Nestled along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, the charming town of San Juan Del Sur has become a haven for sun-seekers, surfers, and now, pickleball enthusiasts. Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity around the world, and San Juan Del Sur has embraced the craze with open arms.
The sport has become so popular over the past 2 years that the community now boasts 4 separate Pickleball Court locations. There is an option that fits everyone’s location with courts in the town of San Juan Del Sur, as well as both north and south of town.
Pickleball San Juan Del Sur
This was the first pickleball court built in San Juan Del Sur. It is located in the Talanguera neighborhood and is a five-minute drive from the center of town and a 3 block walk to the beach in San Juan del Sur. It was started in the Spring of 2022 and remains popular with players of all skill levels. Since it was first opened the owner has built a roof over the court. This allows players to utilize the court in rain or shine. The newly added shade allows pickleball play not only in all weather conditions but when the sun goes down as well. About once a month the court hosts a free “Intro to Pickleball” clinic so those who are new can get familiar with the game and meet other players. The court also hosts several tournaments each year so you can test your skills against other players. The cost to book the court for private play is $11.50 per hour. This court is open seven days per week from 6 am – 10 pm and can be booked here with four hours’ notice. The court provides free balls and paddles to use with bookings if players do not have their own. Check out Pickleball San Juan del Sur’s Facebook page for more info.
Las Escadas Pickleball & Sports Complex
This court is just outside of the town of San Juan del Sur and opened in 2023. It is the only facility that has two courts available for play. Both are outdoor courts covered by shade sails to help with the midday sun. There are leagues here of multiple skill levels and a monthly membership program has been introduced for doubles. This allows those players to have more opportunities with scheduled daily doubles play. This is the only court in town currently offering Glow in the Dark Pickleball and they stay open late on Fridays to host this popular activity. Las Escadas hosts periodic clinics as well. TouchTennis has been introduced to this court most recently and Las Escadas has plans in the future to add additional courts and amenities to its sports complex. The court is located 5 minutes east of town. It is lit so patrons can play at night. Booking can be made online here and is $12 per hour per court. Head over to their Facebook page to learn more.
Las Alas
This pickleball court is in Escamequita and is the only court south of San Juan Del Sur. It is a single court set on a multi-acre parcel on the main road in Escamequita. The court itself is not covered but large trees nearby offer some shade from the midday sun. This court is lit to offer night play.
Paddles and balls are available for free use with hourly court bookings. The court is open daily from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and can be booked via WhatsApp at +505 -8632-5878. Hourly play is $12 and includes the paddles and balls. The Las Alas restaurant and roadside taqueria is in the process of expanding to include regular operating hours, lounge-style seating, and more. Construction should be completed by the fourth Quarter of 2024. For now, hot (coffee, latte, cappuccino.) and cold (beer, seltzer, and more) drinks are available along with some of the best popsicles in Nicaragua. This court offers a family-friendly atmosphere with the Cala Pirate Tree fort, Arrow tag, and more. Las Alas is working hard to make their court the go-to family destination south of San Juan Del Sur. The court hosts periodic tournaments, after-school programs for kids, and more. Interested in learning more about Las Alas? Check out their instagram page.
Maderas Pickleball
The newest court to be added to the courts of San Juan Del Sur is Maderas Pickleball and it can be found about 18 minutes north of town near the entrance of Bosques Del Mar. This is a great court option for those living or visiting Playa Maderas. The facility offers lights for night play, rental rooms for those needing a place to stay, and there is no shortage of parking. This court even offers “1 Free Pickleball Lesson” for first-time players. This court is open daily from 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. and can be booked via WhatsApp at +1-214-460-4816. It is $12 per hour to book the court and bookings include all equipment needed for 4 players. For those wanting to level up pickleball lessons for beginners through advanced players are available for a fee as well. More details available at Maderas Pickleball Facebook page.
Come play Pickleball in San Juan del Sur!
San Juan Del Sur is a top destination in Central America for real estate, surfers, investors, remote workers, as well as families and individuals looking to experience a calmer pace of life; whether on vacation or full-time living. Besides visiting the beautiful beaches of San Juan del Sur, you can now add Pickleball to your “Must Do” list while here. Interested in learning more about Pickleball in San Juan Del Sur or relocating to this tropical paradise, please contact me.
