Playa Gigante is laid-back and low-maintenance — you need less than you think. Pack for sun and salt water, bring some cash, and let us handle the rest. Here's a tight packing list and the few know-before-you-go basics that make a Nicaragua trip smooth.
What to pack
The essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat — the sun is strong year-round.
- Light, warm-weather clothing — breathable fabrics, swimwear, a cover-up.
- Sandals + water shoes — the sea shelf and tide pools are rocky; water shoes save feet.
- Insect repellent — handy at dawn and dusk, especially in green season.
- A light rain layer if you're visiting in green season (May–November).
- Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
- US dollars in small bills — plus a card as backup (see currency below).
Nice to have
- Dry bag for boat trips and the beach.
- Snorkel mask if you have a favorite (gear can be arranged, but personal fit is nice).
- Reef booties / rash guard for surfers and tide-poolers.
- Headlamp or small flashlight — useful with the occasional power outage.
What we already provide
No need to pack these — both homes come stocked:
- Filtered drinking water (5-gallon jugs, more on request).
- Kitchen basics: salt, pepper, hot sauce, olive oil, and cooking oil.
- Beach gear and a full kitchen; a private chef is available on request.
- WiFi at both homes.
And on the way in, our driver Danny stops at the Colonia supermarket in Rivas so you arrive with groceries — see the getting-there guide.
Money & currency
The local currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba. US dollars are widely accepted, but bring small, newer bills and change some to córdobas in Rivas or San Juan del Sur for village vendors, fishermen, and tips. Cash is essential in Gigante — don't count on cards in the village.
Water, power & connectivity
Drink filtered or bottled water — we stock filtered water at the house, so you're covered there. Nicaragua has occasional power outages; we keep connectivity as reliable as we can, and a headlamp is a smart just-in-case. WiFi is available at both homes and cell coverage is decent but not flawless — a good excuse to unplug.
Health & safety
Vaccination recommendations change, so check your government's current travel-health guidance and talk to your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks out. Playa Gigante is a small, welcoming fishing village and the homes sit in a gated community with an on-site caretaker; use normal travel sense, keep valuables secure, and review your government's current travel advisory before you book. Around the water, mind the surf and the slippery tide-pool rocks.
Before you fly — quick checklist
- Check passport validity and any entry requirements for Nicaragua.
- Tell us your flight details so we can set up your airport transfer.
- Decide your season — see the best time to visit.
- Pull out some small US bills; plan to change a little to córdobas on arrival.
- Flag anything special when you book — chef, fishing, surf lessons, dietary needs.
Common questions
What should I pack for Playa Gigante, Nicaragua?
Pack light, warm-weather clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, sandals plus water shoes for the rocky sea shelf, insect repellent, and a light rain layer if you're visiting in green season (May–November). Bring any personal medications, and some US dollars in small bills. We provide filtered drinking water and kitchen basics at the house.
What currency is used in Nicaragua, and do they take US dollars?
The local currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba. US dollars are widely accepted, but bring small, newer bills and change some to córdobas in Rivas or San Juan del Sur for the village vendors, fishermen, and tips. Cash is king in Gigante — don't rely on cards.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Playa Gigante?
Stick to filtered or bottled water. We stock filtered drinking water at both homes (5-gallon jugs, more on request), so you're covered at the house. When you're out, carry bottled water.
Is there wifi and cell service at Playa Gigante?
Yes, there's wifi at both homes and cell coverage is decent, though not flawless. Nicaragua also has occasional power outages; we keep connectivity as reliable as we can and would rather tell you upfront than have it be a surprise. Consider it a gentle nudge to unplug.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Nicaragua?
Requirements and recommendations change, so check your government's current travel-health guidance and talk to your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you go. Pack insect repellent and your usual personal medicines.
Is Playa Gigante safe for travelers?
Playa Gigante is a small, welcoming fishing village that's long been a favorite with surfers and families, and the homes are in a gated community with an on-site caretaker. Use normal travel sense, keep valuables secure, and check your government's current travel advisory before you book.
We handle the rest
Show up with a carry-on. We've got the rest.
Book Shankton Harbour or Shankton Tower and we'll arrange airport pickup, the grocery stop, filtered water, and a chef if you want one. Book direct — no platform fees.