Nicaragua: Volunteer Vacation - Private Islands and Beaches

Day 1: Arrive Nicaragua and Jicaro Island Ecolodge

Arrive into Managua’s international airport. Pick up by your private transfer and drive southwest to the beautiful little city of Granada. From here, you’ll take a boat to arrive at the stunning little island where you’ll find Jicaro Ecolodge.

Settle in and enjoy the afternoon at the lodge, where you can kayak and enjoy relaxing. Have a great, freshly prepared dinner.

Overnight Jicaro Island Ecolodge

Day 2: Sustainability Tour of Island, Granada Market, and Piñata Workshop

Tour the island today and learn about all of the interesting and great projects happening in an effort to maintain and advance the sustainability of the island and its development. Afterward, head into Granada to tour the city and visit a market where locals shop for their fruits and vegetables. Then, a bit later you’ll visit a local program and workshop for piñatas – a program focused on working with marginalized populations of local kids. Maybe even make a piñata yourself!

In the late afternoon, return to the island and have dinner at the lodge.

Overnight Jicaro Island Lodge

Day 3: Local Sustainable Farm, Zipline at Mombacho Volcano and Pottery Workshops

Today, you’ll visit the pig farm, which is part of the lodge’s sustainability effort.

Afterward, head to the beautiful Mombacho Volcano for a 2-hour zipline adventure! Take a boat to the main port, where you’ll transfer by car to the Canopy Miravalles located just 25 minutes away on the slopes of Mombacho. Your experienced guides will prepare you to fly from platform to platform through the beautiful cloud forest!

In the early afternoon, you will transfer to the town of San Juan del Oriente, which is known for its ceramics and pottery. Here you can meet local artisans and learn about their crafts. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxing.

Overnight Jicaro Island Lodge

Day 4: Volunteering at the Padre Nello School and Horse Riding and Cacao Farm

Today, meet the kids at the local school, Padre Nello and spend the morning working on projects either with the kids or helping to make repairs to infrastructure, or work in the school garden etc.

After lunch, head to the La Calera Cacao farm, and take a horseback ride through the farm (approx. 1-3 hours) where you’ll see plantain, cacao, coffee and citrus groves as well as beautiful, tropical forests! Your guide will be very informative about all that you’re seeing throughout your visit. Later, head out onto the beautiful lake for a fishing excursion! Here there are great views of the lush, forested volcanoes.

Overnight Jicaro Island Ldoge

Day 5: Volunteering at the Padre Nello School and Fishing Excursion

Spend the morning working at the Padre Nello School, then head back to the lodge for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll have the chance to go out in local boat and learn the diverse techniques used in artisanal fishing from the area’s fishermen. Drift among the beautiful “isletas” in search of the perfect fish while your captain informs you about life on these little islands. If you catch a good fish like tilapia, snook or rainbow bass, you can bring it back home to the lodge and our Chef will be glad to prepare it for you!

Day 6: Jicaro – Morgan´s Rock Ecolodge

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Morgan's Rock, arriving at 12:00. This beautifully located lodge is situated in an extensive private reserve with large populations of wildlife, such as howler monkeys, iguanas and many types of birds.

Thirteen private bungalows hidden in the tropical forest, all with magnificent views of the secluded and beautiful beach offer a unique experience for guests. Fall asleep with the sounds of the waves crashing on the cliffs below you; enjoy your meals in the open restaurant and let all stress fade away.

Overnight Morgan´s Rock Ecolodge

Day 7 & 8: Morgan’s Rock Ecolodge

These days will be free at your disposal to enjoy the property or the white sandy beach. The Lodge offers many amenities such as boogie boarding, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking. Or have us arrange a surfing excursion to another nearby beach!

Overnight Morgan´s Rock Ecolodge

Day 9: Transfer from Morgan’s Rock to Manugua International Airport

After breakfast your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Managua International Airport, about 3.5 hours from Morgan’s Rock.