Welcome to On The Hunt surfboard sign on the lawn in front of the lit beachfront palapa at dusk

On The Hunt NicaraguaFAQs

Is Nicaragua safe?

Yes! The coastal areas we operate in are quiet fishing and surf communities that welcome visitors. Like any international destination, we recommend normal travel awareness, but guests consistently find Nicaragua to be warm, friendly, and welcoming.

  • Gated, secure property.
  • All transport arranged: flight monitoring, airport pickup and drop-off with our trusted drivers, direct to the lodge.
  • Experienced local guides on every outing, and we're available 24/7 during your trip.
  • Crime against tourists is rare. Use normal common sense and ask us before heading somewhere new.

For more, see our Complete Guide for Travelers on Nicaragua Safety.

What money should I bring?

Bring U.S. bills in PERFECT condition. Bills with even tiny tears, marks, writing or stains will be refused. Ask your bank for crisp, clean bills, and bring small denominations.

  • US dollars can be converted to local currency at the airport. The córdoba is the official currency, fixed at about 36.78 per $1.
  • Bring cash from home. ATMs at the airport and in town are reliable, but expect about a $7 service charge per withdrawal. You can also get cash from several stores in our local village, but your card will be charged a 10–12% fee. Cards are accepted, but not everywhere.
  • Have $10 cash ready for the tourist card at immigration.

Is there WiFi at the lodge?

Yes! Starlink WiFi covers the whole lodge. It keeps you connected even on this remote stretch of coast, and it's included in every package.

Away from the lodge, cell reception can be spotty in rural Nicaragua, so check your carrier's international plan before you go.

Where are you located?

We're in Aposentillo, Nicaragua — a small town on the remote northern Pacific coast.

Which airport? How do I get there?

Fly into Managua, Augusto C. Sandino International (MGA). The lodge is about a 3.5-hour drive. Send us your arrival date and flight time and we'll arrange your ride. Transfers are included both ways.

What are the entry requirements for U.S. citizens?

  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival and for your whole stay.
  • $10 USD cash tourist entry card/stamp on arrival (exact change recommended), good for up to 90 days.
  • Onward/return ticket required.
  • Declare cash of $10,000 or more on entry.

What should I do before I arrive?

  • Send us your flight arrival date & time so we can schedule your airport pickup.
  • Check your passport date, get $10 in crisp cash for the tourist card, and pack spending cash ($300–500) in perfect bills.
  • Anyone with a medical history should consider travel insurance with evacuation coverage.
  • Tell us about any allergies or dietary restrictions, and our chef will adjust the menu.

When should I come? What's the weather like?

Our season runs May–October, which is Nicaragua's rainy season. Days can be hot (highs around 88–91°F), but the ocean breeze is refreshing. Rain usually comes as short afternoon or nighttime storms. Sept–Oct are the wettest months.

The rain rarely affects the fishing. We head out early, when mornings are typically clear and calm, and we're usually back before any afternoon showers roll in. The rain also brings cooler air and cooler water temperatures, which makes for better fishing, and it keeps everything green and the crowds away.

What should I pack?

  • Everyday: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, sandals, a light rain shell, insect repellent (DEET/picaridin).
  • Fishing: long-sleeve sun shirt, buff/face cover, boat shoes. All fishing gear is included, but bring your favorite setup if you like.
  • Prone to seasickness? Bring Dramamine or scopolamine patches. The Pacific can be rough offshore, so take them before you board (patches go on the night before).
  • Surf: your board(s) if you prefer (we don't rent boards, but rentals are available nearby), plus a rash guard, wax and leash.
  • Leave home: drones. They're illegal and customs will seize them. Customs may also seize camera gear and binoculars, so we recommend packing only the electronics that are absolutely necessary.

What health basics should I know?

  • Bring any prescriptions in original packaging and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Dengue and Zika are present, so prevent mosquito bites.
  • Do not drink the tap water. Drink only the purified water provided at the lodge.
  • Serious medical care is mainly in Managua, so medical travel insurance is worth considering.
  • Emergency numbers: 118 (police), 128 (ambulance).

What's the fishing like?

Our boat is a 30 ft 2023 Fibromaster panga-style center console with twin 2025 Suzuki 100HP four-stroke outboards, fishing up to 6 anglers. We fish inshore, nearshore, offshore, reef and FADs, with trolling, jigging, spinning and bottom fishing. All fishing gear and licenses are included.

Species: roosterfish (strictly catch & release), Pacific sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, snook, snapper. No experience needed; our guides tailor each day. More about the fishing.

What's the surf like?

The Boom is a world-class A-frame beach break steps from your casita, and it's best at first light. Plenty of other waves nearby suit all levels. Surf at dawn, fish the rest of the day.

We don't rent surfboards ourselves, but board rentals are available nearby, and surf instruction is included if you want it. You're welcome to bring your own board. Board quivers, sizes & rental rates: contact us. More about the surf.

What's the lodge like, and what does a typical day look like?

The lodge is exclusive use for 2–8 guests: it's all yours. We like to leave the marina early to surf or fish while conditions are best. Afterward, we finish the day with great food, cold drinks and fish stories.

What is there to do off the water?

Beach restaurants and bars, sunsets, horseback rides on the beach, nearby fishing villages, motorcycle/dual sport rentals, massages, plus volcano and nature day trips we can arrange.

What are the package options?

Just The Tip (5 days): 2 guests $3,750 / 3 guests $2,800 / 4 guests $2,250 / 5–6 guests $2,100 / 7–8 guests $2,000 per person.

The Watermen (7 days): 2 guests $4,900 / 3 guests $3,650 / 4 guests $2,950 / 5–6 guests $2,750 / 7–8 guests $2,600 per person.

2-guest minimum. See the Packages.

What is included in the packages?

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner); the menu adjusts for allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Beverages, including all-you-can-drink alcohol, with no surprise charges at checkout
  • Beachfront casita lodging, exclusive use of the lodge
  • Daily maid service, plus laundry on request
  • Airport pickup & drop-off (Managua)
  • All fishing gear & fishing licenses
  • Expert local guides; surf instruction if wanted
  • WiFi (covers the whole lodge)

What is not included?

Airfare to Managua, gratuities, and travel insurance. We don't rent surfboards, but board rentals are available nearby.

What payment methods do you accept?

For trip payments, we accept USD (U.S. dollars) via credit card, bank transfer, cash, or any virtual payment methods (Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, etc.).

Do I need to tip?

A 10–15% tip for staff and guides is normal.

What's your cancellation policy?

We require a 50% deposit to reserve your dates. The deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due after your trip.

How do I book?

Fill out the form on our Contact page, or call +1 (407) 461-0486.

Because we host small groups and trips fill up quickly, we recommend booking a few months in advance to secure your preferred dates.

Still have questions?

Ask us about dietary needs or allergies (our chef adjusts the menu), kids, non-angler or non-surfer guests, room setup, and anything else.

onthehuntnicaragua@gmail.com
+1 (407) 461-0486