The islets of Granada in Nicaragua are 300+ small, lush islands that were formed by a volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago. A popular way to explore it is by boat or kayak. Using a clear rating system, I share my honest review of visiting it.
Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!
🍀 Lukiih’s Verdict
Taking a boat or kayaking through the islets of Granada is a decent option if you have some extra time in the city. It’s not a must-do attraction.
- The islets feature biodiversity and nature (I saw howler monkeys, different tropical birds, and lilypads when I kayaked). Some of the privately owned islets have lavish houses built on them, which I thought was interesting but distracted me from tranquility and nature. I didn’t see anything mind-blowing, but it was a nice way to explore a different part of the area.
- The experience is affordable if you kayak (rentals are ~$15 for 3 hours). A boat tour is expensive (~$40 for 2 hours) but much more efficient, and you’ll have a guide who can tell you about the surrounding area.
- Very minimal preparation is required. You can rent or book at the last minute and just need to wear comfortable clothes.
Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Nicaragua.
🏆 Where Does It Rank?
Visiting the islets of Granada ranks as the #10 experience I had in Nicaragua. Here’s how it compares to other things I did on my trip:
My Nicaragua itinerary features the above experiences.
For more detailed tips on my experience, check out my trip planner below.
Nicaragua Trip Planner 2025
Download my trip planner to make your travel preparation effortless. It features up-to-date travel information and a well-researched itinerary informed by firsthand experience. Each section is customizable so it can be as lightweight or as hyper-organized as you like.
My trip planners are built on Notion, which I use for all my planning. I genuinely love this tool and creating an account is free.
Nicaragua Travel Guides
- 🇳🇮 Planning a Trip to Nicaragua: 12 Practical Things To Know
- 🏖️ 10 Days in Nicaragua: A Unique & Active Itinerary
- 💰 Trip to Nicaragua Cost: My Budget Breakdown (2024)
- 🌊 Laguna de Apoyo Day Trip: My Honest Review & Tips
- 🥭 Playa Mango in Ometepe: My Honest Review & Tips
- 🛵 Scootering Around Ometepe: My Honest Review & Tips
- 💧 Cascada de San Ramón (Nicaragua): My Honest Review & Tips
- ⛪️ Granada’s Church of La Merced: My Honest Review
- 💧 Ojo de Agua in Ometepe: My Honest Review & Tips
- 🌋 Hiking Concepción Volcano: My Honest Review & Tips
- 🚤 Islets of Granada: My Honest Review
🧋 Support Lukiih
Lists by Lukiih is a humble website that I fund with my own savings. If you find my tips helpful, I appreciate you saying thanks with a bubble tea!