Swimming and kayaking
Beach clubs and lodges on the shore offer access to the water, kayaks and paddle boards.
Granada · Masaya · Nicaragua
Laguna de Apoyo Natural Reserve
A deep crater lake between Granada and Masaya, with warm clear water for swimming and kayaking in a forested reserve.
- Reserve since 1991
- Volcanic crater lake
- About 20 minutes from Granada
- Managed by MARENA
About the park
Laguna de Apoyo is a crater lake that formed in an old caldera between the colonial city of Granada and the town of Masaya. The water is clear and warm from volcanic activity, and the steep green walls of the crater are a nature reserve, declared in 1991 and managed by the Ministry of Environment.
It is a quiet place for swimming, kayaking and lazy days, with a few lodges and beach clubs on the shore. The Catarina viewpoint on the rim gives a view of the whole lake and the surrounding volcanoes, and the forest on the slopes is a home for monkeys and birds.
- A clear, warm crater lake for swimming
- Kayaking and relaxing on the shore
- Catarina viewpoint over the lake
- A short drive from Granada and Masaya
Wildlife
Howler monkeysBirds of the dry forestFish and river life of the lake
What to do
Catarina viewpoint
A viewpoint on the rim of the crater with a view of the lake, the Mombacho volcano and Granada.
Forest walks
Short walks in the forest of the crater walls, with a local guide.
Plan your visit
- Entrance
- Access is usually through lodges and beach clubs, each with its own day-use price. We could not find an official fee table.
- Best time
- The dry season from November to April; the lake is calm early in the day.
- What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel, sun protection, insect repellent and water.
How the entrance is paid
We did not find a national online ticket system for Nicaraguan parks. Access to the lake is paid at the lodge or beach club you use, and the viewpoints have their own small fees.
Ask us for the current price and the rules before you go.
Information is approximate and based on public guides, not on an official fee table; hours, fees and access change. We confirm the current conditions before you go.
Getting there
By road
The lake is about 20 minutes from Granada and 30 minutes from Masaya, with the access roads on the rim and the shore.
Transfer
Ask us for a private transfer from Granada, Managua or the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes. The water is clear and warm.
Is it a day trip?
Yes, from Granada or Masaya, or you can stay at a lodge on the shore.
Do I need to pay an entrance?
Access is through lodges and beach clubs, each with its own price.