Silversea Expedition Cruises À SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Explore the Old World beauty, history and architecture of Granada and its environs during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Granada City and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Depart the pier for the scenic, 1.75-hour drive to Granada City, which is nestled in the shadow of the majestic Mombacho Volcano on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. En route, pass by beautiful rolling hills, verdant jungles, and endemic and exotic flora and wildlife. Upon arrival in Granada, take a tour of this lovely, 500-year-old city via horse-drawn carriage.

Parque Central and Convent of San Francisco

Next, take a guided walking tour around the main plaza, Parque Central, and marvel at the 16th-century La Merced Church, the famed Convent of San Francisco. During a guided visit here, view mysterious stone idols made by Nicaraguan ancestors, as well as an impressive collection of genuine, pre-Columbian sculptures and statues. Leaving the church, your guided stroll continues past a mosaic of Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and bright colours.

Lake Nicaraqua Cruise and Las Isletas

Your tour continues with a relaxing, picturesque cruise on the awe-inspiring Lake Nicaragua, nicknamed 'La Mar Dulce' by Spanish conquerors. Along the way, ride among Las Isletas, an archipelago of 365 tiny islands formed eons ago by eruptions from the Mombacho Volcano. The islets are home to thousands of species of exotic plants and animals, including colonies of howler monkeys and countless varieties of orchids. A small community lives among these fertile, palm-covered islets, and a handful of them are privately-owned and home to magnificent mansions.

Lunch and Free Time in Granada City

Following your cruise, disembark your boat and re-board your coach for the drive back to Granada. Upon arrival, proceed for a Nicaraguan buffet lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, some free time is made available to explore the city at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps to embark/disembark the boat, eight sidewalk steps and 10 steps at the Convent of San Francisco. Walking in Granada City is at the discretion of each guest. There is a long driving time involved of 1.75 hours each way. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Experience the timeless beauty and landmarks of Granada during this memorable, full-day orientation excursion.

Masaya City and Market

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute narrated drive through the lush, tropical landscape en route to the magical city of Masaya, the 'City of Flowers'. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the world-renowned Masaya Market, one of the largest crafts markets in Central America. During your visit, you can browse a wide array of shops and vendor stands offering the finest quality arts and crafts, including leather goods, delicately embroidered clothing, woodcarvings, Indian art, and hand-painted ceramics with traditional, pre-Columbian designs.

Masaya Volcano National Park and Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Masaya Volcano National Park. Established in 1979, this national park is a marvel of nature, with its two towering volcanoes, lush forest and crater lagoon. A stop is made at the still-active Masaya Volcano for an up-close look at steaming fumaroles. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a Nicaraguan buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Granada. After lunch, take a guided walking tour of Granada City.

Granada, Parque Central and Convent of San Francisco

Stroll around the main plaza, Parque Central, and marvel at the 16th-century La Merced Church, the famed Convent of San Francisco. During a guided visit here, view mysterious stone idols made by Nicaraguan ancestors, as well as an impressive collection of genuine, pre-Columbian sculptures and statues. Your guided stroll continues past a mosaic of Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and bright colours. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.9 miles (about 1.44 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps at the Masaya Market, eight sidewalk steps and 10 steps at the Convent of San Francisco. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Granada and its environs from a unique perspective during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Masaya Volcano National Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 90-minute drive past beautiful rolling hills, verdant jungles, and exotic flora and wildlife en route to the Masaya Volcano National Park. Established in 1979, this national park is a natural wonder with Apoyo, its massive crater lagoon, lush forest and two towering volcanoes (one active, one dormant). Upon arrival, drive to the crater's edge of the active Masaya Volcano to view the steaming fumaroles.

Catarina Overlook and Market

Next, head to the breath-taking Catarina Overlook for stunning panoramic vistas of some of Nicaragua's most beautiful landmarks. See the beautiful Colonial city of Granada and Lake Nicaragua, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes and home to an archipelago consisting of hundreds of beautiful islets. Some free time is also made available to browse the market here for handmade leather products, beautiful embroidered clothing, delicate woodcarvings, hand-painted ceramics, and more. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 90-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.4 miles (about 0.64 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and five steps in Catarina. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Begin your rigorous, full day volcano adventure by boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned transportation at the tender pier in San Juan del Sur. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the passing Nicaraguan countryside as your knowledgeable guide points out areas of interest and teaches you about the colorful history of the gorgeous and mysterious country that is Nicaragua.

Your scenic drive will take you to the base of the stunningly beautiful Mombacho Nature Reserve. This reserve, unique for its rich bio-diversity and outstanding vistas, is a popular tourist destination and home to a biological center. From here you will transfer to a 4WD truck and travel over 3,200 feet in elevation to the top of the magnificent Mombacho Volcano. The drive itself is worth the trip as you will climb grades of up to 40 percent through several types of forest ecosystems: a drier tropical forest, semi-moist broad leaf tropical forest, and a spectacular and very rare cloud forest.

Once at the top, you will take a guided one mile hike around one of Mombacho's four craters. As you traverse the natural paths, you will learn and observe the rich eco-system of the area that boasts steaming fumaroles, over 50 species of mammals, 174 species of birds and 90 different types of orchids. Listen carefully during your trek and you will notice that natural sounds amplified by the craters! Before returning to the base of the volcano enjoy lunch at the Mombacho Hacieda and learn about the coffee production of this area.

As you head back to San Juan del Sur following your satisfying volcano eco-adventure, you will stop at "La Virgen Crossing" that offers stunning vistas of one of Nicaragua's most beautiful landmarks "Ometepe Island". Have your cameras at the ready as you marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the twin volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcion, which form the island of Ometepe in the massive Lake Nicaragua.

Discover the secrets to preparing authentic Nicaraguan cuisine during this interactive, half-day cooking excursion with lunch.

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Pelican Eyes Resort. Upon arrival, proceed to the main restaurant for your interactive cooking lesson. Following a brief introduction, learn about and participate in the preparation of various Nicaraguan dishes, including fresh fish and shrimp ceviche, and a popular Nicaraguan dessert.

Following your cooking lesson, head to the patio for a relaxing lunch consisting of the meal you have helped to prepare, along with beautiful views overlooking the bay of San Juan del Sur. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 0.2 miles (about 0.32 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship. Guests must be at least 14 years old to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Your excursion begins at the pier where you will board a comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and depart San Juan del Sur for an exciting and informative half-day journey to discover Nicaragua. Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive past the beautiful landscape as your knowledgeable guide briefs you with information about the region's history and the flora and fauna that flourish here.

Disembark in the picturesque town of Rivas located near the massive Lake Nicaragua, the 10th largest lake in the world. Take a guided stroll through the quaint streets and learn about the city's history that dates back to 606 AD when various indigenous tribes made their home here. Visit the first Catholic church built in 1607 by the Spanish who first settled the city in 1522. Because of different natural disasters through time, the church was rebuilt in 1820 but contains several artifacts from the 17th Century.

Venture to a local lakeside venue where you will enjoy a closer look at the impressive Lake Nicaragua. This massive freshwater lake was nicknamed "La Mar Dulce" (The Sweet Sea) by Spanish Conquerors who first believed it was a sea because of its oceanic qualities: large waves, heavy storms and nothing but water at the horizon.

During your time at the hacienda, enjoy different activities like tortilla making, the preparation of the "Macua" Nicaragua's own Cocktail as well as a folkloric presentation. Relax and enjoy a beverage and snack as you marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the twin volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcion, which rise majestically out of the lake to form the island of Ometepe.

A 30 minute ride will take you back to the ship.

This incredible adventure combines the love of nature with the passion for exploration and is a sublime way to experience Nicaragua's countryside.

On horseback, you will enjoy the rich density of the tropical dry forest right at the slopes of San Juan del Sur and learn about the unique inhabitants of the area while you venture through the nature reserve. The trek will take you through trails around the farm, going all the way to the top of the mountain to enjoy the amazing views of San Juan del Sur bay and surrounding areas. As you descent into the forest you will arrive at the petroglyph where you will learn about the people who carved this rock and the meaning of some of the figures found on it.

At the end of the trip, stop at a local venue where you will enjoy lunch with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean before heading back to the ship.

Learn how to surf like the pros during this fun-filled and exciting, half-day surfing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to a pristine beach. Upon arrival, meet your instructor, receive your safety instructions, rash-guard and surfboard, and begin your surfing lesson.

Your surfing lesson follows the recommendations set forth by the International Surfing Association (ISA). Get in touch with the waves, and learn how to stand up on your surfboard to ride them. A wide range of surfboards are available, and refreshments are included. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition and can swim well. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and insect repellent from the ship. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Your full-day guided experience begins with a scenic drive via air-conditioned transportation across the Nicaraguan countryside to Catarina volcanic lagoon. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the passing verdant landscapes as your knowledgeable guide points out areas of interest and regales you with the colorful history of this amazing and exotic country.

Along the way you will stop at Catarina that hosts a stunning panoramic view of the the Apoyo Crater, now an enormous lagoon. Formed 23,000 years ago when hot springs filled the crater of a dormant volcano. This massive blue lagoon is home to an abundance of wildlife and features petro glyphs from indigenous cultures of long ago.

At the crater's edge marvel at the unbelievable view of the towering Mombacho Volcano a rich eco-system of 4409 foot volcano with over 50 species of mammals, 174 species of birds, 90 different types of orchids, steaming fumaroles and a rare cloud forest. Catch a bird's eye, view the steeples and rooftops of Granada and the massive Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, home to a volcano chain, hundreds of beautiful islets.

Photo opportunities are endless as you arrive at the Masaya Volcano National Park where the impressive influence of volcanic activity on the area is quite evident. Established in 1979 this national park is a marvel of nature with its two towering volcanoes, steam-spewing fumaroles, lush forest and a crater lagoon.

Your trip back will continue to the breathtaking colonial city of Granada on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Founded in 1524 by Spanish Conquistador Hernandez de Cordoba, Granada's historic churches and convents have withstood the test of the centuries including invasions from English, Dutch and French pirates. Enjoy in Granada a delicious complimentary buffet lunch before heading back on your 2 hour drive to the port.