Nicaragua boasts a staggering 19 volcanoes, with 9 of them currently active. You can climb these volcanoes or swim in the crater lake of an extinct one. But if you’re seeking a truly unique experience, you can also zoom down from them at high speeds! There’s only one place in the world where you can do this called volcano boarding, and that’s on the Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua. Volcano boarding has become one of the highlights of a trip to Nicaragua. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about this exceptional activity!
How did volcano boarding originate in Nicaragua?
Volcano boarding was conceived by the Australian thrill-seeker Daryn Webb, who is also the owner of Bigfoot Hostel in Leon. He and his crew started a trial and error investigation at the Cerro Negro volcano to determine the best equipment to conquer the volcano. They tried a snowboard, picnic tables, and even mattresses. Ultimately, they found that a sled made of metal and wood with a Formica-coated surface produced the best results.
Volcano boarding has become so popular that multiple tours to the Cerro Negro volcano depart daily, allowing visitors to zoom down at high speeds. Speeds are measured per person, with the current speed record standing at a whopping 101 km/h (63 mph)! Don’t worry, though; you can control your own speed, so even without a death wish, you can enjoy volcano boarding in Nicaragua.
What does volcano boarding look like?
There are now various organizations offering volcano boarding tours, and not all tours are exactly the same. I opted for the sunset tour via Bigfoot Hostel, the biggest name in volcano boarding in Nicaragua, and they really make it a party. The description of my experience below applies only to this specific tour.
After an introduction, you depart from Bigfoot Hostel in the typical Nicaraguan chicken bus headed for the Cerro Negro volcano. It’s about an hour’s drive before you see the large black hill approaching. Upon arriving at the volcano, everyone is provided with a board, an overall, and safety goggles. It’s advisable to bring as few belongings as possible to the top of the volcano. Anything unnecessary can be left on the bus.
Next comes the hike to the top of the volcano. You’ll walk for a little over an hour, board in tow, over rocks and gravel. It’s not a difficult climb, and there are a few stops along the way, but the added weight of your cumbersome board and the temperature make the hike somewhat more demanding. If you don’t feel like carrying your board up the volcano or if you find it too challenging during the hike, you can choose to have someone carry it for you for a few dollars. You can leave it next to you at any point during the hike, and the carriers will take it up for you. Along the way, be sure to take in the unique landscape surrounding the Cerro Negro volcano.
Once at the top of the Cerro Negro volcano, you’ll be instructed on how to descend with your board, how to control your speed, and safety precautions to take. Pay close attention and make sure you understand everything. Afterward, it’s time to put on the overalls! The image of a group of escaped prisoners will undoubtedly cross your mind.
With everyone in tow, you’ll head toward the edge of the volcano, and then the volcano boarding begins. While you slide down, photos are taken, and your speed is measured with a speed gun.
After volcano boarding, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and some fun. Coolers filled with fruit and drinks are opened, a campfire is lit for roasting marshmallows, and the bus transforms into a party bus with lights and music. After all the adrenaline and excitement, the return journey in the party bus is a blast.
Is volcano boarding in Nicaragua dangerous?
Just like with any extreme sport, it doesn’t have to be dangerous when you know what you’re doing. However, sliding down a volcano on a wooden board is never completely without risk. There are stories of people taking nasty spills and occasionally getting injured. Nevertheless, many people slide down this volcano daily, and plenty of safety precautions have been taken to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. Additionally, you can control a lot of it with common sense, especially since you can determine your own speed.
Good to know: If you’re at the top and have second thoughts, you can always just run or walk down the mountain, as the guides do.
My Safety Experience
After hearing stories of people losing control of their boards and taking hard falls, I was quite cautious. I wanted to come down in control and not necessarily as the fastest. I knew what to do with my feet, and I must say, you can really control your speed well with this method. At times, I even wished I could go a bit faster. The tricky part is that when you’re really picking up speed, it can be difficult to slow down in a controlled manner. My advice: use your common sense, and you can certainly enjoy this unique experience! It’s better to go a bit too slow volcano boarding than to continue your journey through Nicaragua with an arm in a cast.
You Can Control Your Speed
At the top of the volcano, the guide clearly demonstrates how to sit on the board and what to do with your feet, as this determines your speed. Leaning back with your legs straight makes you go faster, while sitting forward with your heels in the sand slows you down. You can control your speed quite effectively with these adjustments.
Protective Gear
You will also be provided with a thick overall for protection. This is not only to keep your own clothes from getting dirty but primarily to shield you from the hot ground, gravel, and dust you’ll be sliding over. Additionally, you will be given safety goggles to protect your eyes from the small lava rocks that may be launched into the air during volcano boarding. Finally, it is advisable to bring a bandana that you can tie over your mouth to guard against the blowing dust.
What About the Active Cerro Negro Volcano?
Cerro Negro is an active volcano. If you move some earth aside at the summit and touch the ground, you can feel the heat emanating from the Earth’s core. However, they seem to monitor this volcano effectively using sensors that detect vibrations, making it safe to climb Cerro Negro with a guide.
What Should You Bring for Volcano Boarding?
- 1 liter of water
- Good shoes
- A bandana or another piece of fabric/shirt
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- A small amount of cash
Tip: If you’re a true thrill-seeker and want to push the speed limits, it’s a good idea to have coverage for extreme sports under your travel insurance, which includes volcano boarding. If something unexpected happens, at least you’ll be covered.
What Does Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua Cost?
Depending on the tour you book, the cost of volcano boarding at Bigfoot Hostel ranges from $30 to $35, and you can book this online. They will pick you up at your hotel or hostel, and the entire tour includes transportation, protective gear, drinks, snacks, and a meal. You will also receive a shirt, and after the tour, you’ll be provided with a link to download the tour photos.
The Base for Volcano Boarding
You can experience volcano boarding from Leon. For many people, this is the main reason to visit the city, but there are plenty of other fun things to do here as well. Check out my tips for Leon if you plan to include this city in your travel itinerary.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Leon
The best advice we can give you is to book a hostel or hotel with a pool. Leon is a very hot city, and nothing beats a refreshing dip in the pool after exploring the city. If you’re traveling on a budget, Hostel La Tortuga Booluda is a great place to stay. The pool is small but big enough for a nice chill. There’s a great atmosphere and lots of cool extras like a pool table and a foosball table. The center of Leon is a 10-minute walk away. Hostel Casa Abierta is also a great base for Leon because it’s centrally located in the city. There’s a beautiful garden with a large pool, and it has a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. The only downside is that the rooms don’t have air conditioning. If you have a bit more to spend, the boutique hotel Flor De Sarta is a lovely place. Here, you can enjoy a nice pool, spacious rooms with good air conditioning, and comfortable beds.
  Hostal La Tortuga Booluda |
  Hostal Casa Abierta |
  Flor De Sarta |
