Coastal Kayak Experience
[ OVERVIEW RoutE 1]Coastal Explorer San Juan Bay to Playa Marsella
Ride the Papagayo winds along Nicaragua's dramatic Pacific coast. On this 4-hour ocean adventure, we let nature do the heavy lifting. With the wind at our backs, we will launch from San Juan Bay and paddle through rugged rock gardens and hidden, secluded bays. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins breaking the surface, sea turtles gliding underneath, and whales breaching in the distance.
What’s Included: 30-minute safety and paddling masterclass, 3-hour guided ocean paddle, and high-end touring kayak gear. Most of the time we will be taking advantage of the papagayo winds and doing down wind paddles (wind at our backs) making our paddle easier. Half an hour of safety and instructions, and about a 3 hour paddle and a return shuttle from Marsella.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
4 hours
Pricing
$75 pp
01-Nov 2026
Next Dates
[ OVERVIEW route 2]The Sanctuary Paddle La Flor Wildlife Refuge
Discover a protected paradise. La Flor Wildlife Refuge is globally renowned for its massive sea turtle arrivals, and there is no better way to witness this untouched sanctuary than from the quiet seat of a kayak. We take advantage of the local Papagayo winds to plan a scenic downwind paddle—meaning the wind stays at our backs most throughout most of the paddle.
Slipping out of the wave shadow of Costa Rica, we will glide along a remarkable, development-free coastline beneath towering cliffs and past pristine white-sand beaches. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating insights into local conservation, marine ecosystems, and Nicaraguan culture.
What’s Included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off from San Juan del Sur, professional entry-level to advanced instruction, premium touring gear, and a 3-hour guided sanctuary paddle.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
4 hours
Pricing
$85 pp
01-Nov 2026
Next Dates
[ HIGHLIGHTS ]Papagayo wind, blow from the lake's far nest,
Blow past the peaks, blow out to the west.
Laughing while paddle, kayak and I,
Drift, drift,
Where the headlands uplift
On either side of the ocean swift.
The sea-swell rolls in its deep blue bed;
My paddle is plying its way ahead;
Dip, dip,
While the waters flip
In foam as over the waves we slip
World class Paddling in Unspoilt Nature
In Depth instruction
Our founder has more than 20 years of seasonal kayak guiding experience in both the west coast of Canada and Costa Rica. SKGABC certified. And 20 years of surfing and exploring the very waters we will paddle. 20 years of paying close attention to the wind the waves, the tides and the wildlife. The ocean sets the itinerary not a schedule.
Ocean Conditions
We have access to one of the few parts of the Nicaraguan coastline that is not constantly open to the swell of the pacific ocean we are in the wave shadow of Costa Rica. Another challenge paddlers deal with here is the papagayo winds. We have mitigated this problem to an advantage by doing up wind paddles. Letting the wind push us up the coast.
Wildlife you might see
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Whale watching season
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
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Come dressed to get wet! We highly recommend wearing swimwear (board shorts, a swimsuit, and a long sleeve rash guard and bringing a change of dry clothes for after the tour.
Footwear: You must wear secure shoes that can get wet—aqua shoes, old trainers, or strapped sandals work perfectly. Avoid flip-flops or Crocs, as they easily float away if you take a swim.
Sun Protection: The Nicaraguan sun is strong. Bring a sun hat, polarized sunglasses, a towel, and plenty of reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen.
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Capsizing is very rare. Our top-tier kayaks are incredibly stable and explicitly chosen for coastal ocean touring. However, because it is an ocean activity, falling in is always a possibility especially in the surf.
Do not worry if you aren't a strong swimmer: everyone is legally required to wear a high-float Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times. Your guide is fully rescue-trained and can easily assist you back into your seat within seconds. -
Generally, our open-ocean downwind paddles are best suited for adventurers ages 12 and up.
Sea kayaking is an active sport that requires basic upper-body mobility and moderate stamina. Because we want everyone to have an incredible experience, we often utilize stable tandem (double) kayaks, allowing us to pair younger teens or lighter paddlers with stronger adults or a guide. -
We work in harmony with the ocean, not against it. We intentionally track daily tides and weather patterns to plan downwind routes where the wind pushes us from behind. If our guides determine that the surf is too rough, the winds are unsafe, or the marine conditions compromise safety, we will promptly notify you to reschedule your tour or issue a 100% full refund.
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Come dressed to get wet! We highly recommend wearing swimwear (board shorts, a swimsuit, or a rash guard) and bringing a change of dry clothes for after the tour.
Footwear: You must wear secure shoes that can get wet—aqua shoes, old trainers, or strapped sandals work perfectly. Avoid flip-flops or Crocs, as they easily float away if you take a swim.
Sun Protection: The Nicaraguan sun is strong. Bring a sun hat, polarized sunglasses, a towel, and plenty of reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen.
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Yes, please bring your own refreshments. We do not provide snacks or drinks on these tours, and staying hydrated out on the ocean is incredibly important. You must bring a reusable water bottle with at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person. We also highly recommend packing light, energy-boosting snacks like granola bars, nuts, or fruit to enjoy during our beach breaks.
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Yes, but they must be protected from the water. Kayaking is a splashy sport and anything on the boat will likely get wet. To keep your electronics safe while you capture the coastal views, we have high-quality waterproof phone cases available to rent at the launch site. If you use your own case, we strongly recommend using a lanyard so it stays securely attached to you at all times.