Juan Venado Island and Las Peñitas Beach

Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve is an important protected area in Nicaragua. It forms part of the country's national park system and is well-known as a vital coastal wetland region. The stunning Juan Venado Island is situated 1 hour from Leon city. Upon arrival to Las Peñitas beach, your guide will lead you to where you will board your private motor boat for an exciting 2 hours boat ride.

Juan Venado is considered a barrier island and measures 22km in length and has a width of 0.5km, totaling 2.934 hectares. It stands out as a thin strip near the coast of Nicaragua.

The island's altitude is no higher than 25m. Separating the coast from the island is an ecologically important mangrove forest or swamp. This marvellous biological zone provides the ideal home for an abundance of animal life, particularly marine creatures. The edge of the Juan Venado island which faces into the Pacific Ocean possesses a fine estuary and is also a vital nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles (from May to November). The estuary of Isla Juan Venado is itself home to a diversity of organisms including water birds, the caiman, crocodiles, iguanas, crustaceans and more. Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve has no people residing in it, so you will be enveloped in solitude and the beauty of nature. Relax at Las Peñitas beach before returning to the city of Leon.