Pacific Coast · Nicaragua

Where the water runs emerald, we keep a key.

Two properties on the Nicaraguan Pacific coast. A private sea shelf. A cliff-top tower. The same crew handling both for a decade.

572+
Nicaragua reviews
4.83★
Combined rating
10 yrs
Local crew tenure
2
Properties at Playa Gigante

The Nicaragua Collection

Two properties. One coast.
Same crew behind both.

Shankton Harbour

Playa Gigante · Nicaragua

Shankton Harbour

The only home in Gigante with its own sea shelf. Tide pools, snorkeling, reef fishing — from your platform. Pool. Private beach.

★ 4.87 · 279 reviews · 90% five-star
3 BR · 3.5 BA · Sleeps 8 · From $325/night
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Shankton Tower

Playa Gigante · Nicaragua

Shankton Tower

Cliff-top Pacific views, four floors up. Cliff-edge pool over the ocean. Private beach. Bunk room for the kids. Built for groups.

★ 4.79 · 293 reviews · 84% five-star
4 BR + bunk · 4 BA · Sleeps 12 · From $385/night
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Playa Gigante

A fishing village that's mostly still a fishing village.

Playa Gigante sits on the Nicaraguan Pacific coast, south of San Juan del Sur. It's remote — no resort strip, no chain hotels. A handful of guesthouses, a few restaurants, and two Shankton properties at the edge of the water.

The reef breaks clean. The water is warm year-round. In the right season, the ocean turns green-blue in a way that doesn't photograph right — you have to see it yourself. The crew has been here since before Shankton existed, and they're the reason we're still here.

Danny does airport pickups from Managua. Nemer knows every surf break, every boat captain, every chef worth calling. The house handles everything — or gets out of the way so you can.

The Nicaragua Crew

The people who've been here since the beginning.

Nemer Alberto
Nemer Alberto
GM · Nicaragua

Born and raised on Ometepe. He knows the surf forecast, the chefs, the road conditions — because they're his home. Manages both properties and can arrange anything from a private chef to a fishing charter.

WhatsApp Nemer
Danny
Danny
Logistics · Drivers · Airports

Handles all airport runs from Managua. Knows every road in Rivas. The kind of driver who knows the shortcut before Google Maps does. Three-hour drive from Managua to Gigante — you won't notice the time.

Tamara
Tamara
Housekeeping Lead

Runs housekeeping for both properties. The one responsible for every "the house was immaculate" review. She's been with Shankton since the first year. Has a system — and the system works.

Francisco
Francisco
Maintenance · Grounds

Keeps both properties running. Maintenance, grounds, pool, plumbing — everything that makes a remote property work without friction. If something breaks, Francisco has usually already fixed it before you noticed.

The area guide

What to know before you go.

🏄
Surf
Best season is October–March. Popoyo is 20 minutes away — one of the most consistent Pacific breaks in Central America. Manzanillo and Playa Santana are also nearby. Nemer knows which break suits your level. Boards available at both properties.
🐠
Snorkeling + diving
Harbour's private sea shelf is the best entry point on the coast for reef snorkeling. No boat needed — just walk out the back. Reef fishing from the shelf too. Nemer can arrange boat dives and deeper reef trips.
🍽
Food
Both properties are stocked with salt, pepper, hot sauce, olive oil, cooking oil, and filtered spring water (5-gallon jugs, more on request). If you're self-catering, stop at Colonia in Rivas — about 40 minutes from Gigante — on the way in; village shops are limited. Private chef available on request. Nemer sends the local restaurant list on check-in.
✈️
Getting here
Fly into Managua (MGA). Danny picks up directly from the airport — 3 hours to Gigante, mostly on paved highway. You can also fly to Liberia (LIR) in Costa Rica for a different routing. Book Danny when you book the house.
🔌
Power + WiFi
Nicaragua has occasional power outages, especially in rainy season. Both properties have backup connectivity. You'll stay connected for work or streaming — but the best nights are the ones you leave the phone inside.
🌧
Seasons
Dry season (Dec–Apr) is peak. Rainy season (May–Nov) is when the surf is best and the landscape is at its most green. October and November are the sweet spot — great swell, lower rates, fewer people. We prefer it.

When to go

Every month has a reason. October has two.

Peak season (Sand bar), shoulder (Tide bar), off-peak (dark). Shankton team's honest take on each month.

Jan
Peak
dry
Feb
Peak
dry
Mar
Peak
dry
Apr
Trans
ition
May
Rainy
begins
Jun
Green
season
Jul
Surf
builds
Aug
Good
surf
Sep
Surf
season
Oct
Best
month
Nov
Peak
surf
Dec
Peak
dry

Planning your trip

Playa Gigante, answered.

How do I get to Playa Gigante, Nicaragua?
Fly into Managua (MGA) — about 2.5–3 hours by car from Playa Gigante. Our driver Danny handles airport pickups and stops in Rivas so you arrive stocked. You can also reach Gigante by a 35-minute boat from San Juan del Sur. We arrange transport with every booking — just ask when you reserve Shankton Harbour or Shankton Tower.
When is the best time to visit Playa Gigante?
The dry season (November–April) brings reliable sun and the biggest Pacific surf. October is the local secret — the same warm water and swell with fewer crowds and lower rates. Green season (May–October) is lush and quiet, with short afternoon rains and the best prices of the year.
Is Playa Gigante good for surfing?
Yes — it sits on one of Central America's most consistent stretches of coast. Popoyo and Manzanillo are about 20 minutes away, with beginner-friendly beach breaks and serious reef breaks nearby. Our GM Nemer knows which break fits your level and the day's conditions.
Is Playa Gigante safe for travelers?
Playa Gigante is a small, welcoming fishing village that's become a favorite with surfers and families. Both Shankton homes sit in a gated community with an on-site caretaker, and our team is reachable 24/7 during your stay. Use normal travel sense and you'll feel right at home.
What is there to do in Playa Gigante and Tola?
Surf, snorkel the reef, fish with local captains, or walk the shaded jungle trails to the village for fresh seafood. Day trips reach San Juan del Sur, the Tola beaches, and volcano hikes. Shankton Harbour even has its own sea shelf for tide-pooling and reef fishing right off the deck.
Where do I buy groceries near Playa Gigante?
The nearest full grocery is Colonia in Rivas, about 40 minutes away — we recommend stocking up there on the way in, and Danny will stop for you. The village has small tiendas for basics. Or hire a private chef through Nemer, one of the most popular add-ons at both homes.
Why book directly instead of on Airbnb or Vrbo?
Booking direct at shankton.com means no platform service fees — typically 12–15% less than Airbnb or Vrbo for the same dates — plus direct contact with the local team who actually run the homes. Same properties, same hosts, better rate.

More Nicaragua guides: Getting to Playa Gigante →  ·  Playa Gigante Surf Guide →

Ready when you are

Two properties at Playa Gigante.
Same crew. Different experiences.

View Harbour → View Tower →