How to Raft the San Juan Del Sur River

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua is developing into an adventure destination for travelers. Once a site for frequent pirate attacks, Nicaragua is now known for its pristine beaches, rain forests, heat, crocodiles and surfing. The San Juan del Sur River is the passage from Lake Nicaragua through the tropical rain forest to the Caribbean Sea. Large areas along the river are protected natural reserves offering many sightseeing opportunities and nature experiences.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the section of the San Juan del Sur River that you want to raft. Most of the river is calm with rapids at El Castillo. Transportation is easier to arrange when rafting between San Carlos and El Castillo.

    • 2

      Choose a tour guide online and book your rafting trip reservation or wait until arriving in Nicaragua to find a local guide. Use your favorite search engine to find available online agents. In Nicaragua, San Carlos is the best place to locate a guide.

    • 3

      Confirm that your vaccines are up-to-date. The CDC says that malaria is present in rural areas of Managua. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid getting sick. Ideas include taking antimalarial drugs, using insect repellent and sleeping with bed nets.

    • 4

      Plan on renting your gear in Nicaragua, as airline fees are very expensive. On arrival, the best place to rent rafts is in San Carlos.

    • 5

      Pack long pants, long sleeves and a hat to prevent mosquito bites. You may also choose to pack your regular prescription medicines in their original bottles, diarrhea medicine, iodine tablets and portable water filters, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and bed nets.