Nicaragua in Central America has coasts toward both the Pacific Sea and the Caribbean, but scuba diving along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua is still quite rare. A majority of the scuba diving operations in Nicaragua are based on the Corn Islands – two islands in the Carribbean Sea, off the coast of eastern Nicaragua. Some scuba diving is also taking place in Nicaragua's crater lakes, which offers a very special experience but will take some time and effort to arrange as no dive shops are present near these lakes. You would need to contact a dive operator located elsewhere in the country and tailor a scuba diving package to your needs.
Examples of dive destinations in Nicaragua
The Corn Islands (Big Corn and Little Corn)
Located off the Caribbean coast of the Nicaraguan mainland, these islands are renowned for their clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Common sightings include nurse sharks, rays, and various tropical fish. The best time to dive here is from April to October when the waters are calm and visibility is high. Little Corn Island is particularly famous for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent diving conditions.
Big Corn is where a majority of the residents live and is also where the airfield is. You can not fly directly to Little Corn, you will need to fly from Managua or Bluefields to Big Corn and then catch the boat to Little Corn. Little Corn has much less infrastructure and electricity is only available during certain parts of the day.
Pearl Cays
Also in the Caribbean, the Pearl Cays is not visited a lot and offer impressive dive sites with coral reefs in good condition and diverse marine ecosystems. These less-visited sites provide a tranquil diving experience, perfect for those looking to explore more remote and less crowded locations.
San Juan del Sur
Located on the Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur is a popular tourist destination and some diving also takes place here. The waters here are teeming with life, including turtles, rays, and large schools of fish. The dive sites vary from reefs to volcanic rock formations, offering unique underwater landscapes. The town itself is a hub for both foreign tourists and Nicaraguans on a holiday.
Laguna de Apoyo
Diving in a crater lake is a special experience in itself, but you will not see the proliferation of colourful fish that we are used to from the Corn Islands and Pearl Cays. No dive shops are located near Laguna de Apoyo, so you will have to arrange your scuba diving with an operator located elsewhere in Nicaragua.
Lake Nicaragua
This is the largest lake in Central America and it has been very important throughout the history of Nicaragua, as it is connected by a river to the Caribbean despite being located fairly far to the west. Sometimes bull sharks travel up the river to the lake, but sightings are very few and far between these days. Once upon a time, much more bull sharks made this lake their home.
Diving in Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca) is possible, but at the time of writing, no dive shops are found near it. If you wish to scuba dive in Lake Nicaragua, you will need to arrange this with a diving operator located somewhere else in the country. Visibility is sometimes poor.
Water temperature
The water temperature in Nicaragua typically ranges from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C), making it comfortable for diving year-round. Divers can usually dive comfortably in a 3mm wetsuit, though some may prefer a thicker suit in the cooler months.
Visibility
Visibility can vary significantly depending on the location and time of year. Generally, the best visibility is found at the Caribbean dive sites. During the dry season (November - April), visibility at the Caribbean sites normally ranges from 50 feet (15 meters) to over 100 feet (30 meters).
Coastal sites on the Pacific side can have significantly lower visibility during the rainy season compared to the dry season due to runoff.
Marine life
Nicaragua's waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including:
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Sharks: Nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the unique Nicaraguan freshwater sharks.
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Rays: Manta rays, eagle rays, and stingrays.
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Other fish: Parrotfish, angelfish, barracudas, snapper, and grouper.
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Turtles: Several species, including Green sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles. Many species of sea turtle come to Nicaragua to nest on the beaches.
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Mammals: Dolphins, and occasionally whale sharks.
Dive operators
There are not many dive operators in Nicaragua, and a majority of them are found on the Corn Islands.
Examples of dive operators in Nicaragua:
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Dolphin Dive: Located on Little Corn Island in the Carribean, offering a range of PADI courses and dive trips to various local sites.
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Fun Divers: Operating on Big Corn Island the Carribean, offering personalized diving experiences and certifications for all levels of divers.
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Dive Nicaragua: Based in San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast, providing various diving services, from introductory dives to advanced certification courses.
Travel tips and information for scuba divers going to Nicaragua
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Language: The official language is Spanish and it is spoken by a vast majority of the population. On the Caribbean side, including the Corn Islands, some residents speak Caribbean English as their first language.
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Currency: The official currency is the Cordoba (NIO). United States dollars are widely accepted, but many establishments will not accept $50 and $100 bills. Bills must be in good condition. You will most likely get your change in Cordoba. At many ATM:s in Nicaragua, you can withdraw both NIO and USD. Other currencies, e.g. EUR and CAD, are not widely accepted in Nicaragua.
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Dive Gear: While rental gear is available, bringing your own mask, snorkel, and fins ensures a comfortable fit.
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Sun Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and rash guards help protect against the strong tropical sun.
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Documentation: Bring your dive certification cards and logbook.
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Medications: Anti-nausea medication can be helpful for boat trips.
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Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching or disturbing marine creatures. Practice good buoyancy control to prevent damaging coral reefs.
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Environmental Responsibility: Dispose of trash properly and participate in beach clean-ups if possible.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Learning at least a few basic phrases in Spanish can improve your experience of Nicaragua. Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and try to learn a bit about the country before you visit, even if you plan on spending most of your time under the surface.
Accommodation and amenities
Caribbean Coast
On the Corn Islands, you'll find a range of accommodations from low-budget to more high-priced resorts. Little Corn Island, in particular, is known for its eco-friendly lodges and guesthouses, offering a more rustic and serene environment. The electrical grid on Little Corn is only on during parts of the day.
Pacific Coast
San Juan del Sur offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to high-end resorts and houses for short-term rent. The town is equipped with numerous amenities, including restaurants, bars, and shops catering to tourists.
Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca)
The lake is big and several towns and cities are found along its rim, including Granada which has a lot of hotels and hotels. Another option is to stay on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua, where you can find eco-lodges, hostels, and boutique hotels. The island provides a mix of adventure activities, including hiking, kayaking, and exploring volcanic landscapes.
Note: At the time of writing, no dive operators are based near Lake Nicaragua.
Laguna Apoyo
This crater lake is a popular destination for both Nicaraguans and foreign visitors. Several hotels and houses for short-term rent are found either by the shore or nearby. It is also possible to have Granada has your base, since it is not far from Laguna Apoyo.
Note: At the time of writing, no dive operators are based near Laguna Apoyo.