Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
In the high season, the surf camps offer all-inclusive deals providing everything from air-
port pickup to meals, drinks and boat rides out to the breaks. In the low season they offer
nightly room rates and you pay extra for everything else.
There are a handful of ramshackle restaurants on the beach.
Bar y Comedor La Gaviota
(dishes US$5-8)
is by far the more popular (despite maddeningly slow cooking times), but
Margarita's
(dishes US$3-9)
next door serves up food that's just as good, slightly quicker.
Hospedaje y Restaurante Blue Sol
( 8508-2727; bluesol@yahoo.com; 100m inland from beach; r US$10)
This last-ditch spot of-
fers some seriously basic concrete rooms that are cheap, dark and dirty... But you're just
100m from the beach.
HOTEL
$
Hostel Camino del Gigante
( 8712-8888;
www.gigantebay.com
; 300m south of town entrance on beach; r without bath US$26,
r with fan/air-con US$33/60; )
With basic rooms, mosquito nets, and fans that can get a
little out of control, plus a totally kick-ass lounge area, this is a smart midrange bet. The
rooms without bathroom are actually nicer than the rooms that have them, and there's a
fun peaced-out vibe.
HOTEL
$$
Dale Dagger's Surf Lodge
(
www.nicasurf.com
; per week per person from US$1240; )
Surf legend Dale Dagger's
setup is a sweet little oceanfront beach house in the middle of the village. It's got three
boats on call, so getting to the break you want won't be a drama. Rates include a weekly
boat trip to San Juan del Sur (if you're that way inclined), and if the surf isn't up, they
take you on fishing trips.
LODGE
$$$
Giant's Foot Surf Camp
(
www.giantsfoot.com
; per week per person Mar-Sep US$1000, yoga/surfing Nov-Feb US$900;
closed Oct; )
Set on the southern end of the beach, this is the largest surf camp in town.
Most come here on a set tour, with surfing, boat, transfers, meals and even beer included
in the price. The rooms are comfy enough and the beachfront backyard features some
good hammocking opportunities.
LODGE
$$$
Aqua Wellness Resort
RESORT
$$$
