Lake Nicaragua & Ometepe Island

Something you must not miss seeing on your tour of Nicaragua is its lake, Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca), one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, besides the Great Lakes in North America.  When I first saw the Lake, I thought it was the ocean because the water was rough and there were white caps on the waves.  It seems also that the early explorers thought it was the sea as well.  So I am not alone is my mistake.

Lake Nicaragua - the beach

In the center of Lake Nicaragua, one sees two volcanoes, named Concepcion and the Maderas volcanoes, make up the Island of Ometepe.  One of these volcanoes,  is active and the other is not.   Ometepe Island has rich soil, abundant wildlife, flora and fauna of the rain forests which make up the island presents many tourist possibilities for those that wish to go biking, hiking, surfing, kayaking and swimming.  There are some hotels on the Island of Ometepe making it possible for you to stay on this island.

There is an abundance of fish in Lake Nicaragua, including some breeds of fish normally found in salt water. The Lake contains, tuna, sharks, swordfish, and tarpon.

I’ve added some photographs that I took of Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island and a scanned image of a map I picked up in Nicaragua showing the Lake and the Island where you will find these volcanoes.  Lake Nicaragua is located on the western side of Nicaragua and these photos were taken near Rivas. Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe Island offer great opportunities for people seeking eco-tourism adventures in Nicaragua.

Map of Lake Nicaragua

Click on this map image to see a larger view of Lake Nicaragua.