Frequently Asked Questions

Top 5 Questions

Jicaro Island can be reached by flying into Managua International Airport (MGA) in Managua, Nicaragua. We’re happy to arrange all domestic transportation for you – just let us know!

You can find more detailed information on traveling to the island on our dedicated How To Get Here page.

Jicaro Island can comfortably accommodate up to 21 guests.

All reservations must be fully prepaid in advance.

We’ve amended our booking & cancellation policies for travel through October, 2024.

  • Wildlife Season Reservations – 30 days prior to check-in
  • High Season Reservations – 60 days prior to check-in
  • Holiday Season Reservations – 90 days prior to check-in with 25% confirmation deposit 120 days prior to check-in

Once paid, reservations that are canceled or adjusted before 30 days will receive a credit with the hotel, valid for use within one year of the original date of stay, any adjustment or cancelations later than 30 days of the reservation will be fully penalized.

Country-wide policies are frequently changing — please ask us in the chat for the latest requirements! Thank you!

Yes, you can rent the entire Island.

You and your family/friends will have Jicaro all to yourself — with no other guests. A true private island experience.

Island Related Questions

As much as we love animals, we operate a no pets policy in order to minimize disruption to the ecosystem in which we operate, and to the wild animals that call Jicaro Island home. Thank you for your understanding.

We recommend staying at least 3 nights to take advantage of everything there is to experience in Granada and the surrounding area, and still have time to relax lakeside.

Whether you’re looking for lakeside relaxation, adventure, wildlife, culture, or a unique mix, there is plenty to do in Granada and the surrounding areas.

Take a look at our Experience Highlights page for inspiration!

No — our casitas are kept cool without the need for air conditioning. 

We achieved this with the help of architect Michael Faulkner, through a clever design that promotes cross ventilation, ceiling fans and shade from trees to keep our casitas cool.

Yes. There is complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi on the island.

Yes. We are committed to creating an incredible culinary experience for you, and strive to accommodate all dietary requirements. Our menu includes a number of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. For other allergies or needs, feel free to get in touch and ask us about accommodating your specific requirements. We believe that good food is for everyone!

Yes. The water at Jicaro is 100% potable. Make sure to bring your refillable bottle – we’re a single-use, plastic-free island and proud!

We’re lucky to be located on a private, tropical island. With this in mind, all sorts of wildlife — including insects — can be encountered.

Depending on the time of year and day, there may be periods where you’ll see mosquitoes, especially after periods of extended rain.

It’s a good idea to apply insect repellent especially for activities in the rainforest.

For your convenience, we provide you with natural bug spray in your Casita.

It’s common to see howler and spider monkeys, turtles and birds at Jicaro and the surrounding islands. Your resident expert Nature Guide will help you spot even the most camouflaged wildlife.

What’s more, Mombacho Volcano, for further wildlife spotting in the cloud forest, is just 10 minutes by boat.

The Pacific beaches are a 2-hour drive from Granada and are safe for swimming. Jicaro Island is located in the Cocibolca Lake and it is safe to swim in the lake.

We’re sure you’ll love the food at Jicaro, but if you wish to venture out, there are restaurants in Granada City.

They’re all a short boat ride away, and we are happy to share our recommendations with you — just ask us!

Our dress code at Jicaro is informal.

We encourage you to bring lightweight, casual clothing, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and sturdy tennis shoes or hiking boots for activities.

If you’re visiting during Green Season, we recommend also bringing a light rain jacket. Don’t worry about bringing spare clothing, since we offer a laundry service.

Check-in: 2:00 pm

Check-out: 11:00 am

While staying at Jicaro, all your expenses can be charged to your account. When you check out, we accept all major credit cards and US Dollars.

When going on tours or visiting the city of Granada, we recommend carrying some local currency. 

Most businesses and restaurants accept US Dollars. Euros and other currencies are not commonly accepted in Nicaragua. We will gladly exchange your US Dollars for Cordobas at reception.

Tipping is exclusively at your discretion. As all of our staff contributes to your stay at Jicaro Island, general tips are divided among the whole team. Should you wish to tip, we recommend $10 per person, per day.

If a particular member of our staff provides exceptional service, you may request a special envelope from the reception and leave a tip for them individually at check out.

Yes, you may smoke, however smoking is permitted in open areas only.

The electrical current in Nicaragua is 110 volts. The sockets are American-style: standard US two prong plugs (or three pronged if grounded).

Jicaro Island is independently owned, and the resort is operated by The Cayuga Collection.

This Costa Rica based hospitality management company is dedicated to managing and developing sustainable and luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

Read more about the Cayuga Collection here

General Questions

No, a Visa is not required to enter Nicaragua if you come from Europe or North America. 

If you have a different nationality, we recommend checking with your Embassy, Airline or Travel Agent to confirm your legal requirements for entering Nicaragua.

All visitors to Nicaragua need a passport valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry.

You will need to show proof of a Covid-19 Vaccine. 

If you’re coming from South America and Panama you must have the Yellow Fever Vaccine. Otherwise, no further immunizations or shots are required to enter Nicaragua.

However, it would be wise to check with your personal physician for individual recommendations. 

There is a hospital about 25 minutes from Jicaro Island. Several doctors, local clinics and pharmacies are on call in Granada for minor health problems too. 

Additionally, Managua is a 1-hour drive from Jicaro and has excellent hospitals and doctors.

While travel insurance is a personal decision, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and any dependents/travel companions for the duration of your stay in Nicaragua.

 As a minimum, this insurance should include:

– emergency evacuation expenses

– medical expenses

– repatriation expenses

– cancellation or curtailment of trip

– damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

In case of medical emergencies, most Nicaraguan doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance or not. 

If your health insurance does not cover you for medical expenses while you are abroad, you should consider supplemental insurance. 

It may also be worth finding out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or if they reimburse you later for any overseas health expenditures.

If you don’t speak Spanish, don’t worry. At Jicaro we speak excellent English —our staff is bilingual and we are happy to teach you some Spanish phrases too!