Ometepe Island: Charco Verde, Ojo de Agua & Sunset at Punta Jesus Maria

Summary

Walk jungle trails spot monkeys swim in volcanic springs watch sunset sandbar

You’ll step onto Ometepe Island with a local guide, wander through Charco Verde’s jungle trails listening for monkeys, swim in the cool volcanic waters of Ojo de Agua, and end your day watching sunset paint Punta Jesus Maria gold. Includes lunch and bottled water so you can just focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled off the ferry onto Ometepe Island, still shaking off the lake breeze, and hopped into a van with our guide Julio—he grinned like he’d been waiting for us all morning. Our first stop was Charco Verde, where the path felt soft underfoot and the air smelled green (I don’t know how else to say it). Julio pointed out a flash of blue—a motmot, apparently—and then we stood quietly as spider monkeys argued overhead. There’s this butterfly house tucked away there too; I tried to take a photo but mostly just watched them flicker around. It’s strange how quiet you get in places like that.

Next up was Ojo de Agua. Julio said it’s technically a river but honestly felt more like a giant natural pool—clear as glass, cool enough to wake you up but not cold. I floated for ages watching palm shadows ripple across the water. There were families picnicking nearby, and someone offered us slices of fresh mango (sticky hands, worth it). Lunch came after—rice and beans, grilled chicken, nothing fancy but exactly what I wanted after swimming.

Punta Jesus Maria was last. The sand there is black and fine from the volcanoes; it gets everywhere, so don’t wear shoes you care about. We walked out along this skinny strip that juts into the lake—you can see both volcanoes from there if the clouds behave. Locals were fishing off the edge while some kids ran past us laughing (one almost knocked over my water bottle). The sun dropped low and everything turned gold for maybe five minutes—I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ometepe Island highlights

• Visit Charco Verde lagoon and butterfly garden
• See monkeys and birds on the trail
• Swim and relax at Ojo de Agua hot springs
• Watch sunset at Punta Jesus Maria peninsula
• Tour the Ceibo Museum

Top questions

How long does this Ometepe Island tour last?

The tour covers several key sites in one day, including Charco Verde, Ojo de Agua, and Punta Jesus Maria.

Is lunch included on the Ometepe Island day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your day trip on Ometepe Island.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is swimming possible during this tour?

Yes, you can swim at Ojo de Agua's natural volcanic spring waters.

Are service animals permitted?

Service animals are allowed on this tour of Ometepe Island.

What wildlife might I see at Charco Verde?

You may spot monkeys, birds like motmots, and butterflies along the trail.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting points.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

No special fitness level is required; it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you cool in the Nicaraguan sun and a local lunch after swimming at Ojo de Agua—so you won’t have to worry about packing snacks or drinks along the way.