Transportation options

TRANSPORTATION: While there are public buses on Ometepe, and taxis are abundant, we highly recommend having your own transportation. The busses are slow, and the taxis are expensive. Also, you really won’t be able to explore the island fully without having your own wheels (it is worth every penny!) There are several options:

1.    Bring a car from the mainland. If you do this, you must make a ferry reservation first or you may not get across. If you will be bringing a car from the mainland, please read below for more specific information on booking ferries!

2.    Rent a car on the island. This option is fairly expensive, and auto availability is currently a bit limited, but there are places to rent if you book ahead.

3.    Rent an ATV, Motorcycle, or Moped. Please note that all of these companies are separate from our farm, so you would both reach out to and pay them directly.

We recommend the following companies (you can find them on Facebook), but there are many on the island, so don’t be afraid to look around yourself. We simply happen to know that these folks personally and have had good luck with them in the past:
•    Moto Adventures (Balgue)
•    Dinarte’s (Moyogalpa)
•    Jose Luis (also has a taxi company)-reliable machines. Delivers to our farm at no extra charge. Reach him at WhatsApp: +505 5759 2750

Also, for up-to-date information about activities on the island, check out the Ometepe Exchange WhatsApp group.  Join while you are on Ometepe so you don’t miss out!
 

Ferry phone numbers-Please note: Unfortunately, we cannot make ferry reservations for guests anymore because the ferry companies now prohibit it. Guests must register themselves directly. MAKE SURE you arrive 1 hour prior to departure or you may lose your spot. You will need to stand in several lines to book your reservation, and it can be confusing, so be sure to leave adequate time, especially in the high season (December through March 1st)

To reserve: Call the numbers below via WhatsApp. Many people here cannot accept incoming calls via a telephone network, but do so instead via WhatsApp. It is a messy system, but if you are persistent, you will get through eventually!

• Ferry Milton Arcia-Nicaragua 8966 4983 WhatsApp
• Rey del cocibolca y Gran sultana- Nicaragua 8883 6943 WhatsApp
• Cheguevara-
  • WhatsApp: Nicaragua 5785 2065 
  • WhatsApp: Nicaragua 8401 8035 WhatsApp
  • phone: +505 2563 477
• Casique Nicarao
  • WhatsApp: Nicaragua 8808 9712 
  • WhatsApp: Nicaragua 8903 9770

Ferry Schedules-Be sure to double-check their website for any changes the week and the day of your departure. I have listed El Rey de Colcibolca separately, because it is my favorite boat, but the whole ferry list is included below as well.

El Rey de Colcibolca (Biggest boat, most comfortable, best for people that get sea-sick, less likely to be cancelled because of waves, and lands in San Jose, closer to our farm)

Here are all the departures:

The ferry schedule is always the same, also on holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter).