Bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Nicaragua offers more than 900 kilometers of coastline, and an extraordinary range of beaches to match. From powdery white sand and volcanic black shores to remote islands and lively surf towns, the country’s coastline remains one of Central America’s most varied and least crowded.
Whether you want to stretch out with a cold drink, chase consistent waves, or wander long, empty beaches where footprints disappear with the tide, Nicaragua delivers. Naming the single best beach is nearly impossible, but these are our favorite places to experience the country’s coastal diversity.
Best Private Beach: Playa Redonda
Tucked along Nicaragua’s southern Pacific coast, Playa Redonda is one of the country’s most beautiful and secluded swimming beaches. A crescent of soft white sand meets clear, calm water, backed by dense jungle that gives the bay a sheltered, intimate feel.
The beach sits within the grounds of Aqua Wellness Resort. If you are not staying onsite, a lunch or dinner reservation is required to access the beach, making it an ideal option for travelers seeking a peaceful, uncrowded day by the sea.
Best Protected Cove: Playa Maderas
Just north of San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas feels worlds away from the town’s nightlife. Jungle-covered hills frame a wide arc of sand, punctuated by distinctive rock formations and calm pockets ideal for swimming and tide pooling.
Playa Maderas is also one of Nicaragua’s most accessible surf beaches, with consistent waves suitable for beginners through advanced surfers. A handful of relaxed beach bars serve ceviche, fish tacos, and cold beers, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Best Local Experience: Las Peñitas
Stretching for five kilometers along the Pacific near León, Las Peñitas remains a favorite among locals. The long, open beach is lined with casual cafés and bars, and sunsets here are some of the best in the country.
Surf conditions vary depending on swell size, making Las Peñitas suitable for a wide range of surfers. While international visitors are beginning to discover it, the atmosphere remains laid-back and unmistakably Nicaraguan.
Best Secluded Beaches: Pearl Cays
Off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, the Pearl Cays offer some of the country’s most idyllic island scenery. White sand beaches, turquoise water, and palm-fringed shores define this small archipelago of twelve islands.
Infrastructure is limited, though a few larger islands offer basic lodging and meals hosted by local families. Access requires a passport due to a military checkpoint when departing the mainland, but the reward is a quiet, romantic escape with excellent swimming and snorkeling.
Best for Wildlife Encounters: Playa La Flor
Located south of San Juan del Sur within an 800-hectare reserve, Playa La Flor is one of Nicaragua’s most important wildlife beaches. The surrounding forest is home to monkeys, iguanas, and abundant birdlife.
The beach is best known as a major nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles, which arrive between July and December. Hawksbill, leatherback, and green sea turtles are also occasionally spotted during nesting season.
Best Wild Black Sand Beach: Jiquilillo
Far from the usual tourist routes, Jiquilillo offers a dramatic stretch of black volcanic sand backed by coconut palms and fishing villages. The ocean here is a deep blue, and the beach feels raw and expansive.
Shell collecting is popular, with a wide variety washing ashore. Jiquilillo appeals most to travelers seeking solitude, simple pleasures, and a sense of discovery.
Best Caribbean Flavor: Corn Islands
Seventy kilometers off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, Big Corn and Little Corn Islands deliver classic Caribbean charm. Calm, clear water, relaxed Creole culture, and a slower pace define life here.
Flights from Managua offer the easiest access, though adventurous travelers can reach the islands by land and boat. Lobster season typically runs from July through March and is an excellent time to visit.
Honorable Mention: Miskito Cays
Remote and largely untouched, the Miskito Cays remain one of Nicaragua’s least explored coastal regions. Accessible only by boat, the islands have no formal accommodations, electricity, or potable water.
For experienced, adventurous travelers, the reward is extraordinary. Expect pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, excellent snorkeling and diving, and a rare sense of complete isolation that is increasingly hard to find anywhere in the world.
For more coastal inspiration, check out our guide to the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica.
