Ometepe is the largest island that resides on Lake Nicaragua. The name Ometepe was derived from The Uto-Aztecan Indians; meaning ‘ome’ {two} and ‘tepetl’ {mountain}. These two active volcanos formed the island millions of years ago. The volcanos themselves are named Concepcion and Maderas. Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America, and the 9th largest in the Americas.
When we were staying in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, we decided to spend a long weekend in the town of Granada. This historic town sits on the lake’s northwestern shore. Here is were we began our day on Lake Nicaragua. This magnificent body of water is absolutely amazing. The lake is home to 365 islands. Most of these islands were formed when a nearby volcano by the name of Mombacho erupted and blew most of its cone into the lake. Many of the smaller islands are known as islets. Most all of these islets are owned by families who have built homes on them.
We boarded a basic – single hull – flat bottom boat with a 25 horse powered outboard motor. It had a canopy top that covered – front to back – wooden seats facing forward and along the sides. Here is where our tour began.
We immediately began seeing wildlife that inhabited the islets. You have to look closely at the jungle terrain to find them. Our first spotting was wild hogs. There are also an abundance of rare birds. Bring a pair of binoculars, because this is a bird watchers paradise!
Our guide’s name was Vladimir. His grandfather was Russian and migrated to Nicaragua and married a Nica women. Vladimir was still trying to master the English language. However, he has done this trip so often that he knew how to narrate in perfect English. His knowledge of the lake, its islands, wildlife and flora made our voyage much more interesting. He maneuvered his small boat easily around the inner islands.
There were wild hogs on about every island. The Cuidadors {caretakers} and locals like to hunt them for food. Owners also bring farm animals like cows, chickens and goats to their islands as well. These domesticated animals provide for such foods like dairy products, eggs and meat.
The land owner provides their Cuidadors with housing, food and a small salary. Depending on the size of the island, most of their food comes from gardens and farm animals.
Many of the midsize islands have been purchased for second or vacation homes. Earlier in the tour, Vladimir told us there are approximately 365 islands and each one of them can be purchased for the right price. Many of Nicaragua’s elite families have homes on them. The one pictured right is said to be the Flor de Cana {Rum maker} family’s compound. These private island get-aways have guest quarters, lush gardens, an outdoor entertainment area and full-time Cuidador accommodations.
The smaller islets have homes that are very unique in design. Unlike homes that are built on the mainland, islet homes have to be a little more flexible to the contouring landscape.
The home shown to the left shares itself between two parcels of land. The smaller islets – some are sold as one – have a tributary separating them. This particular home was featured on the cable network’s HGTV, “Island Homes For Sale” series.
Lake Nicaragua’s inner waterways twist and turn throughout the islands and smaller islets like a snake around it’s prey. The lush and colorful foliage provided a relaxing ambiance during this part of our tour.
Vladimir told us to always be on the lookout for monkeys. There are three specific species that are natural to these surroundings. They are the howler, spider and white face monkeys. The spider monkeys are more out going and less afraid of humans.
There was one particular spider monkey that had grown accustomed to Vladimir’s tour. He coaxed the creature onto the boat by offering a small packet of chocolate crème cookies.
The monkey showed no hesitation coming aboard for his favorite treat. Vladimir easily renewed their friendship and before you knew it, the monkey was moving around the boat. Most people were a bit skittish but after a few minutes, they started warming up to our new friend.
After cruising around for awhile, we dropped off our furry mascot friend back to his own island. We continued with our tour throughout the intertwining waterways.
Vladimir pointed out several boats that held what seemed to be families. These families were most likely Cuidadors. Their employer provides a boat to go to and from the mainland to pickup supplies. Its not unusual for the whole family to tag along. A rowboat is the only way this family can get off the island.
We floated around for another half hour or so before heading back to port. Once we docked, we shook hands and said our goodbyes to our fellow shipmates. We thanked Vladimir with a generous tip and headed back to our quaint little hotel in Granada.
I looked back at our adventure and thought about what we learned on this tour. We got to know some of the local wildlife and saw lots of tropical foliage. We experienced one of Central America’s most interesting lakes and its many islands. We won’t ever forget our day on Lake Nicaragua.
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
“Love, Laugh & Travel Lots!”
