The crescent beach
Sand between green hills.
Eacuna23 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lubi nuñez — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Paul Biondi dexedrine — CC0 · Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada — CC BY-SA 2.0
Crescent Bay is the front of the town of San Juan del Sur, on the Pacific in south-west Nicaragua. It is a wide crescent of sand ringed by green hills, with a large statue on the northern height, and one of the country's best-known seaside places, drawing surfers and families alike. The town was a resting place for gold prospectors bound for California in the 1850s and a hub for Cornelius Vanderbilt's lines. People long lived from fishing and shipping before turning to tourism in the past two decades. In October 2002 it marked its 150th anniversary and was named a tourism city, and about 15,553 people live here. You walk the sand past moored boats and small restaurants, then climb the hill to the viewpoint of the Christ of the Mercy, with the whole bay below. Sunset gives the finest scene, as the sun colours water and sand. The town has colourful timber houses, and surf beaches lie to its north and south, reached by car. The bay is 140 km south of Managua, and the statue viewpoint is 1.6 km in a straight line north-west of the town centre. Currents are strong on some beaches, so ask before swimming. Some places can be loud in the evening, so choose what suits you, and agree tour prices first. Dress modestly away from the beach and watch your belongings on the sand.
Sand between green hills.
The whole bay below.
Colours on water and sand.
San Juan del Sur Bay, Rivas Department
Yes, though evenings are loud in places, so stay away from bars.
On beaches north and south of town, reached by car.