Boat Travel

As I have previously written about, travel from the Rio San Juan to other parts of Nicaragua can be a bit of an ordeal.  Fortunately, there are other options besides the long haul on a bus.  One of them is the ferry that leaves San Carlos Tuesdays and Fridays at 2pm and 5pm, respectively, to arrive in Granada the following morning at 5am.

Bye San Carlos

You will also travel with a good amount of cargo.

What the trip lacks in efficiency, it makes up for in relative comfort.  Unlike on the bus where you are lucky to get one bathroom break, you can use the bathroom any time you choose, visit the itty bitty cafeteria, and if you are quick about it, hang up your personal hammock to hang out in for the trip.

Look how casual this selfie is.  I'm not at all straining to keep one side of the hammock down while also trying to get everything in frame, and keeping my face at a flattering angle.

Feet selfies are much easier.

If you dont' know how to hang up a hammock, there is bound to be someone willing to help you, which is better than trying it on your own, and then having your hammock slip and fall as I've seen happen.  It looks like it hurts.

Or just pick a spot on the floor.  There's also an air-conditioned section inside.

Now, something about this ferry, there are two levels, the upper being more spacious and expensive.  In the past, anyone was able to pick which level they wanted to go on, now only Nicaraguans are allowed on the bottom level, and foreigners are required to go on the upper one.  It costs about 200 cordovas, or $7.70.

The dock at San Miguelito

Before, the ferry would spot at two towns along the lake shore, San Miguelito and Morrito.  Now, they only stop there on Tuesdays, and on Fridays they head straight to the island of Ometepe.

People will crowd around to board, dock, sell snacks, or just watch the ferry.  After hanging out a few times here, I know that the ferry's arrival is one of the town's highlights.

These two drunk men really really wanted to make sure their friend got on the ferry.

The sun will set not long after leaving San Miguelito, and you will get a great view, right on the water.

Even though you will only arrive at your destination about 12 hours later, it is still a wonderfully scenic trip.