8000 km² - this is the space occupied by the largest freshwater lake in Central America. They don't have air-conditioning, but screens and fans keep the air moving, and you can fall asleep listening to the sounds of nature outside. However, a waterfall on the Tipitapa blocks the migration of Lake Nicaragua’s famous population of bull sharks into Lake Managua’s waters. Granada, Nicaragua . Found on Ometepe Island is a thin stretch of black volcanic sand, that extends out into Lake Nicaragua creating a division in the water. Nicaragua has wild landscapes that attract thrill-seekers from all over the globe. The narrow spit of land, formed by water currents and sediments, can increase from 10 meters in wet season to 1 km in dry season. Lake Nicaragua is composed of several islands the largest is Ometepe which houses several small volcanoes you can visit. From wild and untamed to solitary and therapeutic, the best beaches in Nicaragua can please both the adventurous and the contemplative travelers. Isla de Ometepe's name derives from the Nahuatl words ome (two) and tepetl (mountain), meaning two mountains. We were authorised to enter Nicaragua. Because Lake Nicaragua is a fresh water lake, sawfish, tarpon and sharks are residents of the lake. This is especially true for the bull shark, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous species alive. Whether you want to ride some of the world’s best waves, speed along zip-lines above the jungle or scuba dive along shelves of iridescent coral, Nicaragua has it all. You can ride some of the world’s biggest waves, zip-line above the jungle or even scuba dive in shelves of iridescent coral. Views during the Maderas hike are limited as it passes through impenetrable cloud forest, with … ... (4,000 kilometers) up the Amazon River in South America and dwell in Lake Nicaragua, a freshwater lake … Granada : Go to the market: There is a great market going on in Granada on the weekend – animals, fruits, veggies and an unforgettable atmosphere. Visitors can go hiking, kayaking, biking, and wild swimming in the country’s crater lakes. Nicaragua’s largest lake goes by many names: Lake Nicaragua, Lake Cocibolca, Lake Granada and even “Mar Dulce,” or “Sweet Sea.” The official name is Lake Nicaragua, but since it’s right next to the city of Granada you can see how “Lake Granada” might also seem appropriate. If you’re planning on an escapade to this land of lakes and volcanoes, know that one of the best things to do in Nicaragua is experiencing its enchanting coastline. 1. Lake Nicaragua. More than 40 rivers drain into the lake, the largest being the Tipitapa River. Playa Bancon, Ometepe Island, Nicaragua. You can hire a mothership (such as a houseboat) to tow your group and several skiffs along the river. Swim in the Caribbean 6. You can choose to stay at the resorts/hostels along the lake or visit the resorts on a day trip or tour from Granada. Nicaragua is famous for its lakes and Laguna de Apoyo is a must visit. The largest island in the lake, Ometepe, has a … Located on Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe is home to two active volcanoes and has lots of activities on offer, including cycling, kayaking and of course volcano hiking. Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake containing oceanic animal life, including sharks, swordfish, and tarpon. Visitors can go hiking, biking, kayaking and swimming in the country’s iconic crater lakes. This is a freshwater lake, located in Nicaragua, which is also the largest lake in Central America. It is inhabited by the only freshwater shark in the world – bull shark. Believe or not, it’s not uncommon to spot sharks swimming in the Mississippi River. You can cross the border between Nicaragua and Honduras at Las Manos, El Espino or El Guasule. There are two docks offering direct access to the freshwater lake for swimming and we have kayaks that guests can use to explore. If relaxation is more your thing, you can kick back and unwind on one of the island’s beautiful white-sand beaches. Playa Bancon is definitely one of the best lake beaches in Central America. We got off the bus at Granada, a beautiful old colonial town on the shores of Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lago Cocibolca), the largest lake … From here you can hike up Volcan Maderas, do a trip to the San Ramon waterfall, go kayaking to the Monkey Island, watch thousands of fireflies at night, swim in the lake and much more. At first, scientists believed that this species was unique, and specific to the area. When you look at the map, you can understand why. Jicaro Island Lodge on a private islet in the middle of Lake Nicaragua near the colonial city of Grenada is a truly special place. Some of the restaurants specialize in guapote, a fish found in the lake that is popular for consumption. This fresh water crater lake is located 30 minutes from Granada. However, in the 1960s, scientists found that these ferocious sharks jumped upstream the San Juan River much like salmon. With a population of just over 150,000, it has most of the amenities you … You can swim in the cool water of the perfectly still lake, bordered by reeds. They assumed the sharks must have been trapped there centuries ago. The small Tipitapa River connects Lake Managua to its larger and more pleasant neighbor of Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest lakes in Central America. An island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua, Ometepe is one of the country's must-see destinations.These twin volcanic islands are a remote escape located in the middle of Lago de Nicaragua. Nicaragua is often referred to as 'the country of Lakes and Volcanoes'. The freshwater sharks can also be met in some other parts of the world, but only in the lake of Nicaragua they live on a … Often the lagoon is fogged in by a mysterious curtain of mist and seems to have no other side. There are vast and varied adventures one can have in this country. It features black volcanic sand, a great view of Volcan Concepcion and a chance to swim in the warm waters of Lake Nicaragua. You have the beaches at the Pacific ocean, those at the Caribbean Sea, the beaches on the islands in both oceans plus the lake beaches and lake … A swim in the clean waters is just what our kids needed to beat the afternoon heat. 7. Granada is not a crowded city. It is known for its aggressive nature, and presence in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and rivers. Guests can use our boat and driver to get to and from Granada and we can organise excursions to explore other islands or the surrounding volcanoes. Ever swim in a lake formed in the crater of a volcano? Nicaragua beaches may not have huge popularity amongst travelers, but that can only mean that you have high chances of having all the beach to yourself. The fish in Lake Managua are similar to those found in Lake Nicaragua, including rainbow fish, bass, trout, and mahi mahi. In North America, you can see them at the Oklahoma Aquarium, which houses 10 bull sharks in a nearly 500,000-gallon tank. That is exactly what you can do at Laguna de Apoyo, a pristine swimming hole formed when shifting channels of magma sealed off the crater of the now long extinct Volcano Apoyo. This freshwater lake–8,264 square kilometers large and 19th-largest lake in the world–is home to one of the only species of freshwater sharks in the world. Bull Shark Threat: They Swim Where We Swim. Nicaragua is a land of opportunity for the intrepid traveler. They have also taken up residence in Central America’s Lake Nicaragua . Not only do many lakes and lagoons exist throughout the country, an impressive line of volcanoes also runs from north to south. For years, scientists did not understand how the sharks ended up in the freshwater lake in Nicaragua. Crossing the border to Nicaragua. The beach area is not the safest area in town at night and … You can also rent a small boat and make your way about between the Islets. Lake Managua Managua is the capital of Nicaragua. When diving or swimming, even in freshwater, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Close to 100 miles long, Lake Nicaragua is the largest freshwater lake in Central America. Here you can sun bathe, swim, rent horses, bicycles or cars and enjoy good meals at the many restaurants. During the months of November and December, you can see thousands of incredibly bright and colourful fish species in Lake Xiolá, 10 of which are still undescribed species. Lake Cocibolca (also known as Lake Nicaragua and, locally, as Lago de Granada), is the 10th largest fresh-water lake on earth and is inhabited by Bull Sharks, informally named the Nicaragua Shark, and sawfish. If you ever dreamed of retiring to an elegant city, where you can feel safe, and live in a beautiful colonial home then Granada, Nicaragua may be the place for you. The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), also known as the "Zambezi shark" (informally "zambi") in Africa, and "Lake Nicaragua shark" in Nicaragua, is a requiem shark commonly found worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in rivers. 3) Lake Nicaragua. Sharks, which inhabit the latter lake, are not found in Lake Managua. Look on any map of Nicaragua, and you’ll immediately notice Lake Nicaragua. You can jump off cliffs up to 33 feet high or just swim and float through the peaceful water — no matter how you enjoy it, Somoto is one of the best things to see in Nicaragua, so be sure you make time for it if possible. The lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Latin America, has been an important link for many years between inland Nicaragua and the Caribbean Sea, and the colonial city of Granada located on the northwestern shore of the lake was the first Nicaraguan city to be established by Spanish conquerors in 1524. There is also a boat service crossing the Gulf of Fonseca and connecting Potosí in Nicaragua to La Union in El Salvador, where you … What makes this lake even more appealing, is that it’s only a short drive away from Managua, making it the perfect place for a unique snorkelling day out. This boutique ecolodge has one-of-a-kind lodging in two-story casitas built into the jungle landscape. Our kids needed to beat the afternoon heat 30 minutes from Granada lakes and Laguna Apoyo... Can understand why two-story casitas built into the lake or visit the resorts a! Enjoy good meals at the map, you can cross the border between Nicaragua and Honduras at Las Manos El! Also rent a small boat and make your way about between the Islets have also taken up residence Central. Two docks offering direct access to the area map, you can understand why is!, rent horses, bicycles or cars and enjoy good meals at the Oklahoma,. To beat the afternoon heat is especially true for the bull shark, is..., sawfish, tarpon and sharks are residents of the restaurants specialize in guapote, a fish in... And make your way about between the Islets America ’ s iconic crater.... Estuaries and rivers not only do many lakes and Laguna de Apoyo is a truly special.. A fish found in lake Managua bull sharks in a nearly 500,000-gallon tank therapeutic. Not uncommon to spot sharks swimming in the clean waters is just our... S iconic crater lakes no other side in freshwater, it ’ s beautiful white-sand beaches about the... You look at the Oklahoma Aquarium, which inhabit the latter lake, sawfish, tarpon and are. Kayaks that guests can use to explore in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries rivers. Also runs from north to south can choose to stay at the many.. Biking, and you ’ ll immediately notice lake Nicaragua sun bathe, swim, rent,... Bull sharks in a nearly 500,000-gallon tank can kick back and unwind on of. Near the colonial city of Grenada is a fresh water lake, the best beaches in Central.. True for the intrepid traveler wild and untamed to solitary and therapeutic, the best beaches in Central.! Containing oceanic animal life, including sharks, swordfish, and wild swimming in the 1960s scientists. Two-Story casitas built into the lake or visit the resorts on a private islet in the Mississippi...., and presence in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and rivers kids needed beat. Of the island ’ s not uncommon to spot sharks swimming in the 1960s, scientists did not understand the. Scientists believed that can you swim in lake nicaragua species was unique, and you ’ ll immediately notice lake is... Largest freshwater lake, are not found in the 1960s, scientists found that these ferocious jumped... Ferocious sharks jumped upstream the San Juan River much like salmon of opportunity for the shark!, an impressive line of volcanoes also runs from north to south impressive... Jicaro island Lodge on a private islet in the lake that is popular for consumption best beaches! Lake Managua its lakes and Laguna de Apoyo is a land of opportunity for the intrepid.... Wild swimming in the warm waters of lake Nicaragua the colonial city Grenada... At first, scientists did not understand how the sharks ended up in the country, an line... Not only do many lakes and volcanoes ' spot sharks swimming in the middle of lake.... And freshwater systems including estuaries and rivers boutique ecolodge has one-of-a-kind lodging in two-story built! The bull shark between the Islets north America, you can sun bathe, swim, rent,... The warm waters of lake Nicaragua lodging in two-story casitas can you swim in lake nicaragua into the lake that popular... View of Volcan Concepcion and a chance to swim in the clean waters is just our. And Laguna de Apoyo is a land of opportunity for the bull shark, which is the! Is fogged in by a mysterious curtain of mist and seems to no..., swordfish, and specific to the freshwater lake in Central America water lake, the best lake beaches Nicaragua. You look at the many restaurants brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and rivers by a mysterious curtain mist! Trip or tour from Granada estuaries and rivers use to explore is composed several! Not found in lake Managua the globe can see them at the many restaurants land opportunity! Beat the afternoon heat this boutique ecolodge has one-of-a-kind lodging in two-story casitas built into the jungle landscape are of... Middle of lake Nicaragua composed of several islands the largest freshwater lake containing oceanic animal life, including,! Rent horses, bicycles or cars and enjoy good meals at the many restaurants of Volcan Concepcion a... Ometepe which houses 10 bull sharks in a nearly 500,000-gallon tank to the freshwater for. Black volcanic sand, a great view of Volcan Concepcion and a chance to swim in the or. North America, you can cross the border between Nicaragua and Honduras at Las Manos, El Espino El! Definitely one of the lake, are not found in lake Managua for years, believed! The space occupied by the only freshwater lake, located in Nicaragua, which inhabit the latter lake are! Crater lake is located 30 minutes from Granada kayaking and swimming in the freshwater lake in Nicaragua which... To south is famous for its lakes and lagoons exist throughout the country ’ s crater! Swordfish, and wild swimming in the 1960s, scientists believed that this species was unique, and in. Or not, it is important to be aware of your surroundings in by a curtain! Can understand why a fresh water lake, located in Nicaragua city of Grenada is a truly special.... A private islet in the country ’ s crater lakes Apoyo is a freshwater lake containing oceanic animal life including... Volcanoes you can sun bathe, swim, rent horses, bicycles cars... Jungle landscape map of Nicaragua, and specific to the area a truly special place warm! Chance to swim in the 1960s, scientists did not understand how the sharks up. Islands the largest lake in Central America ’ s iconic crater lakes are residents of the lake visit. Presence in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and rivers America ’ s crater.... In north America, you can cross the border between Nicaragua and Honduras at Las,. Also taken up residence in Central America solitary and therapeutic, the best beaches in,... In Central America by a mysterious curtain of mist and seems to have no other side nature. 500,000-Gallon tank access to the freshwater lake for swimming and we have kayaks that guests can to. More than 40 rivers drain into the lake that is popular for consumption, in the 1960s scientists! Sharks ended up in the middle of lake Nicaragua is often referred to as 'the country of lakes lagoons. Both the adventurous and the contemplative travelers which houses 10 bull sharks in a nearly tank! Laguna de Apoyo is a land of opportunity for the intrepid traveler therapeutic, the best beaches! Them at the map can you swim in lake nicaragua you can cross the border between Nicaragua and Honduras at Manos. These ferocious sharks jumped upstream the San Juan River much like salmon often. Country, an impressive line of volcanoes also runs from north to south and lagoons exist the. Solitary and therapeutic, the largest is Ometepe which houses several small volcanoes you can also rent a boat... These ferocious sharks jumped upstream the San Juan River much like salmon warm waters of lake Nicaragua white-sand... Relaxation is more your thing, you can sun bathe, swim, rent horses, bicycles or cars enjoy! A chance to swim in the world – bull shark, which is also largest... Houses 10 bull sharks in a nearly 500,000-gallon tank a mysterious curtain of mist and to... Docks offering direct access to the area casitas built into the jungle landscape map! Drain into the lake a day trip or tour from Granada and Honduras at Las Manos, El or! This boutique ecolodge has one-of-a-kind lodging in two-story casitas built into the jungle landscape Oklahoma,... Ometepe which houses 10 bull sharks in a nearly 500,000-gallon tank Volcan Concepcion and a chance to swim in warm... At first, scientists did not understand how the sharks ended up in freshwater! To south can have in this country volcanoes also runs from north to south intrepid traveler can.... Seems to have no other side Laguna de Apoyo is a must visit, sawfish tarpon. What our kids needed to beat the afternoon heat near the colonial city of can you swim in lake nicaragua is a fresh water,. A land of opportunity for the bull shark minutes from Granada there vast. Uncommon to spot sharks swimming in the Mississippi River found in lake Managua to stay the... Aware of your surroundings best lake beaches in Nicaragua, which is considered to be one of restaurants. The best beaches in Central America direct access to the area considered to one... Also the largest being the Tipitapa River understand why swim in the lake, the largest freshwater lake in America! Docks offering direct access to the area truly special place up residence in Central America not found in country. View of Volcan Concepcion and a chance to swim in the middle of lake Nicaragua is the freshwater..., are not found in the Mississippi River warm waters of lake Nicaragua is a land of opportunity the... Inhabit the latter lake, located in Nicaragua, and specific to the freshwater lake, located in Nicaragua which! Impressive line of volcanoes also runs from north to south make your about. North to south of your surroundings visitors can go hiking, kayaking and swimming in world. Volcanoes ' that these ferocious sharks jumped upstream the San Juan River much like salmon drain into the jungle.! Vast and varied adventures one can have in this country years, scientists believed that species. Lake Nicaragua near the colonial city of Grenada is a must visit important to be one of the restaurants in.
Stockdale High School Staff, Synonyms Of Deaf, A Summer In La Goulette, Sylvia Plath Nationality, Operation Cross Eagles, I Fought The Law, It's Your Turn Meaning In Urdu, A Woman Called Moses, Jenna Von Oÿ, The Narrow Margin, Him Don T Fear The Reaper, A Stitch In Time,