Ferry ometepe
reservations
only necessary For cars and trucks
times and contact numbers
Ferry to Ometepe
From/To San Jorge:
Ferries run from San Jorge, Rivas (mainland) to Moyogalpa or San Jose (island) between 7am and 5.30pm daily. Feriados (national holidays) vary slightly. Check with us at the time for up-to-date information.
Moyagalpa is the biggest town on the island. It has gas stations, several dining options, banks and larger grocery stores, including one Pali (Walmart) that we’d rather avoid. Lots of mom ‘n’ pop shops around instead. You can pick up cash at ATMs in Moyogalpa if necessary for your stay on Ometepe, and there are now ATMs in Santa Domingo and Altagracia too.
San Jose is 15 minutes closer to us closer but is a small port town. There is a small café nearby along the beach, but no ATMs or other amenities.
It’s required to be at the port at least 60 minutes before the ferry departure time to load up the vehicles during busy periods if you are driving your own vehicle on or off Ometepe. Advanced arrival is not necessary if coming without a vehicle, although at peak times its recommended if you want to guarantee a seat.
If you’d like a driver waiting for you please confirm the ferry you’ll be on with us via whatsapp.
Lanchas cannot take vehicles, foot passengers only. Ferries can carry vehicles too and are the larger, more stable of the options. If sea-sickness is a worry then we recommend the ferries.
Cars or pick-up trucks cost just under $20 in total when all taxes and passenger tickets are paid for. Passengers cost C$50 (around $1.50) and kids under 5 years old travel free.
There is also a 1$ entry fee to the port area for all non-residents.
You’ll later be handed a clipboard to note your name, nationality and I.D. #
You will need to pay for your ticket at the ferry company window and register your vehicle at the main port office window.
Bringing goods with you may result in port taxes. Transportation of gasoline is not permitted on boats or ferries.
We cannot be held responsible for last-minute changes in schedule nor for the ferry reservations offices. Please plan a trip with enough time to spare in case of any delays. It is an external service.
The Cacique and Arcia’s Ferry 1 does not run Sundays, nor public holidays.
Alternatively, vehicles can be left for a small daily charge in the secure, manned parking area at the port and have a rental vehicle or driver waiting at the port on the island.
Motorbikes and foot passengers need no (and cannot make a) reservation for the ferry trip to Ometepe Island. Just show up and walk on.
Both motorbikes and passengers cost around 50 cordobas each for the trip across Lake Nicaragua.
Children under 5 years old travel free.
Motorbikes can only be guaranteed space on the ferries, sometimes they are allowed on the lanchas (small, wooden boats). No cars on the lanchas.
To reserve your space on the ferry to Ometepe with a vehicle you will be asked if it is a ‘carro‘ (car) or ‘camioneta’ (small truck/pickup).
Reservation offices are Spanish-speaking only. We are happy to try to help make reservations for our reserved guests. Reservations that have to be made in person at their on-island offices will be charged at $3 per trip.
The ferry crossing from San Jorge to Ometepe (or Ometepe to San Jorge) takes just over an hour.
Ferries run from 5.30 am-5.45 pm usually. From the end of 2023 until present there is an extra service (The Sultana) run entering the Island at 11.20am and 6.30pm and leaving at 8.20 and 4-something to and from San Jose del Sur.
To reserve, call-
Ferry Arcia: most frequent (Ometepe 1 & 3) +505 8966 4983 +505 2569 4284 +505 89664981
For reservations on the Sultana contact the office for Rey de Cocibolca:
to/from San Jose +505 2560 4172 +505 8691 3669 or +505 8670 9848 +505 84650455
Che Guevara:
+505 2563 4779 +505 2569 4116 +50525694101
Ferry Cacique:
+505 8658 8047 +505 8903 9770 +505 5708 4297 +505 8631 2654 +505 8658 8047
The ferry companies are not easy to reach by phone, have patience when trying to connect. There is usually space throughout the day (outside of peak days and ‘feriados’ aka bank holidays) even if you don’t have a confirmed reservation.
To/ From Granada and San Carlos:
!THIS SERVICE WAS CANCELLED AGAIN IN 2023. NO CURRENT SERVICE TO THIS PORT!
There are a multitude of easily organizable transport options in Nicaragua. From chicken buses to private drivers, you can easily navigate the country on any budget.
You can rent scooters, motorbikes and ATVs (quads) to get around on the island, or you can bring a car on the ferry or hire a driver. You can also explore much of the local area on foot.
