Getting to Playa Gigante

Playa Gigante sits on Nicaragua's Pacific coast at Redonda Bay, in the Tola district of Rivas — a small fishing village that's quietly become one of Central America's favorite surf and beach escapes. It's remote enough to feel undiscovered, but easier to reach than most people expect. Here's every way to get there.

The short version

Most guests fly into Managua International Airport (MGA) and travel about 2.5 hours southwest to Playa Gigante by road. The simplest option by far is a private transfer that meets you at arrivals and takes you door to door — which we arrange for every guest who books Shankton Harbour or Shankton Tower. If you'd rather piece it together yourself, the routes below cover shuttles, boats, and driving.

1. Private transfer from Managua (the easy way)

This is what we recommend and what most of our guests choose. Our driver, Danny, meets you at the Managua airport, helps with bags, and drives you straight to the house — about 2.5 hours depending on traffic leaving the city.

• Grocery stop included: Danny stops at the Colonia supermarket in Rivas — the last full grocery store before Gigante — so you arrive with everything you need. This is a genuine perk; the village shops are limited.
• No planning required: One car, one price, no transfers. Ideal after a long travel day, and the safest, most comfortable option with kids or boards.
• How to arrange it: Just tell us your flight details when you book and we'll have Danny waiting.

2. Shuttle to San Juan del Sur, then onward

Shared and private shuttles run daily from Managua to San Juan del Sur, a lively beach town down the coast to the south. From San Juan del Sur you can take a short taxi or the scenic boat route (below). This can be cheaper than a direct private transfer, but adds a leg and some waiting. Good if you want a night in San Juan del Sur on the way in or out.

3. By boat from San Juan del Sur

One of the prettiest ways to arrive: a 35-minute boat ride up the coast from San Juan del Sur to Playa Gigante, watching the cliffs and coves slide by. It's weather-dependent and best arranged in advance — ask our team and we'll coordinate a captain. A memorable option for a first arrival or a day trip.

4. Driving yourself

Renting a car in Managua and driving is very doable. The main highway south toward Rivas is paved and straightforward; the final stretch of road into Gigante is unpaved and rougher, so a higher-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is a good idea, especially in green season (May–October) when rain can leave ruts.

• Drive in daylight if you can — the last section is easier to navigate before dark.
• Both Shankton homes are in a gated community with parking on site.
• Fill up in Rivas; fuel stops thin out as you approach the coast.

5. Coming from Costa Rica

Some guests fly into Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) and cross the border at Peñas Blancas. From Liberia it's roughly 3.5–4 hours to Gigante including the border crossing, which is usually smooth but can take time at busy periods. This can be a good option if flights into Liberia are cheaper or better timed than Managua — ask us and we can help weigh it up.

Getting around once you're there

You won't need a car in Gigante. The village is a short, shaded jungle-trail walk from the houses, with beach restaurants and small shops. Our on-site GM, Nemer, arranges everything else — surf shuttles to Popoyo and Manzanillo, fishing boats, a private chef, or a day trip to San Juan del Sur. Read more about the area on our Playa Gigante page.

A few practical tips

• Cash: Bring some US dollars and change to Nicaraguan córdobas in Rivas or San Juan del Sur. Village vendors and fishermen prefer cash.
• Arrival timing: Aim for a Managua landing before mid-afternoon so you reach the coast comfortably before dark on day one.
• Water & supplies: We stock filtered drinking water and kitchen basics; do your bigger grocery run in Rivas on the way in.
• Connectivity: There's WiFi at both homes; cell coverage is decent but not flawless — a good excuse to unplug.