Ometepe Island Ferry Approaching Moyogalpa

Ferries from Granada across Lake Nicaragua have restarted on the 4th of October 2021. This is great news for tourism in Nicaragua as it provides a great alternative for travelling in Nicaragua. In this blog we’ll outline everything you need to know about the Granada – Altagracia – San Carlos Ferry.

Why did the Granada ferry stop running?

Ferry Ometepe Nicaragua at San Jorge Nicaragua
Ferry Ometepe Nicaragua

The Granda to Omepete ferry didn’t operate between 2016 and 2021. This was due to low water levels in Lake Nicaragua.

What alternatives are there to the Granada ferry?

Granada to Ometepe Island by bus and ferry

Local bus driving through Mercado Municipal de Granada Nicaragua
Bus squeezing through!

An alternative for travelling between Granada and Ometepe Island is to catch a combination of buses as well as a ferry. Specifically:

  • Firstly, a bus from Granada to Rivas – bus fare is 50 cordobas (as at 2021). Buses go from the bus terminal Nueva terminal de buses a Rivas which is close to the Maxi Palí supermarket. Buses leave at 5:50am, 6:30am, 8:05am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 12:40pm, 1:10pm, 3:10pm. Note that the 3:10pm bus does not run on Thursdays or Sundays.
  • Next, another bus from Rivas to San Jorge – bus fare is 10 cordobas (as at 2021). We couldn’t find the bus to San Jorge, so we walked, but we managed to find a bus on the way back. Alternatively there are taxis and tuk tuks available.
  • Finally, a ferry from San Jorge to either Moyogalpa or San Jose del Sur on Ometepe Island – ferry ticket is 50 cordobas plus 35 cordobas for the port tourist tax (as at 2021).

Ferry timetable – San Jorge to Ometepe Island

TimeDaysVesselVessel TypePort on OmetepeFare
07:00:00Every DayFerry El Che GuevaraCar FerryMoyogalpaC$50
07:45:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50
08:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysArcia Ferry 3Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50
09:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysFerry Cacique NicaraoCar FerryMoyogalpaC$50
09:30:00Every DayFerry (El Rey de Cocibolca)Car FerrySan JoséC$50
10:30:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50
11:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Estrella del Sur)Boat (Lancha)MoyogalpaC$45
12:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysArcia Ferry 3Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50
12:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Santa Martha)Boat (Lancha)MoyogalpaC$35
13:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysFerry Cacique NicaraoCar FerryMoyogalpaC$50
14:30:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50
15:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Estrella del Sur)Boat (Lancha)MoyogalpaC$45
16:00:00Every DayFerry El Che GuevaraCar FerryMoyogalpaC$50
16:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysArcia Ferry 3Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50
17:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Santa Martha)Boat (Lancha)MoyogalpaC$35
17:00:00Every DayFerry (El Rey de Cocibolca)Car FerrySan JoséC$50
17:45:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4Car FerryMoyogalpaC$50

Ferry timetable – Ometepe Island to San Jorge

TimeDaysVesselPort on OmetepeFare
05:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysFerry Cacique NicaraoMoyogalpaC$50
06:00:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4MoyogalpaC$50
06:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Santa Martha)MoyogalpaC$35
06:45:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysArcia Ferry 3MoyogalpaC$50
07:00:00Every DayBoat (Estrella del Sur)MoyogalpaC$45
07:30:00Every DayFerry (El Rey de Cocibolca)San JoséC$50
09:00:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4MoyogalpaC$50
10:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysArcia Ferry 3MoyogalpaC$50
11:00:00Every DayFerry El Che GuevaraMoyogalpaC$50
11:30:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysFerry Cacique NicaraoMoyogalpaC$50
12:30:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4MoyogalpaC$50
13:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Estrella del Sur)MoyogalpaC$50
14:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysArcia Ferry 3MoyogalpaC$50
15:00:00Not Sunday nor Public HolidaysBoat (Santa Martha)MoyogalpaC$50
15:00:00Every DayFerry (El Rey de Cocibolca)San JoséC$50
16:00:00Every DayArcia Ferry 4MoyogalpaC$50
17:30:00Every DayFerry El Che GuevaraMoyogalpaC$50

San Jorge Nicaragua
San Jorge Nicaragua

Bus from Granada to San Carlos Nicaragua

We travelled between Granada and San Carlos in August 2021. At this time the Granada ferry wasn’t in operation. Consequently, the journey required multiple long bus rides. However we decided to make the most of the journey and see some of the towns and cities along the way.

Our bus journey included the following:

FromToPrice Per PersonDuration
GranadaMasayaC$1545 minutes
MasayaTipitapa C$151.5 hours
TipitapaBoaco C$402 hours
BoacoCamoapa C$281.5 hours
CamoapaSan Francisco C$251 hour
San Francisco Juigalpa C$401.5 hours
JuigalpaSan Carlos C$1204 hours
Nicaragua Bus Information

Alternatively you could get the following buses:

FromTo Price Per Person Duration
GranadaManaguaApprox C$301.5 hours
ManaguaSan CarlosApprox C$2005.5 hours
Nicaragua Bus Information

Both local buses as well as microbuses opperate between Granada and Managua. Microbuses are minivans that have less stops, are generally more comfortable but are more expensive.

When did the Granada ferry restart?

Happy Woman on Ometepe Island Ferry at San Jose del Sur
Ometepe Island Ferry at San Jose del Sur

The National Port Authority, also known as the Empresa Portuaria Nacional or EPN ran the first trip from Puerto Granada on Monday October 4th 2021 at 5pm. The Grand Opening of this route was celebrated with festivities on the afternoon of the first trip from Granada.

How often does the Granada ferry run?

The Granada Ometepe ferry runs once a week in each direction between Granada and San Carlos. It will also make a stop at Altagracia on Ometepe Island on the way.

Ferries from Granada to Ometepe and San Carlos departs from Granada Nicaragua at 5pm on Mondays. This is perfect for anyone who wants to travel from Granada to Ometepe Island, Granada to San Carlos or Ometepe Island to San Carlos.

The return journey will depart from San Carlos at 5pm on Tuesdays, returning to Granada on Wednesdays. This is perfect for anyone who wants to travel from Ometepe to Granada, San Carlos to Granada or San Carlos to Ometepe Island.

How much is the Granada ferry?

Fares are as follows:

FromToPassengers Aged 5+Children Under 5 Years
GranadaSan CarlosC$200Free
GranadaAltagraciaC$100Free
AltagraciaSan CarlosC$150Free

The ferries will also allow cargo for an additional cost. For more information as well as to make a reservation call 2552-6618 or 7829-0672.

How long does the Granada ferry take?

The ferry is an overnight ferry. It leaves at 5pm and then gets to its destination the next morning.

Where is Puerto Granada?

Woman walking next to Lake Nicaragua at Malecon de Granada Nicaragua
Malecon de Granada Nicaragua

Puerto Granada is on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. It is a 15 minute walk from the Central Park of Granada.

Where is Puerto Altagracia?

Puerto Altagracia is one of three ports on Ometepe Island. Altagracia is on the northern end of Ometepe Island. It is also on the side of Volcan Concepcion. The port is 2.6km from the Municipal Park of Altagracia.

Where is Puerto San Carlos?

Malecon de San Carlos Rio San Juan Nicaragua
Malecon de San Carlos Nicaragua

Puerto San Carlos is on the banks of Lake Nicaragua. It is also at the start of Rio San Juan. Moreover, San Carlos is the gateway to the Rio San Juan area. This area includes the historic town of El Castillo as well as the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. San Carlos is also conveniently close to the border to Costa Rica. You can cross the border from Nicaragua to Costa Rica at San Pancho.

About Lake Nicaragua

Lake Nicaragua Granada Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua Granada Nicaragua

Lake Nicaragua is known by many names, such as Lago Cocibolca, Lake Granada, Mar Dulce, Gran Lago and Gran Lago Dulce. This freshwater lake is the largest lake in Central America. It is also the 19th largest lake in the world. Additionally, it is home to a series of 365 small islands known as Las Isletas. These islands were formed 20 thousand years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption from nearby Mombacho Volcano. The largest island on Lake Nicaragua is Ometepe Island, which is home to 2 volcanoes. Another island of note is Isla Zapatera, which has centuries old petroglyphs.

Boat docking at Isla Zapatera Nicagua
Isla Zapatera Nicagua

Why you should visit Granada Nicaragua

Rotunda and Water Fountain at Parque Central Granada Nicaragua
Central Park of Granada Nicaragua

We lived in Granada Nicaragua for a year. It is, of course, our favourite city in Nicaragua. Granada is a charming colonial city full of colourful buildings as well as beautiful architecture. Additionally, its location in the centre of Nicaragua makes it a convenient base for exploring Nicaragua. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of accommodation options available in Granada to suit all budgets.

Best mid range hotel in Granada Nicaragua

For comfortable mid range accommodation we recommend Hotel La Gran Sultana. This hotel offers double rooms with ensuite and breakfast included for around $40 USD per night.

Rental Properties in Granada Nicaragua

For self contained accommodation we recommend Granada Property Services (GPS). GPS are property agents with listings that cover luxury colonial homes as well as smaller units. On the higher end of the scale, a luxury home with a pool will cost anywhere from $100 USD to $250 USD per night. In contrast, a condo will cost around $30 USD to $50 USD per night.

Casa AguaLuna Luxury Home in Granada Nicaragua
Our Luxury Home in Granada Nicaragua

While in Granada we recommend sampling the local cuisine. Specifically, one must eat dish native to Granada is vigorón. This dish includes yucca, salad and pork crackling which is known as chicharrón. It costs around 60 cordobas a serving. Don’t forget to wash it down with a drink that is also local to Granada known as grama refresco natural. This is a drink made from a type of grass and tastes very similar to Coca Cola. Refrescos naturales are usually sold for 10 cordobas a serving.

A day of sightseeing in Granada could include:

  • A trip to the Chocomuseo
  • A ride on a horse and cart through the city
  • A tour of the beautiful churches and cathedrals
  • And finally, dinner on the famous Calle La Calzada
Woman on Balcony of Hotel La Gran Sultana Granada Nicaragua at Sunset
Hotel La Gran Sultana Granada Nicaragua

Granada is very centrally located. Consequently, there are plenty of day trips that you can do from Granada Nicaragua. Some of the best day trips from Granada include:

Monkey and Boat Driver on boat in Las Isletas
Animal Encounter on Las Isletas Boat Tour

Why you should visit Altagracia Ometepe Island Nicaragua

Parque Municipal de Altagracia Ometepe Island Nicaragua
Parque Municipal de Altagracia Ometepe Island

Ometepe Island is a picture perfect island. It is also home to two volcanos. This island is a magical place and has to be seen to be believed. We love the laidback lifestyle on the island as well as the amazing natural beauty of the area.

Man at Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria Ometepe Island Nicaragua, 2 volcanoes
Punta Jesus Maria at Sunset

About Altagracia, Ometepe Island

Altagracia is one of the major towns in Ometepe Island. It is also conveniently located in the centre of the island. Furthermore, it is a short drive to the beautiful swimming spot Ojo de Agua (entry to Ojo de Agua is $5 USD per person, or 175 cordobas). Altagracia is also less than an hour drive from some of the best beaches on Ometepe Island.

Swing at Ojo de Agua Ometepe Island Nicaragua
Swings over the water!

Beachfront Accommodation on Ometepe Island

For a comfortable hotel by the beach we recommend Hotel Villa Paraiso. Here, you can get double rooms with breakfast for $75 USD per night.

Eco Lodge on Ometepe Island

For an eco lodge experience on Ometepe Island we recommend Finca del Sol. This is a rustic experience and you can get a bungalow with breakfast for $40 USD a night.

Luxury Accommodation on Ometepe Island

For a luxurious experience with one of the best pools on Ometepe Island we recommend Totoco Eco Lodge. This beautiful resort offers bungalows with breakfast included for $60 USD per night.

Cabana at Finca del Sol Ecolodge Ometepe Island Nicaragua, volcan concepcion in the background
Finca del Sol

What to do on Ometepe Island

While you’re on Ometepe Island, don’t miss the following amazing Nicaraguan experiences:

Kayaking at Rio Istian Ometepe Island Nicaragua
Kayaking at Rio Istian Ometepe Island

Why you should visit San Carlos Nicaragua

Boat Docked at Pier at Rio San Juan San Carlos Nicaragua
Pier at Rio San Juan San Carlos Nicaragua

San Carlos is a beautiful portside city with plenty of restaurants and accommodation options. San Carlos is the capital of the department of Rio San Juan. Furthermore, it located at the junction of Lake Nicaragua and Rio San Juan. It is also a great stop over when on your way to Costa Rica. You can cross the border at nearby San Pancho.

Budget Accommodation in San Carlos Nicaragua

For a comfortable low budget option, we recommend staying at Hotel Gran Lago. Fan only rooms with ensuites are 700 cordobas per night. Don’t forget to check out the great views of the lake from the balcony of the hotel!

What to do in San Carlos Nicaragua

While in San Carlos we recommend:

While you’re in the area we recommend taking a launcha 2 hours down the Rio San Juan to the riverside village of El Castillo. This sleepy little village is home to a historic fort which fended off pirate attacks in the 1600s, the British in the 1700s and also played a role in the California gold rush era in the 1800s! You can also do a tour of the Indio Maiz nature reserve, home to some of the richest flora and fauna bioversity in the world. Here you can see plenty of wildlife such as monkeys, poisonous frogs and crocodiles.

Fortaleza de la Inmaculada Concepcion El Castillo Nicaragua
Fortaleza de la Inmaculada Concepcion El Castillo Nicaragua

Final thoughts on the Granada ferry

The reopening of the Granada – Altagracia – San Carlos ferry is great news for tourism in Nicaragua. Moreover it will provide a lot more options when planning your next Nicaragua vacation. We highly recommend taking this ferry to explore all that Nicaragua has to offer!

If you want to learn more about visiting Nicaragua, check out our playlist of Nicaragua videos.

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