Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Nicaragua: Surf and Serve

Day 1: Arrival into Nicaragua

Welcome to Nicaragua! Arrive into the International Airport where your private transfer will be waiting to transfer you. Driving 45 minutes to an hour, you’ll arrive into Granada. From here, you will transfer by boat to Jicaro Island Ecologe.

Granada was founded in 1524 and is believed to be the second oldest city established in mainland Latin America by the Spanish conquest. Today, Granada is characterized by bright-colored Spanish-colonial architecture, visible throughout the city center. While the city in itself is already an impressive attraction, the immediate surroundings make Granada a place where you will want to spend a couple of days.

There are over 360 islands that make up the “Isletas” in the beautiful Lake Nicaragua. Here you’ll stay on a small private island, where the gorgeous Jicaro Island Ecolodge is located.

The lodge is constructed from locally sourced and Rainforest Alliance certified wood. While staying at Jicaro you can enjoy the jungle-like surroundings, lay by the pool, do a relaxing yoga class, take out the complementary kayaks or have a massage in an open-air treatment room. The food is amazing and so are the views!

Overnight Jicaro Island Lodge, Private Casita

Day 2: Masaya Volcano and Local Village Excursion

After breakfast you will head to Masaya Volcano. The tour starts at Masaya Volcano National Park. Your driver will bring you to the summit of the volcano, where you can peek inside this steaming, active crater!

Your next stop is Masaya´s artisan market, where you can peruse and purchase some fun Nicaraguan handicrafts and gifts, such as hand crafted leather sandals and bags, weavings and ceramics. You’ll then continue you on to Apoyo Lagoon for a traditional Nicaraguan lunch. After lunch, visit the Pueblos Blancos  “white villages” also known as San Juan de Oriente. Here you will meet potters and see their techniques for making pots and ceramics from start to finish. Later return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the lake views.

Overnight Jicaro Island Lodge, Private Casita

Day 3: Mombacho Volcano Excursion

Rise early and after a delicious breakfast, head to Mombacho Volcano for an early morning hike.

Take an open top truck ride through the coffee plantations and lush forest up to the Crater Rim. From here, follow the crater trail, which takes you to great views of Granada, Las Isletas, the Apoyo Lagoon and the Masaya volcano. Be sure to keep an eye out for the howler and White-faced monkeys, sloths and the endemic Mombacho salamander.

In addition, you can even go ziplining through the jungle!

After exploring the Crater Rim and its forests, return to Jicaro to relax, swim or take out a kayak and explore the lake!

Overnight Jicaro Island Lodge, Private Casita

Day 4: Transfer to Morgan´s Rock to begin Surfing and Volunteering!

You will be transferred to Morgan´s Rock near San Juan del Sur. Once a quiet fishing village, San Juan del Sur has emerged into one of the country´s major beach destinations. Fortunately the town has maintained its charm and laid back atmosphere of the past.

The beaches are great for surfing almost year round; other activities include snorkeling, diving, sailing and whale-watching. You can do a canopy tour just outside the town and enjoy nice views of the surrounding landscapes. Also the protected La Flor beach and wildlife is a great place to see marine turtles during June, July and August.

Twenty minutes north of San Juan del Sur, Morgan's Rock is on a crescent-shaped beach with an estuary leading into an exotic rainforest. To get to your bungalows, which overlook the ocean, you have to cross an impressive suspension bridge with lovely forested views set over a canyon.

Morgan’s Rock is situated along a hidden bay within 4,000-acre nature reserve. This is a fabulous place to explore through hiking, horseback riding, boating or just relaxing.

Overnight Morgan’s Rock, Oceanview Bungalow

Day 5: Volunteer with Youth Community Center and Surf Day

Today you will spend the morning volunteering and then after lunch, head out to catch some surf!

The Youth Community Center empowers low-income children and adults living in Nicaragua. Through an emphasis on teaching English and the creative arts, they provide the means for exchange and cultural activities that enhance confidence and facilitate community development.

Volunteering may include assisting in after school courses, doing arts and crafts activities, helping to improve and maintain the center, working on English homework, reading and pronunciation with the kids, sports activities, and or music and dance.

Overnight Morgan’s Rock, Oceanview Bungalow

Days 6 & 7: Volunteer and Surf Day

Days will be divided into 2 parts:

Part one: AM Surfing session OR AM Volunteer session

Part Two: PM Surfing session OR PM Volunteer session

You can choose to surf in the morning or the afternoon and then volunteering with either the morning or afternoon session.

Volunteer in the morning starts at 8:30 am and ends at lunch. Then the afternoon sessions begin at 1:30 pm and go until 4:30 pm.

Volunteers will help with the following:

  • Teaching English
  • Playing educational games
  • Arts and crafts projects
  • Building repairs and maintenance
  • Dance and yoga
  • Mentoring students
  • Assisting in extra curricular courses

Overnight Morgan’s Rock, Oceanview Bungalow

Day 8: Transfer to Managua Airport

Today your driver will collect you from Morgan’s Rock and drive you to the international airport in Managua for your flight home. The drive takes approximately three hours.