If you’re considering a Central American getaway this year, chances are you’ve asked yourself, “Is Nicaragua safe in 2025?” You’re not alone. Safety is often the first concern for travelers venturing off the beaten path, and with headlines that sometimes highlight only the extremes, it’s important to get an accurate, current, and balanced perspective.
So, is travel to Nicaragua safe today? The short answer is: yes, Nicaragua is safe to travel to in 2025—especially for tourists visiting the country’s most popular destinations, including its beaches, surf towns, and eco-retreats. But let’s dive deeper so you can plan your trip with clarity and confidence.
Is Nicaragua Safe Right Now?
As of 2025, Nicaragua safe travel conditions are stable across most regions frequented by tourists. The southern Pacific coast, colonial towns like Granada, and islands such as Ometepe continue to attract visitors from around the world with their natural beauty, friendly communities, and affordable travel experiences.
While Nicaragua has gone through political unrest in the past, day-to-day life in tourist areas remains peaceful. Most travelers report feeling safe, welcomed, and pleasantly surprised by how calm and inviting the atmosphere is.
Tourism infrastructure has steadily grown in recent years, with more boutique hotels, retreat centers, and eco-lodges popping up—especially in beach towns where surf and yoga tourism are booming.
Is Travel to Nicaragua Safe? Breaking Down the Concerns
If you’re wondering is traveling to Nicaragua safe, here are a few key points to consider:
✈️ Arrival and Transportation
Nicaragua has two main points of entry for travelers: Managua’s international airport and the land border via Costa Rica. Both are safe to navigate. Airport security and transport services are functioning well, and shuttles to major destinations like San Juan del Sur are widely used by tourists. If you’re heading to Southern Nicaragua, you can find more details in our travel guide for getting to Costa Dulce.
🧳 Tourist Areas
Tourist hotspots are generally very safe—especially towns like San Juan del Sur, Popoyo, Playa Maderas, Granada, and Ometepe. These areas have low crime rates and are known for their tight-knit expat and local communities.
🚫 Areas to Avoid
As with any country, there are areas best avoided—particularly political gathering spots in urban centers, or very rural zones far from tourist infrastructure. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through embassy travel updates.
Surf and Yoga Retreats: The Safer Side of Nicaragua
If you’re still asking yourself, “is Nicaragua safe for travel?”, one of the best ways to experience the country in a secure and enriching way is by joining a surf and yoga retreat. These types of experiences are becoming increasingly popular among solo travelers, couples, and wellness seekers.
Retreat centers like Costa Dulce, located on a secluded private beach, offer structured, holistic programs where your well-being is the priority. These environments are inherently safe—they’re close to nature, away from crowded areas, and run by teams deeply rooted in the local community.
With daily yoga, surf lessons, healthy meals, and guided activities, it’s the ideal setting for relaxation and inner reset—with peace of mind included.
Is Nicaragua Safe for Solo, Female, and Family Travelers?
Solo Travelers
Yes, many solo travelers visit Nicaragua each year and feel completely at ease, especially in beach towns and retreat centers where it’s easy to meet like-minded people.
Female Travelers
Nicaragua is considered safe for female travelers, particularly those staying in organized accommodations like retreats or eco-lodges. The key, as anywhere, is awareness—avoid isolated areas at night and trust your instincts.
Families
More and more families are choosing Nicaragua for its unique blend of adventure and tranquility. From horseback rides on the beach to wildlife tours and volcano hikes, it’s a destination with something for all ages—and most family-friendly spots are perfectly safe.
Where Is Nicaragua Safe to Travel in 2025?
Here are a few areas consistently praised by visitors for their safety and charm:
- San Juan del Sur: Laid-back surf town with a growing wellness scene and welcoming vibe.
- Granada: A beautifully preserved colonial city rich in culture and architecture.
- Ometepe Island: Great for hiking, nature tours, and off-grid escapes.
- Popoyo and Playa Maderas: Top surf spots with uncrowded beaches.
Costa Dulce: A peaceful eco-retreat tucked between jungle and ocean—one of the safest retreats and most inspiring places to stay.
Final Thoughts: Is Nicaragua Safe in 2025?
So, back to the original question—is Nicaragua safe to travel to in 2025?
The answer is a confident yes. When you stay in the right areas, connect with trusted local providers, and use common sense, traveling to Nicaragua is safe and deeply rewarding. The country offers a richness of nature, culture, and authenticity that many more “mainstream” destinations have lost.
It’s a place where you can feel the earth beneath your feet, the waves beneath your board, and the calm in your breath.
Ready to Experience the Real Nicaragua?
If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, authentic culture, and a grounded sense of peace—Costa Dulce may be exactly what you need. Our beachfront retreat center offers daily yoga, surf lessons, eco-luxury accommodations, and a range of wellness experiences in a safe, welcoming environment.
Visit Costa Dulce Surf and Yoga Retreat to learn more and start planning your journey into one of Central America’s best-kept secrets.
A Safe Haven to Explore, Grow, and Belong
Our tight-knit community, trusted team, and peaceful southern coast ensure Costa Dulce is a sanctuary — a place where you can relax, adventure, and recharge with total peace of mind.
Is Nicaragua Safe? Some Facts About Safety:
We understand safety is a top priority when choosing a destination. Despite outdated perceptions, Nicaragua is statistically safer than many popular tourist destinations—even within Central America and the U.S. Here are the facts:
🔹 Nicaragua’s theft rate is less than 1/4 the global average and 1/3 the rate of Costa Rica.
🔹 Nicaragua’s homicide rate (6.2 per 100,000) is lower than half of all U.S. states—including California, Colorado, Nevada and North Carolina.
🔹 Costa Rica’s homicide rate is nearly 3x higher than Nicaragua’s, Panama’s is double, and Mexico’s is nearly 5x higher.
🔹 Nicaragua has fewer overall reported crimes per capita than Costa Rica, Belize, and Mexico.
🔹 Petty theft is far less common in Nicaragua than in popular Latin American tourist hubs like San José, Cancun, or Panama City.
🔹 Nicaragua does not have widespread issues with organized crime or cartel violence found in other parts of the region.
🔹 Violent crimes against tourists in Nicaragua are extremely rare; most visitors report feeling safe and welcomed.
Is Cost Dulce a safe place to visit?
Yes. Costa Dulce is located in a peaceful, welcoming part of Nicaragua, known for it’s natural beauty and strong sense of community. We prioritize your safety and comfort with 24/7 on-site support, trusted local partnerships, and a calm, secure environment. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or in a group, you can feel at ease exploring our beaches, enjoying our retreat, and experiencing local culture.
