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#BeachThursday: This destination in Central America lets you swim in a volcanic crater
01-18-2018
10:39 am
Christine Hogg
Christine Hogg is the Associate Digital Editor at PAX Global Media. Prior to joining PAX, she obtained her Honours BA in Journalism from the University of Toronto. Upon graduating, she went on to write for several travel publications while travelling the world. Her longest trip was a three-week stint in Europe, and the shortest was a 16-hour adventure in Iceland. Get in touch: christine@paxglobalmedia.com.
In Masaya, Nicaragua, there’s a special nature reserve called Laguna de Apoyo. At first glance, the shimmering waters enveloped by flourishing palms and a steep embankment looks like any other lake. But Laguna de Apoyo is actually a protected volcanic lake, and the perimeter that encircles this body of water is actually the rim of an ancient caldera formed approximately 23,000 years ago.
While the panoramic views of the crater are breathtaking, the real treat lies in Laguna de Apoyo itself. From the shores of a luxury resort called The Monkey Hut, you can take the stairs right down to the edge of the crater and go for a dip.
The sand, jet black in origin, looks and feels more like millions of pebbles under your feet, and isn’t anything at all like the fine powder you’ll find on beaches in the Caribbean. Under the midday sun it can be scorching, which makes the dash into the lagoon even more rewarding.
When our journalist visited Laguna de Apoyo back in April 2017, there was a floating dock arranged near the shore, beckoning those who wished to dive, or simply lay in the sun. All along the beach, rubber inner tubes and pool noodles are available for guests of The Monkey Hut, so you can float in paradise as long as you wish.
Swimming in a volcanic crater is unlike anything you’ll ever experience. Whereas the ocean can be rough and unpredictable, the surface of the lake is calm, save for the occasional trickle of waves that are known to come with the dry season. The water feels soft on your skin, and when the occasional splash goes over your head, you’ll find your eyes don’t sting, as they usually do from the ocean’s saltwater.
The Apoyo crater is home to more than 500 tropical plants, more than 230 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 95 species of bats, and an incredible variety of mammals - like the beloved howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys - can be found here, making a visit to Laguna de Apoyo a must for any travellers seeking an intriguing beach day in Nicaragua.
