Poneloya & Las Peñitas Beaches

Introducing Poneloya & Las Peñitas Beaches

When people say they're headed to Poneloya, they usually mean the lazy beach town of Las Peñitas, a wide, sandy stretch fronted by a fine collection of hotels and restaurants. It offers the easiest access to the turtles and mangroves of Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado, and there's also good, if not spectacular, surfing here, with smallish regular waves that are perfect for beginners. Both Barco de Oro and Hotelito Oasis, as well as Big Foot Hostel ( www.bigfootadventure.com ) in León all rent surfboards and offer lessons and expeditions. Swimmers and surfers alike need to watch that undertow; people die here every year.

While it's a fine place to spend the night, you're always welcome at the restaurant/hotels lining the shore, where showers, shade and hammocks are happily provided, as long as you buy a snack. Tough life, isn't it? Just remember that the last bus back to León is at 6:40pm. The following businesses are listed north to south.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009