UIG via Getty Images

Caribbean Coast

Nicaragua’s remote Caribbean coast often feels like an entirely separate country from 'mainland' Nicaragua; barely connected to the rest of the nation and looking out toward the Caribbean rather than inwards to Managua. Here you'll find English-speaking Creole people living side-by-side with indigenous Miskito, Mayangna, Rama and Garifuna populations; some of the country's best beaches on the Corn Islands and Pearl Keys; and various slices of wilderness bisected by wide muddy rivers, lined with thick jungle, and connected by mangrove-shrouded black-water creeks and lagoons.

Travel in the Nicaraguan Caribbean is challenging and exciting, and the rewards – including superb scuba diving, epic treks through dense rainforest, wildlife watching and fishing in the mangroves – are huge. The area is formally made up of two vast and sparsely populated autonomous regions known by their official names, Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (North Atlantic Autonomous Region; RAAN) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (South Atlantic Autonomous Region; RAAS).

Explore Caribbean Coast

  • L
    Long Bay

    This stunner of a beach arcs from a pile-up of local fishing pangas and lobster traps to a wild, jungle-covered headland at its far end. If you’re looking…

  • M
    Museo Auka Tangki

    Don’t miss Dr Dionisio Melgara Brown’s museum, a 10-minute walk along dirt roads curving away from the river. Brown, a retired teacher, built this museum…

  • W
    Waiku Centro de Arte

    This excellent social project is run by two English-speaking activists, Greta and Yesi, whose small arts center displays painting, handicrafts, clothing…

  • R
    Reserva de Biosfera Bosawás

    This remarkable expanse of protected wilderness is Nicaragua's biggest biosphere reserve, and makes up more than 14% of Nicaragua’s national territory. It…

  • M
    Muelle Viejo

    Take a stroll along the wooden boards of the historic Muelle Viejo (Old Pier), where both Sandino and the Contras received arms smuggled in from abroad,…

  • A
    Awas & Raiti Pura

    Take the path opposite the church due west along the paved road through the savanna and, after 30 minutes, you will reach the humble Miskito fishing…

  • W
    Wild Cane Key

    This large island with a long and spectacular beach once hosted the family paradise of a young New Zealand millionaire. However, following a series of…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Caribbean Coast.

  • See

    Long Bay

    This stunner of a beach arcs from a pile-up of local fishing pangas and lobster traps to a wild, jungle-covered headland at its far end. If you’re looking…

  • See

    Museo Auka Tangki

    Don’t miss Dr Dionisio Melgara Brown’s museum, a 10-minute walk along dirt roads curving away from the river. Brown, a retired teacher, built this museum…

  • See

    Waiku Centro de Arte

    This excellent social project is run by two English-speaking activists, Greta and Yesi, whose small arts center displays painting, handicrafts, clothing…

  • See

    Reserva de Biosfera Bosawás

    This remarkable expanse of protected wilderness is Nicaragua's biggest biosphere reserve, and makes up more than 14% of Nicaragua’s national territory. It…

  • See

    Muelle Viejo

    Take a stroll along the wooden boards of the historic Muelle Viejo (Old Pier), where both Sandino and the Contras received arms smuggled in from abroad,…

  • See

    Awas & Raiti Pura

    Take the path opposite the church due west along the paved road through the savanna and, after 30 minutes, you will reach the humble Miskito fishing…

  • See

    Wild Cane Key

    This large island with a long and spectacular beach once hosted the family paradise of a young New Zealand millionaire. However, following a series of…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Caribbean Coast with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.