When arriving with the shuttlebus from Costa Rica you already see the two volcanos of Isla de Ometepe on your right-hand side. Very impressive view, “in the land of the volcanos;” this is Nicaragua! Isla de Ometepe is an island formed by the volcanos Concepción and Maderas, in a sweet water lake of Nicaragua. The island is very laid back; I loved the vibe on the island, and all is amazingly easy going. I stayed here four nights, and three full days is good to see and do a lot. Most activity is centered between the two volcanoes, the smallest part of the island, but I recommend rending a scooter to explore and see the beauty and authenticity of the island. See below more activities you can do, where to eat and sleep on this lovely island!

How to travel to Isla de Ometepe?

For me it was a long day (12 hours) all the way with a shuttlebus (Caribe Shuttle) from Tamarindo, Costa Rica to Santa Cruz, Isla de Ometepe Nicaragua; crossing borders, three shuttlebuses, taxi, ferry, chicken bus but all went smooth and great to be in Nicaragua!

Most busses and shuttles drop you off at the petrol station in Rivas, Nicaragua. Here you can take a taxi for 1-2$ to San Jorge, where the port is to the island. After paying the taxes at the gates you can buy a one-way ticket for ±50.000 Cordoba’s at the counter. The journey last about 1 hour, and the boat runs every hour to Moyogalpa. You must sign your name and passport number on a form before you enter the boat.

Between November and February there could be heavy winds in Nicaragua. When I arrived, that morning no boats were running due to the wind and choppy water in the lake.

The ferry carries a couple of cars and motorbikes too. I went to sit on the top deck of the ferry to get a beautiful view over the volcanoes and soak up some sun. A chicken bus to Santa Cruz (here was my hotel located) runs at 10 am, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm from the port. I was just on time to get the last bus, which was a journey of 1.5 hours, but always fun to sit between to locals for less than a dollar. A taxi cost around 25$, which I did on my way back to catch the morning ferry of 9 am. After one hour with the ferry, I was picked up by the Gekko shuttle in San Jorge that dropped me off in León.

Five things to do on Isla de Ometepe!

 The island is very divers and like I said has a good vibe, perfect to chill and enjoy the nature and perfect views. See below the activities you can do here on Islas de Ometepe:

1. Rent a Scooter or Motorbike

Renting a scooter is a must do on the island. The main roads are good and safe without too much traffic. The roads to the accommodations, restaurants and other places are not paved. So be careful with your driving on these off-roads! I always like to ride the scooter; wind in your hair (please wear a helmet), free feeling and you will see so much along the route. An effective way to discover the island and explore Isla de Ometepe. I rented a normal scooter without gears for 35$ for two days at my accommodation.

2. Go Kitesurfing or Kayaking

If you like watersports, you will love Isla de Ometepe in the Lake Nicaragua. Kitesurfing is good here, especially during the windy period, November to February. I saw a couple of kitesurfers and wings in the water during my stay here. The water is flat so easy for beginners, I guess. On the east side of the island near Playa San Fernando, you find one or two kite schools. If you like it quieter, go to the west side at Playa Mangos, you can rent kayaks or Stand-Up Paddle boards. The water is calmer on this side of the island, not the windy part, so perfect for kayak tours on the lake and Rio Istiàn.

3. Chill at the natural pool: Ojo de Agua

If you like to chill for a couple of hours in a jungle environment, go and check out the natural pool of Ojo de Agua. The water is cool and has a healing working due to the minerals, they say. It is a popular place for locals with kids and tourist. You pay 10$ entrance fee, but you can order for 5$ of the menu served at the pool. You can chill in the lounge chairs around the pool.

Do not go on a Sunday, it will be crowded with locals with children enjoying the cool water with ropes to jump into the pool.

4. Climb one of the two Volcanos

The island de Ometepe consists of two volcanoes: Concepción and Maderas. Concepción is the taller (1,610 m) and active volcano, the last eruption was in 2010. Maderas is the smaller (1,394 m) and sleeping volcano. I have not climbed neither of the volcanoes, but you can book tours to both volcanoes, and you can even go by yourselves. There are paths thought the jungle directed to the top to both craters. Please check your accommodation for guides, which is the recommended way to climb (6-10 hours) the volcanoes.

5. Stroll the beach!

On my first day on Ometepe I walked all the way from Santa Cruz to Playa Santo Domingo. Chilled on the beach and cooled off in Lake Nicaragua. Watched the birds and kids playing in the sand, drank a coconut and watched the horses run by. The views between the volcanoes are surreal for a girl living in a flat country!

Other activities are the hike to the waterfall San Ramón, visit a coffee farm on the fruitful land of Isla de Ometepe, go horseback riding next to the must do’s; sunset drinks at Playa Mangos and chilling eating chocolate at Pital (see below)!

Where to Stay and Eat on Isla de Ometepe?

I booked the lovely cabins in the Santa Cruz area: El Encanto Garden Hotel. I loved this place! You have your own cabin in a lovely garden and a splendid view over the volcano Concepción. The accommodation offers breakfast and dinners (7-9$), which are of an excellent quality. The cappuccino (2.5$) is also worth to mention, next to the oatmeal breakfast (5$)! The garden is full of hibiscus flowers with butterflies and birds flying around and with the volcano in the back, this is the ultimate relaxing spot.

A suitable alternative for breakfast or lunch is the hot spot El Pital! This is literally a Chocolate Paradise; you can book chocolate tours and order all kind of chocolate foods. The atmosphere is very chill and lounge, reminded me a little bit of the trendy places in Bali. The accommodations looked also very hip and happening. In my three days on the island, I went twice to this place, to chill and enjoy the lovely scenery. They also host parties, like full moon and chocolate ceremonies. The Wi-Fi must be good too, I saw a numerous digital nomads crashing here.

For dinner I recommend the Café Campestre in the village Balgue. The name does not say it that well, but the Indian food is incredible here. It was only my third night in Nicaragua, and I always say eat locally, but after a couple of recommendations I went here, and did not regret it! The mango chutney with naan bread and the curry was delicious.

A top spot for a drink is Playa Mangos. Especially during the golden hour it is a lovely place to chill, swim, SUP, or kayak. The vibe here is incredible; all the backpackers on the island are gathering here around sunset. You can have food here as well but did not try that. Of course you can come here also during the day as well to enjoy the great vibe and the swing in the water.

I loved the vibe on this island Ometepe, so divers and happy free feeling by renting a motor bike, I could have stayed here longer than the four night, which meant only 3 full days because the first day was a very long travel day. So if you have the time, take your time here!

 Next stop on my trip was city León! Check here the blog.