Reviewed Oct 29, 2026
Ometepe is reached by ferry or small boat from the port of San Jorge, 15 minutes from Rivas. From Managua the whole trip takes about 3 hours and costs under C$200 (US$5).
From Mercado Roberto Huembes there are direct express buses to San Jorge (the port) several times a day and express buses to Rivas every 40 minutes. From Granada, the market bus to Rivas takes 1 h 30.
If you arrive in Rivas, buses and shared taxis run to the dock (15 minutes, C$10–30 per person). A private taxi costs C$80–120.
Ferries (El Che, Ferry I, Ferry III) and small boats run from 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM, about C$50 per person. The small boats are cheaper but do not run on Sundays. If you are heading to Santo Domingo, Balgüe or Maderas volcano, the ferry to San José del Sur saves you the ride across the island.
From Moyogalpa there are local buses to Altagracia, Santo Domingo and Balgüe (few departures, C$20–40), shared taxis, and scooter and bicycle rentals. Hostels usually arrange a pick-up if you tell them your ferry time.
Approximate cost
Managua–San Jorge C$90–100 + ferry C$40–50 + island transport C$20–40. About C$160–200 (US$5) in total.
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