The Departure

Guests meet at the Hotel reception area at 8:45 am. A bus will take you at 9:00 am to San Juan del Sur's municipal wharf. Then you are whisked out to Pelican Eyes aboard a motorized launch, where the dedicated and experienced captain and crew wait to welcome you.

Once out of San Juan del Sur's perfect horseshoe-shaped bay, the sails are hoisted and we are on our way! The sailing in Southern Nicaragua is some of the finest in the world, and you are about to experience an unforgettable day of sailing and exploration. The brisk offshore winds rush by as you relax and take in the lush green coastline and azure waters of Nicaragua's largely undeveloped Southern coast. The crew of Pelican Eyes is close by at your service, providing you with beverages, snacks and anything you may need to enjoy a beautiful day on the sea.

Fishing lines are rigged astern and a practiced eye looks out for action. Frigate birds reel in the vessel's wake and many Tunas, Dorados and Spanish Mackerels have been pulled aboard. Nicaragua's southwestern coast is also prime breeding ground for several varieties of turtles, including the Olive Ridley (Carey), Leatherback (Tora), Hawksbill (Carey) and Pacific green and black turtles, and mating pairs are and the turtles' young are frequently sighted. And, depending on the season you may spot whales migrating and dolphins playing nearby.

Lunch time

During your sail, you will notice countless white sand beaches, hidden coves and placid bays. Pelican Eyes will drop anchor just off shore near one of these beaches in the late morning to give you a chance to swim and explore.

Meanwhile, the captain and crew have set up a shady awning, set up comfortable chairs for you to relax, lit an environmentally-friendly charcoal barbecue, and are preparing a mouthwatering gourmet lunch.

Salt air, sunshine and exercise encourage mid-day hunger pangs; so what's for lunch? You will feast on your choice of shrimp, fish, chicken, or beef kabobs, freshly prepared seafood ceviche, gourmet salads, fresh fruit, desserts, and much more.

The Return

Lunch is over, stomachs are full and it's time for the return leg of the trip. As the sun begins its slow westward retreat, the afternoon light reflects a softer, gentler coastline to accompany you while you relax and revel in the region's unspoiled natural beauty. It's true; beaches simply look better from the deck of a sailboat.

Retracing your path - yet catching sight of birds and coves you may have missed earlier - Pelican Eyes takes you back up the coastline towards home. Arriving in the San Juan del Sur bay just as the sun dips to touch the distant horizon, you'll experience one of Nicaragua's most memorable sights; her glorious sunsets. The sun's fading light casts shadows of pinks, reds and oranges on the surrounding hillsides and fishing boats bob gently in the harbor awaiting the night's rest, as you step ashore once again.

A quick shower and change of clothes and you're ready for sunset cocktails on the ocean view terrace at the Hotel or dinner in the adjacent La Cascada Bar & Restaurant. Or, go exploring and take your pick of one of dozens of any unique bars and restaurants in San Juan del Sur. Seafood, Italian, European-style, Nicaraguan specialties, and more; it's all there for the choosing!