To complete our SJDS tour, below are other places around the town one can visit and enjoy. I will only describe those we have been to but as T and I are (apparently) whether we like it or not, creatures of habit as evidenced by the places we go back to over and over again, it is prudent to read more about others in the links provided.
Beaches in SJDS (20 to 1/2 an hour's drive from town depending on road conditions):
Our favorite, Playa Maderas, for it's soft waves (great for beginner surfing or body boarding) and where T and V take up an hour's surf lessons for $10 including surfboard (last time was 3 months ago, so I'm not sure how much it costs now).
Playa Mathilda - equally interactive (the waves, that is) only less surfers. The waves seemed bigger though, so maybe only experienced surfers go there - don't quote me as I'm not certain about these things. All I know was that we enjoyed being there too as much as we do in Maderas, except that it's an additional mins or so farther after Maderas. We actually discovered it by accident after choosing the wrong road at a forked intersection on the way to our favorite beach. A pleasant surprise.
Playa Maderas is easily recognizable through the smattering of rock formations on both ends of the alcove and the make-shift building that rents out rooms (or hammocks) to avid surfers that doubles as a restaurant (try the sumptuous whole fried fish served with rice and fresh cut-up salad for less than $4). Playa Mathilda on the otherhand has a wider beach. There are a couple of rustic places to rent on Mathilda (beachfront) and something resembling a pulperia where one can buy drinks (water, soda and beer).
Read more about Nicaragua's surfspots in Rivas and the rest of the country here.
Refugio de Vida Silvestre la Flor - A natural reserve known as a favorite nesting place of Olive Ridley turtles where as of this October they are expecting a total 'arrival (arribadas)' of about 60,000 turtles. unfortunately, we just the big arrival of about 4,000 turtles in one night just 2 days prior. Thie weekend wasn't our first time but each time is a great experience.
For the resilient, one can camp on the reserve for $C 500 per person per day. The best way to enjoy the reserve. Do not expect any amenities....at all. This is a place where you're better off doing your business in the bushes, if you know what I mean....and yes, we did. No regrets and we'll do it again. The experience with the turtles alone is already exhilirating but in our opinion, La Flor is hands down one of the most (if not the most - in our opinion, anyway) beautiful beach in Nicaragua, no contest....ask the turtles. Maybe they do know better.
The most awesome moment probably was the time we found ourselves at noontime swimming with the turtles while they were waiting for night fall (darkness) to begin their ardous trek up the sandy beach, space out and continue the cycle of life.
Playa Maderas is easily recognizable through the smattering of rock formations on both ends of the alcove and the make-shift building that rents out rooms (or hammocks) to avid surfers that doubles as a restaurant (try the sumptuous whole fried fish served with rice and fresh cut-up salad for less than $4). Playa Mathilda on the otherhand has a wider beach. There are a couple of rustic places to rent on Mathilda (beachfront) and something resembling a pulperia where one can buy drinks (water, soda and beer).
Read more about Nicaragua's surfspots in Rivas and the rest of the country here.
Refugio de Vida Silvestre la Flor - A natural reserve known as a favorite nesting place of Olive Ridley turtles where as of this October they are expecting a total 'arrival (arribadas)' of about 60,000 turtles. unfortunately, we just the big arrival of about 4,000 turtles in one night just 2 days prior. Thie weekend wasn't our first time but each time is a great experience.
For the resilient, one can camp on the reserve for $C 500 per person per day. The best way to enjoy the reserve. Do not expect any amenities....at all. This is a place where you're better off doing your business in the bushes, if you know what I mean....and yes, we did. No regrets and we'll do it again. The experience with the turtles alone is already exhilirating but in our opinion, La Flor is hands down one of the most (if not the most - in our opinion, anyway) beautiful beach in Nicaragua, no contest....ask the turtles. Maybe they do know better.
The most awesome moment probably was the time we found ourselves at noontime swimming with the turtles while they were waiting for night fall (darkness) to begin their ardous trek up the sandy beach, space out and continue the cycle of life.
1 Comment:
Oh, what beautiful pictures of a wonderful place!!! Michele sent me to enjoy them. Have a wonderful day!
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