Rancho Chilamate Horseback Adventures
A private, solar powered ranch with happy, healthy horses and good tack, includes English guide and a photo shoot of your ride and a contribution to the local community fund is included. They specialize in guided horseback tours through rural Nicaragua to the spectacular nearby beaches.
Bodhin Adventure Services
At www.bodhin.com (http://www.bodhin.com/) is a local group that provides wellness inspired adventures, "green" yoga retreats/ yoga teacher trainings, and aquatic getaways such as scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing on the best surfing beaches to kayaking or kite surfing on one of the largest fresh-water lakes in central america. they serve as a local concierge and also offer intimate, budget-sensitive itineraries as well. bodhin also produces the largest mountain bike race in the region, called 'the howler' www.sanjuanhowler.com with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local charities.
Hang out, talk, drink, eat. It is very laid back here.Move a bit and you might find a good beach to surf.
Rent bicycles and explore the smaller beaches to the south and north. They cost $5 per day to rent, but are not in very good condition.
Learn Spanish in the local Spanish schools in town, Spanish Ya (http://www.learnspanishya.com), Nica Spanish (http://www.nicaspanish.com) and San Juan del Sur Spanish school Viva Spanish School (http://www.vivaspanishsan...), SOL Spanish School (http://www.sanjuandelsurn...) and Nicaragua Spanish Schools (http://www.nicaraguaspani...). All of them with very competitive prices and good experience in organizing the Spanish programs.
Take a day trip water taxi to Playa Madera, north of San Juan de Sur for $8. Sign up at the stand in front of Hotel Estrella. It leaves about 10AM and returns at 4PM. The boat ride is about half an hour. Playa Madera can also be accessed via taxi, that costs around $10-$15 for two people. The drive can be difficult, and you may encounter hills where your cab driver will ask you to get out and walk up the hill. In addition to the beaches to the north of San Jan del Sur, there are some great beaches to the south including Playa del Coco, which are less accessible but afford more privacy.
There is a light house that no longer resembles a light house. But the point is not the destination, rather the journey. The view of the coast and the bay of San Jan de Sur is amazing. To get there, pass through the small port entrance, find the overseer of the property where the light house is and convince him you won't take pictures of anything. If he lets you pass, keep your promise.
San Juan del Sur Biblioteca Movil
*The SJDS Biblioteca Movil is the first lending library in Nicaragua, providing books, information, technology, and community center services to the people of San Juan del Sur and its surrounding communities. Books available in Spanish and English. Spend time volunteering in the library or with the mobile book van; check at the library for activities.
Surf Ranch Paintball
1 acre jungle paintball course, gear rental, snack shop at the Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort. Drop in or join weekly paintball competitions to win cash prizes.
Chicabrava Surf Camp
Elite surf camp for adventurous women who appreciate comfort as well as challenge. Daily surf lessons, board rentals, and a variety of surf/travel packages, which include surfing world class waves, spectacular accommodations, authentic local cuisine, yoga, soothing massage, and a variety of exciting activities in a safe environment.
Beach Front Rentals
In san juan del sur offers atv guided tours through the mountains and to the beaches. if you'd rather go by sea try their 2008 3 seater waverunners. if you have kids, pull them along on their tubes. what a blast! you may contact them at 568-2030 and let the fun begin!! acroos from the eskimo ice cream.