All travel involves some level of risk, and while Nicaragua has a complex history, today’s reality is far removed from outdated stereotypes. San Juan del Sur is considered one of the safest areas in the country, and tourists are not typically targeted by crime. Tourism is a valued part of the local economy, and Nicaraguans take pride in welcoming visitors and helping them have an enjoyable stay.
Government travel advisories—including those from Canada—often recommend caution when visiting Latin America, but they offer similar guidance for well-travelled destinations like France or the UK. Travellers who follow common-sense precautions frequently describe Nicaragua as one of the safest places they’ve visited. We encourage you to do your own research—numerous family travel blogs share firsthand accounts of positive experiences here. For added perspective, compare travel advisories for destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, or even parts of the U.S. See our FAQs for more information.
Things to Explore in San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur offers a vibrant mix of activities for families, making it easy to fill your days with fun and adventure. Try ziplining at Las Nubes Adventure Park, skateboarding at Surf Ranch, or horseback riding at Big Sky Stables. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the turtle hatchery at La Flor Beach, spotting sloths on a jungle hike, or whale watching with local guides. For a more relaxed vibe, spend the afternoon poolside at TreeCasa Resort while the kids splash around.
Exploring town is just as rewarding—stroll the side streets, browse thrift and souvenir shops, or grab an ice cream. You can take a hike to the mountain-top Cristo statue for panoramic views or take an art class at the Art Warehouse. Your guides will introduce you to the town early in the trip, ensuring you’ll feel right at home. By the end, you may not want to leave!
Surfing Safety & Best Practices
Surfing, like skiing and many other adventure sports, requires awareness and smart decision-making—but with proper instruction and precautions, it’s a safe and incredibly rewarding activity.
Nicaragua’s surf beaches—especially the sheltered bays where our lessons take place—offer some of the safest conditions for beginners. Our partner surf school prioritizes safety, providing thorough instruction on ocean awareness, beach and water safety, and staying close by during lessons to ensure a fun, skill-building, and safe learning experience.
Approach a day of surfing just like you would a day of skiing or tobogganing in Canada: stay alert, make smart choices, and keep a close eye on the kids.