Nicaragua Lake Islands

Probably the most famous island is Ometepe, an island of 276 square kilometers located 10 kilometers from the mainland on the western side of the lake. The island is formed by two towering volcanoes surrounded by fertile land abounds in nature: these are the Concepcion and Maderas. This island offers a variety of options for sun and beach activities, sports and adventure, like hiking the volcanoes, horseback riding or biking, fishing, surfing, swimming, kayaking. Tropical forests and natural reserves make Ometepe in an ideal location for hikers and nature lovers. Currently there is a good tourist infrastructure on the island. See our guide for Hotels and Restaurants.

Not far from Ometepe another volcanic island is located much closer to shore. This is the Zapatera Island, which, like Ometepe, was a sanctuary indigenous in pre-Columbian times. Hundreds of pottery, statues and petroglyphs were found there, and many statues and other objects are now displayed in Zapatera several museums. No official and careful scientific research has been done with these objects, and the island still remains largely unexplored. In it there are a few villages and some large productive farms. Currently offers a basic accommodation option, which gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of unspoiled nature, magnificent views and the rustic and laborious way of life of local people. More information on accommodation and activities can be found in our Zapatera guides.

Close to Zapatero one can find the famous islands of Granada. Formed by the activity of the nearby volcano Mombacho, the 365 islands vary significantly in size and are one of the main attractions of the region of Granada. These islands are located around the narrow peninsula of aces, and throughout the living area an entire community. Houses, schools and sales are located on those islands  and its inhabitants have as their main form of transport boats and canoes. Some islands have been built hotels and restaurants, and many are equipped with luxurious homes. The main activity performed on the islands is to rent a boat and take a tour among them, enjoying the tropical sun around the many coasts covered by palm trees, enjoying spectacular views and watching beautiful birds.

Located on the southeast corner of the lake is another interesting group of islands worth visiting: the archipelago of Solentiname, which consists of 36 islands of volcanic origin. Some are inhabited by small communities, others are completely covered with flora and fauna. The rustic communities of farmers and fishermen living in several of the islands have devoted several decades to create a unique style of art. The art called "primitive" consists of figures of simple shapes, colors, apply paint in pictures and handicrafts. A visit to the archipelago not only offers the chance to see local artists at work, but it allows visitors a dazzling the stunning beauty of the nature of these islands. Forested mountains, spectacular wildlife and an amazing variety of birds can be seen here. In this archipelago there are also very good tourist facilities for visitors.

Another group of islands in the northeastern part of the lake, in the department of Chontales, another archipelago located off the coast. This archipelago is called Nancital and can reached from the port of Orqueta in the municipality of Acoyapa. The development of these islands is still in its infancy, and although timidly begin to awaken the interest, most islands have no more than small buildings, huts or just trees and birds. Some islands are only used for grazing cattle. Several homeowners offer them as rentals to tourists.

There are other islands in the lake, also born of the volcanic activity in the area. The other islands, however, are usually private and can not be (easily) visited by tourists.