Exploring Las Isletas of Granada in Nicaragua: All you need to know about the Kayaking Tour

For many travelers to Nicaragua, a kayaking tour of Las Isletas de Granada is the experience that keeps them coming back for more. Located near the city of Granada, it is one of the most popular excursion spots from the mainland and a great way to explore the archipelago.

Known for its diverse shapes, the islands and islets that make up Las Isletas are home to a variety of fascinating wildlife and fresh-water lake and provide some of the best views in Central America. The calm and tranquil atmosphere of the lake attracts a range of locals and visitors and has become a popular tourist activity in Granada.

Kayaking in Las Isletas de Granada is a peaceful way to witness amazing panoramic views and to dive into the beauty of Nicaraguan wildlife. From countless species of birds, to monkeys swinging from the treetops, this guided tour gives visitors a unique opportunity to explore an impressive array of flora and fauna.

What is Las Isletas de Granada?

Characterized by its unique geography and located at the northwest side of Lake Nicaragua, Las Isletas de Granada is an archipelago consisting of 365 islands, spread over six hectares. It has effectively become one of Granada’s most recognizable landscapes – framed by bright blue waters and providing great views of volcanic islands and luscious vegetation.

Many also tend to think of Las Isletas as a small collection of islands just off the coast of Granada, but in reality, they’re much bigger than that. The islands are spread throughout the mouth of the Papagayo River and make up the sensational beauty that is seen along the banks of Lake Nicaragua.

What to expect on a kayaking tour around Las Isletas

During their guided kayaking tour around Las Isletas, visitors have the chance to get up close with nature, spot incredible bird species, sail around hidden coves and explore numerous islets. Additionally, some knowledgeable tour guides offer a brief introduction about each island, providing interesting facts about history, nature, geography, industries and more.

Most kayak tours run for about three hours and start from any beach near the lake that can be accessed directly from Granada. It is important to keep in mind that kayaking conditions might differ throughout the day, so visitors should always check with their tour operator before booking.

Top tour operators in Las Isletas

Below are some top-reviewed tour operators in Las Isletas that offer high-quality services.

Sección Turística de Granada

Sección Turística de Granada offers two different kinds of kayak tours on Lake Nicaragua. The first one takes visitors around Las Isleta Islands, while another focuses on oar-powered boat tours with knowledgeable bilingual guides. The tours last for two to three hours, depending on the option you select, and provide the perfect combination of admiring nature’s beauty and getting to know about its history too. Prices for these tours start at $58 USD per person for a three-hour tour (www . turismo . gob . ni/granada/).

Segunda Larga

Segunda Larga is one of the most famous attractions on Lake Nicaragua. It offers high-end personalized kayak tours through the archipelago, with experienced guides that can help you to explore your surroundings and share interesting bits about the Nicaraguan culture. Their packages range from $50 USD for a three-hour private tour, $25 USD per person for a semi–private tour, or $15 USD per person for a shared tour (https://segundalarga . com/).

Tiempo Libre Tours

Tiempo Libre Tours offers guided kayak tours that last between two and three hours. It offers custom plans to explore the area’s natural wonders and wildlife with an expert driver-guide who knows exactly how to make your excursion unforgettable. They offer different packages starting at $45 USD per hour including basic equipment. (https : //www . tiempolibretours . com/).

What’s included in a Las Isletas Kayak Tour?

Most tour operators typically include in their travel packages all necessary kayaks or paddle boats for riding, lifejackets for safety, bilingual guides (English & Spanish) for navigation and a brief introduction about each island during the tour. Refreshments and snacks might be available for an extra cost but it depends on each provider’s services.

Best time to book a Las Isletas Kayak Tour

The best time to visit Las Isletas depenson what kind of experience you’re looking for. The climate remains consistently warm all year round but it can get really hot during dry months (April-October). During rainy months (October-March), kayakers may get wet but if you’re planning on wildlife spotting or photography then this is definitely worth it as you can find hundreds of birds around this time.

Other important information about Las Isletas Kayak Tour

Overall kayaking at Las Isletas is a wonderful experience for travelers who are looking to explore more in depth Nicaragua’s stunning landscapes while having lots of fun in stunning locations. The archipelago consists mainly of private properties so visitors must always be considerate with both their watercraft and surrounding nature. Beyond kayaking, visitors are even welcome to bring their own boats to explore the waters around these islands as long as they follow all necessary precautions.

Many travelers tend to visit Granada twice if they want to get more acquainted with its beauty. If that’s the case make sure you check out some other activities like volcano trekking or horseback riding through Mombacho Volcano or visit one of Granada’s famous markets like San Francisco market or even go shopping along Calle La Calzada from which a large selection of souvenirs can be found.

For those who love sports there are plenty of water activities available such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, standup paddling and a variety of dive trips that range from snorkeling trips to deep dives all around Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast.

Conclusion

Kayaking through Las Isletas de Granada is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Nicaragua, offering spectacular views and great opportunities for both wildlife spotting and learning about culture, history and geography. However, if it’s your first time visiting Granada, be sure that you also take some time to visit the nearby attractions mentioned above – it will definitely be worth your while! To make sure your adventure goes smoothly, book your kayak tour with certified experts like GetYourGuide. That way you can be sure that you’ll have an unforgettable experience!