Reviewing the 2025 San Juan Del Sur Excursion: Granada and its Islets

So, you’ve got a port day coming up in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, and honestly, you’re wondering what to do. The port town itself is, like, pretty small and beach-focused. But there’s this one big tour everyone talks about, you know? It’s the one to Granada’s old colonial streets and the famous 365 Islets on Lake Nicaragua. As a matter of fact, it seems like the go-to option if you really want to see a different side of the country away from the immediate coast. We decided to take the plunge, kind of wanting a full day of sights and stories. To be honest, we were curious if it would live up to the pictures, which are just everywhere online. It’s a pretty long day, so getting the real story on what it’s actually like feels important before you commit your one precious day in Nicaragua.

First Steps: Leaving the Port and the Journey Inland

Okay, so right off the ship, you’re met by the tour operators, and our experience was, pretty much, super organized. They get you checked in and onto an air-conditioned bus, which is a really big deal in the Nicaraguan heat, seriously. The ride to Granada is a bit of a trip, actually, lasting nearly ninety minutes. Our guide, a local gentleman with a great sense of humor, made the time fly by, you know? He didn’t just point things out; he sort of wove tales about the country’s history, its ups and downs, and what daily life is like for people there. For example, he pointed out the massive Mombacho volcano, just sort of sitting there looking peaceful, and explained its fiery past that, in fact, created the very islets we’d be visiting later. Frankly, that made the whole landscape feel alive and a little more dramatic. The bus ride itself is basically a tour through the Nicaraguan countryside; you see small towns, kids playing soccer, and fields full of plantains, which is kind of cool.

Stepping into a Painting: Granada’s Colonial Heart

Arriving in Granada is, to be honest, a little like stepping back in time or maybe into a painting. The bus parks and you step out, and bam, it’s all there, you know? The colors are absolutely the first thing you notice; mustard yellows, deep blues, and rustic reds on these old buildings with huge wooden doors and clay-tiled roofs. We started our walk in the main square, Parque Central, which is pretty much the city’s living room. People were everywhere, selling crafts and just enjoying the shade. Our guide then led us to the most famous building, the Granada Cathedral. That bright yellow building against a perfect blue sky is, like, the postcard picture you came to see, and it’s seriously stunning in person.

Climbing the Bell Tower at Iglesia de la Merced

Next, a real highlight of the city part of the tour, anyway, was a stop at the Iglesia de la Merced. From the street, it just looks like another pretty, old church. The magic happens, basically, when you pay a tiny fee to climb the bell tower. The stairs are narrow and a bit steep, so you just have to take your time. But the view from the top is, honestly, absolutely worth the effort. You get a complete 360-degree look at the entire city, with its sea of red-tiled roofs spreading out to Lake Nicaragua in the distance. It really gives you a sense of the city’s layout and its history. You can see how the Spanish planned everything so neatly, right?

A Stroll Down Calle La Calzada

After the tower, our guide let us have a little free time to walk down Calle La Calzada, which is this really popular pedestrian street. It’s sort of the main hub for restaurants, little shops, and art galleries. This part felt less like a guided tour and more like you were just exploring on your own, which was a nice change of pace. We didn’t buy much, but just wandering, looking into the courtyards of the hotels and seeing the local art was, frankly, very enjoyable. You could sort of feel the pulse of modern Granada here, blending with all that old-world character.

Island Hopping on Lake Nicaragua: The 365 Islets

So, after a pretty good local lunch, which included things like grilled chicken, gallo pinto, and fried plantains, it was time for the second part of the day. We drove a short way to the shores of Lake Nicaragua, which is so huge it feels like you’re looking at an ocean, really. We all boarded a small covered boat, and the captain set off into the archipelago known as Las Isletas. You know, these are over 360 small islands formed thousands of years ago when the Mombacho volcano blew its top. The boat ride is very relaxing; you just feel the breeze and watch the scenery unfold around you. The water was calm, and the view of the volcano from the lake is just spectacular, I mean.

The islands themselves are this really interesting mix of things, actually. Some are just covered in lush green vegetation, home only to birds. Others have these absolutely incredible mansions on them, apparently owned by some of Nicaragua’s wealthiest families. Our boat captain was great, slowing down to point out interesting spots. For instance, one island is home to a very old fortress, a relic from a time when pirates would, surprisingly, sail up the San Juan River to raid Granada. It’s pretty wild to picture pirates in the middle of a freshwater lake. At the end of the day, seeing this part of the country from the water gives you a totally different perspective.

The Famous Monkey Island

Of course, the moment a lot of people were waiting for was the stop at ‘Monkey Island’. It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. The island is home to a small family of spider monkeys who are, you know, sort of local celebrities. Our boat pulled up close to the shore, and the guide had some fruit with him. It took a minute, but then a monkey named Lucy swung down the branches right to the edge of the water. It was just a little bit of a touristy thing to do, but honestly, it was pretty fun to watch her interact with the guide and snag a snack. The kids on our tour absolutely loved it, and you can get some really great photos here, so have your camera ready.

Is This Tour Right for Your Day in Port?

So, the big question is, should you book this tour? Honestly, it depends on what you want from your day. It’s a very full day, with a lot of time spent on a bus, which is a fact you can’t really ignore. Still, the bus is comfortable and the journey is a part of the experience, in a way. This is not a beach day or a laid-back local shopping trip. It’s a proper sightseeing excursion that shows you a significant piece of Nicaragua’s history and natural beauty. For anyone who feels a little bit adventurous and wants to see more than just the cruise port, I think it’s an absolutely fantastic option. You get two very different, very memorable experiences in one trip, and you come back feeling like you’ve actually seen a piece of the country.

You really leave this tour feeling like you’ve had a complete experience. From the colors and history of a major colonial city to the unique natural wonder of the islets, it just covers so much ground. Definitely wear comfortable shoes!

Here are some quick takeaways to help you decide:

• Time Commitment: Be prepared for a long day. It’s pretty much a full 7-8 hours from the time you leave the ship to when you get back.
• Activity Level: There’s a decent amount of walking in Granada, sometimes on uneven cobblestone streets. The optional bell tower climb is a bit strenuous but very short.
• What to Bring: You definitely need comfortable walking shoes. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bottled water was provided on our bus, which was nice.
• Best For: I’d say this is best for first-time visitors to Nicaragua who want to see the main historical and natural highlights in one go.
• Not Ideal For: If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or have mobility issues, this probably isn’t the best fit.

Read our full review: [San Juan Del Sur Shore Excursion: Granada Colonial City and 365 Islets Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Book the Granada & 365 Islets Tour])