Expat Advice: Living in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
San Juan del Sur
How long have you lived there?
1 year
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
There are currently no clubs available although this is a small town and it won't take you long to meet all the expats and locals too. There are several restaurants that are frequented by the expats and word spreads REAL fast.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
The majority of the local citizens are Catholic, the remainder mostly Protestant. They are very accepting of all religions.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
There are no industries here except commercial fishing by the locals. There are numerous opportunities for the entrepenuer in small businesses in the tourist industry and service industry but jobs are not easy to find.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Again, spend as much time prior to moving as possible. Patience, that is the key word for Nicaragua. Be prepared for late appointments or on the other side of the coin, the appointee will show up way ahead of the scheduled time. As soon as you learn to go with the flow, relax, no stress, you will adjust much easier. Remember, we will always be a guest in the host country, and smile.
Moving to Nicaragua soon?
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guestMy name is Fred Hicks, my wife is Bridget. I am a grad of California Maritime Academy. Bridget was in the Navy and then worked the Gulf of Mexico oil supply boats rising to Captain of the 280 footers. We have a 44 ft charter fishing boat which can easily fish 14 for bottom fishing, and they would have to take turns or divide the fish when trolling for tuna or dorado. The port of San Juan del Sur has a dock, which judging from computer pictures looks to have a 350 foot face. Perfect for embarking/disembarking fishing passengers. Except the computer claims that large at-sea freezer fishing boats and cruise ships use the wharf. At that point, we would use a 20 foot boat I have to shuttle them from the boat's trailer to our charter boat anchored offshore. This is providing there is a beach where a 4WD won't get bogged down. Our new website for this year is www.goldenbearfishingcharters.com or search engine Golden Bear, Crescent City, CA. As far as cost, I want to charge a discounted rate for frequent fishermen, and a rate for the local Nicaraguans. My e-mail is fredhicks007@gmail.com I would appreciate some fishermen and businessmen getting together with their decision on whether or not this is a viable plan, their idea of a reasonable trip price, and a guesstimate of daily passenger loads and weekend loads. The next question is probably answered by seeing what pangas bring in; do they night fish for little fish or do they fish by day for the snappers and groupers, roosterfish that I am seeking. The computer doesn't give a "yes-great fishing in the area or forget it-fish elsewhere." Kick it around, gents and if you don't think this is the right area let me know. It seems reasonable to start a corporation, then those who want to invest, may. Thanking you in advance for your consideration, I am, Very truly yours, Captains Fred and Bridget Hicks Her cell USA 707.951.0119
guestThere is also a Christian Surfers Association in SJDS. You can contact them through the Hotel Victoria or the Lago Azul Restaurant. Ask for Pastor David.
WanderlustThere already are quite a few sport fishing outfits operating out of San Juan del Sur. Some locally owned, some owned by expats. If you are serious about starting such a business, I'd check out the Caribbean side of the country. It's literally wide open for new business.
