Playa Gigante’s tranquil bay harbors modest pangas from the hardworking fishing families that inhabit this charming village and it’s coastline features small hostels, two surf camps and local restaurants serving up the fresh catch of the day. Perfectly located walking distance from world class surf breaks, Gigante has become quite the ideal tourist destination, especially for those looking to escape the hustle and transparency of San Juan del Sur. Culturally authentic with stunning sunsets, Gigante’s dirt road parallels the beach, offering images of wandering pigs, playing children and saddled horses tied up at the local watering hole. It’s evident that a beautiful collision of the old Nicaraguan cowboy and fisherman with new world surfers and adventure seekers makes up the uniqueness of this community, but it’s the small town charm that keeps people coming back time and time again. If you are looking for bustling nightlife and pavement, you should wander elsewhere, but if relaxing in the hammock, sharing a beer with the locals, loosening up with yoga, and playing in the ocean all fill your bucket list, then Gigante is your perfect paradise.
The main activities in Playa Gigante include: Surfing, Fishing, Yoga, and Hiking. Gigante has two all inclusive surf camps, Dale Dagger Surf Tours and Giant’s Foot surf for those who are looking for a high end surf experience with boats and all the comforts of home. There is one hostel in town called Camino de Gigante in which also offers boat trips, sailing trips, several different kinds of accommodations and a full service restaurant. A few independent vacation rentals have sprouted up all over town including Dale’s cool places to stay at the North end of the beach, and Casa Swell up on the hill on the main road coming into Gigante. Little local spots have guest rooms as well, including Margarita’s Mirador above her restaurant, and Blue Sol for the budget traveler. The Pulperia Emperatriz is the main store in town in which you can find pretty much everything you need from chicken to granola to red wine to crazy glue. Emperatriz is learning English and is very helpful and knowledgeable. Our home surf break is Playa Amarillo, which also happens to be the most beautiful beach around, and is a short five minute walk from the town of Gigante. If you are looking to give back, there are two non-profit organizations helping to guide the locals in a positive direction, Project WOO and the Sweet Water Fund. They usually work side by side and Project WOO offers volunteer opportunities. P L A Y A G I G A N T E . C O M
