Nicaragua is the largest Central American nation.  Its western coastline is on the Pacific Ocean and the eastern coastline is on the Caribbean Sea. There are two large lakes in the west of the country, Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua.

There are four main diving areas at Managua, San Juan del Sur and the Corn Islands.  The Corn islands were originally colonized by the British so are English speaking.

For freshwater diving, Nicaragua offers the volcanic crater lakes of Apoyo (near Masaya) and Xiloá (near Managua).  The diving in both lakes is part of ongoing biological research of the endemic cichlid fish species, and experienced divers can rent tanks from the folks at the Proyecto Ecólogico in Laguna de Apoyo. Apoyo has better visibility, but Xiloá has more colourful fish and is especially interesting during the peak breeding season of November and December.

• White Holes, a dive off the north end of the island, where there are white sands, huge stag horn coral formations, plenty of nurse sharks sleeping on the bottom, eagle rays, porcupine puffers, spotted drums and schools of many other Caribbean tropical fishes.
• Shark Hole - a network of caverns and swim-throughs underneath the reef where you can see black tip, reef and bull sharks.
• Tarpon Channel is a dive right in front of Casa Iguana. This cut through the reef has dramatic rock formations and overhangs, schools of eagle rays and lookdowns and, yes, you've guessed it ...... tarpon.

• Blowing Rock - a rock/coral formation teaming with marine life, which climbs from the sea floor, 100 feet below, until it broaches the ocean surface. All around the surface-breaking rocks, there are wonderful underwater rock formations that are covered with coral. The formations are perfect for attracting sea life from many miles around. including barracuda, mackerel, jacks, pompano & sharks.
• San Juan del Sur for reefs and a sunken Russian boat, located close to the La Paloma Island.

• Malaria risk is high throughout the year.  Prevention recommended in risk areas. 
• BE AWARE: Lariam (mefloquine) is an anti-malarial drug used in regions of the world where chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria is prevalent. e.g. East Africa, South East Asia.  Possible side effects of lariam such as dizziness, blurred vision and a disturbed sense of balance are common and could cause problems for divers.  These effects can often imitate or even worsen the symptoms of DCI. There could also be confusion between the side effects of lariam and the symptoms of DCI or nitrogen narcosis resulting in a misleading diagnosis.