dive NicaraguA

Nicaragua offers divers the rare combination of diverse conditions and little human impact—making for some seriously rewarding technical dives. On the Pacific side, you’ll find healthy volcanic reefs with steep drop-offs, swim-throughs, and rock pinnacles. Hard and soft corals support a robust population of reef fish, with frequent sightings of nurse sharks, eagle rays, Pacific lobsters, and the occasional turtle. Water temps typically range from 24–28°C (75–82°F), with thermoclines at depth adding another layer of challenge and intrigue. Visibility varies with season—expect 10–18 meters (30–60 feet) on average, sometimes more in the dry season. For our dive trips, however, the Pacific coast is often a last minute luxury. Because of uninterrupted ocean stretching essentially to Asia, visibility is often poor, churn is significant and scheduled dives can be significantly compromised. Much like surfers, if the Pacific coast is going off - we’re going in.

What truly sets Nicaragua apart, though, is access to volcanic-crater lake diving. Laguna de Apoyo, a volcanic caldera filled with clear freshwater, offers excellent conditions for training and exploration. You’ll dive steep mineral walls, encounter endemic cichlid species, and maybe even spot geothermal vents bubbling from the sandy slope—an experience that’s rare anywhere else on the continent. No large dive operations here: expect small groups, attentive guides, and as much bottom time as your air and profile allow.

On the east coast, Nicaragua offers the last part of the Caribbean that nobody has ever heard of. Diving on Corn Island—especially Big Corn and its little sibling, Little Corn Island—is about getting as far away from the ordinary as possible. These Caribbean outposts disregard time, development and your schedule and offer turquoise water, healthy coral gardens, and an island vibe the rest of world gave up on decades ago.

You’ll find a wide range of reef structures, drop-offs, and swim-throughs just minutes from shore. Coral heads are populated by angelfish, groupers, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, lobsters, and occasional eagle rays. Visibility is usually excellent, often reaching over 25 meters (80 feet), and the warm Caribbean waters stay comfortable all year, generally in the 27–29°C (81–84°F) range.