Your Guide to the Best Beaches in San Juan del Sur

Whether you’re a surfer, a sunbather, or an adventure seeker, these beaches offer something for everyone. Grab your sunscreen!

San Juan del Sur

With its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and variety of activities, San Juan del Sur has become a popular spot for backpackers and surfers seeking sun, surf, and adventure.

San Juan del Sur itself is a vibrant town that caters to backpackers and surfers. The town’s laid-back atmosphere and colorful streets are dotted with budget-friendly accommodations, hostels, and guesthouses. You’ll find a lively backpacker scene, with friendly locals, vibrant nightlife, and a variety of dining options that won’t break the bank.

As a surfer’s paradise, San Juan del Sur attracts wave riders from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, you’ll find suitable breaks and a supportive surf community. Surf camps and lessons are available, providing an opportunity to hone your skills or try surfing for the first time.

Keep reading: A Complete Guide to San Juan del Sur

Let’s go to the beach, beach

In this small surfer town, going to the beach is pretty much the main thing to do during the day. The beach in SJDS proper doesn’t get much action and no one really goes to it.

The good beaches, which I’ve outlined in this post, are around a 15+ minute drive out of town, so its not really walkable. There are also many taxis that wait around (go to the corner by the building with the big map painted on the side) if you can’t get on the shuttles.

Staying in a hostel or surf camp comes in handy in this situation as most of them run daily shuttles to the better beaches, and some even offer surf lessons.

A word of warning: for whatever reason, in late January, February, and March the ocean is super cold. I learned this the hard way when we came here in February. I tried to surf a couple times but couldn’t last more than 30 minutes before I was shivering and my hands and feet went numb.

Best Beaches in San Juan del Sur

Remanso

A few kilometers south of San Juan del Sur, Playa Remanso is a laid-back beach favored by locals and travelers alike. It has a relaxed vibe, gentle waves, and is the best beach for beginner surfers. It is even suitable for swimming, whereas some of the other beaches have pretty rough waves.

There is even a nice beach bar here as well to grab a juice or beer and some snacks.

Although distance-wise Remanso isn’t as far from San Juan as the other beaches, it can take 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Keep this in mind when planning other activities.

Maderas

Located about 8 kilometers north of San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas is a popular surfing beach known for its beautiful scenery, golden sand, and chill vibes.

Playa Maderas is renowned for its consistent waves, making it a mecca for surfers of all levels. It offers a lively beach scene full of surfers and big beachfront bars where you can hang out and soak up the surf culture. They serve food and drinks all day, as well as access to beach chairs and umbrellas.

Surf lessons and board rentals are available, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Although speaking from personal experience, the waves can get pretty big and if you’re a beginner, it might be best to practice in the white water.

This beach is not walkable from San Juan del Sur and takes about 15 minutes by car. However, if surfing at Maderas is your priority, there are several hostels and hotels in this area such as Selina. If you are staying at in town, don’t worry about figuring out how to get here. Maderas is a fan-favorite and you’ll be able to share a taxi or take a hostel’s shuttle to get here.

Hermosa

Just a short drive from San Juan del Sur, Playa Hermosa is a picturesque beach with calm waters and soft sand. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach picnics. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling town.

Hermosa is a private beach, but if you stay in a hostel, you can get access to this relaxing beach through their shuttle service. You may recognize it as the setting for several seasons of the hit reality show, Survivor.

Its relatively calm waters, soft sand, and tranquil setting make Hermosa ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the surrounding beauty. This beach is perfect for backpackers looking to unwind and chill, while also great for all levels of surfers.

Marsella

Just a short drive north of San Juan del Sur, Playa Marsella is a quiet and serene beach. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a peaceful and natural setting.

There is one little restaurant where you can get some food and drinks and watch a famously orange Nicaraguan sunset. This is one of my favorite beaches because often times, we were the only people here and had the entire beach to ourselves.

Playa El Coco

Located the farthest from San Juan del Sur (20 kilometers south), Playa El Coco is a beautiful and secluded beach with turquoise waters and palm-fringed shores. It offers a serene and unspoiled atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty. It’s advisable to bring your own food and drinks, as there are limited facilities available.

El Coco is not one of the beaches typically frequented by the San Juan del Sur hostels, and therefore only a few tourists will be there. If you are looking for a secluded and serene beach day, this is your spot. It is also great for families.

San Juan del Sur Beaches

San Juan del Sur is a beach destination that has it all for backpackers, digital nomads, and surfers. From its beautiful beaches and thrilling surf breaks to its vibrant town and budget-friendly options, it offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and community. Whether you’re seeking epic waves, beachside hangouts, or a lively social scene, San Juan del Sur has something for everyone.

Here are the best beaches in San Juan del Sur:

Playa Maderas: best for surfing

Playa Remanso: best for beginner surfers

Playa Hermosa: most beautiful

Playa Marsella: best for watching the sunset

Playa El Coco: most secluded

Beyond the beaches, travelers can explore the natural wonders surrounding San Juan del Sur. The nearby hills and jungles offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and even zip-lining adventures. You can immerse yourself in the stunning landscape, discovering hidden waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Interested in traveling to San Juan del Sur? Check out these resources:

How to get to San Juan del Sur

Best Coworking Spaces in San Juan del Sur

Best Places to Stay in San Juan del Sur