If you're traveling through Central America and craving an adventure unlike anything else, volcano boarding in Nicaragua is a must. Racing down an active volcano, controlling your speed as you carve through volcanic ash and gravel is something that can only be experienced on Cerro Negro, one of Nicaragua's many active volcanos. This was hands down our favorite activity we did while traveling through Nicaragua and we're sharing everything you need to know to have a safe, fun, easy, and memorable trip.
Before we even get to the information about volcano boarding, let's address the elephant in the room: is it even safe to travel to Nicaragua? In short, yes. But that doesn't mean that you should travel the same as you do in all other places in the world. You should extra careful of your surroundings, be in good health, and should take special precautions when packing for your trip. Safety in Nicaragua is a topic we get asked about a lot. We ended up writing a blog post all about things we wish we knew before visiting Nicaragua, most of which deals with safety. Be sure to check that out if you're unsure of what to expect/how safe Nicaragua really is.
Volcano boarding, or volcano surfing or sledding, is exactly what it sounds like—riding down the side of a volcano on a wooden board. While it might seem extreme, you actually have full control over your speed, so you can take it slow or push your limits and hit speeds of up to 100 km/h.
Volcano sledding was invented by an adventurous Australian who experimented with different ways to descend Cerro Negro, from mattresses to refrigerator doors, before landing on the wooden sled design used today. Since then, it has become a bucket-list item for thrill-seekers worldwide traveling to Nicaragua.
Out of Nicaragua’s 50+ volcanoes (7 of which are considered very active), Cerro Negro stands out as the ideal spot for volcano boarding. Its height, surface consistency, and accessibility make it the only volcano in the world where you can safely experience this activity.
Yes! While it looks intense, the activity itself is quite safe when done correctly. There have been very few accidents, and injuries generally occur when people push their speed to the extreme. Additionally, Cerro Negro is an active volcano, but it is closely monitored for any signs of activity. The last eruption was in 1999, and it follows an approximate 20-year eruption cycle which means it's due any day now.
The volcanic gravel can be rough, so proper attire is essential. Most tour operators provide jumpsuits, goggles, and gloves, but you’ll also want to bring:
The experience starts with a hike up Cerro Negro. The hike takes anywhere from about 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on how many breaks you need on the way up. It’s not a technically difficult hike, but the heat and wind can be challenging. Also keep in mind that some tour companies require you to carry your own board up the hill which is an additional challenge. The boards are an awkward size and weigh somewhere between 10-15 lbs. Our tour company actually hired a guy to carry our boards up for us which we didn't know until we got there.
If you'd like to checkout AllTrails for the hike specifics you can do so here.
At the summit, you’ll have time to soak in the stunning views and take photos before gearing up for the ride down. Our guide also took us to a place at the summit where we could feel the steaming heat of the volcano beneath us which was both scary and crazy cool!
Once seated on your board, the guide will give instructions on controlling your speed. While it may seem intimidating at first, most people quickly gain confidence and wish they had gone faster! If needed, you can always slow yourself down or roll off the board to stop.
There are two main ways you can participate in a volcano boarding adventure at Nicaragua's Cerro Negro: private tour or a group tour. Tour guides are mandatory for visiting Cerro Negro so unfortunately you cannot visit the volcano alone.
We opted for the private tour because we knew we'd be filming a vlog and decided it was worth the extra splurge to have a more 1-on-1, quieter experience while we were documenting our time. Private tours are certainly more pricey, but for us it was worth it. The group tours looked really fun so it's really up to you and your personal preference! Just a heads up that the group tours tend to be young backpackers so if that's not your crowd, you might want to go private, too.
All the companies provide essentially the same services (gear, instruction, and transportation). Because we booked a private tour our guides picked us up at our campsite and dropped us back off afterwards vs. having to meet in a general location (like the group tours do).
After an adrenaline-packed morning, unwind at Las Peñitas, a beautiful beach just 30 minutes from León. It’s an excellent spot for surfing, swimming, or simply watching the sunset. Note: The beaches in Nicaragua area some of the best we experienced in all of Central America!
Las Peñitas Beach: Google Maps
This is something we wanted so badly to participate but unfortunately at the last minute we had to leave town early on the day we were scheduled to participate in a release. There are a few different companies you can release turtles with in Nicaragua, but we'd recommend going through Surfing Turtle Lodge. They focus on the preservation and safety of sea turtles vs. making it a tourist trap. In fact, they don't charge for the experience but do ask for a donation to their efforts. Keep in mind that turtles are hatched and released during the months of September to February. Keep in mind that there may very well not be a hatch during your time in Nicaragua. It's all up to the turtle eggs and when they feel ready to hatch!
Climb to the rooftop of this UNESCO-listed site for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The climb is not for the faint of heart as it consists of steep and narrow stairs, but the views are definitely worth it.
Léon Cathedral: Asilo de Ancianos, NIC-14, León, Nicaragua | Google Maps
Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro is hands down one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Central America. It’s a thrilling adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to try something new, this unique activity is worth adding to your Nicaragua itinerary.
