Hanging tropical plant, decoration of El Zopilote eco hostel Ometepe
Hanging tropical plant, decoration of El Zopilote eco hostel Ometepe
Hanging tropical plant, decoration of El Zopilote eco hostel Ometepe
Hanging tropical plant, decoration of El Zopilote eco hostel Ometepe

Kitesurfing on Ometepe: Two Kite Schools on Santa Cruz Beach

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Kitesurfing on Ometepe Island

Kitesurfing on Ometepe means riding between two volcanoes in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. From December to May a steady wind blows across the lake, the water is warm and fresh, and you ride with Concepción and Maderas in front of you. It is one of the best places in Central America to learn kitesurfing.

There are two kite schools on Ometepe, a few hundred meters from each other on the beach between Santa Cruz and San Fernando, on the Maderas side, not far from El Zopilote. We do not work with them and we earn nothing from this post. We just love kitesurfing: a healthy sport, outdoors, moved by the wind and in touch with the lake. That is very much the El Zopilote spirit, so we are happy to share it.

Kitesurf Ometepe: kitesurfing and wingfoil school

Kitesurf Ometepe is right on the beach between the two volcanoes. Beginners can choose private or duo packages of 3, 6, 9 or 12 hours, and you fly a real kite from the very first lesson. Intermediate and advanced riders can join classes and coaching sessions to improve their riding.

Kitesurf Ometepe rider jumping a wave on Lake Nicaragua
Riding the waves of Lake Nicaragua with Kitesurf Ometepe
  • IKO certified instructors, following international safety procedures
  • Lessons in English, French, Spanish, German and Dutch
  • Official F-ONE Pro School, with the latest F-ONE and Manera equipment
  • Full F-ONE gear rental for independent riders
  • The only school on the island with wingfoil lessons and wingfoil rental, perfect for lighter wind days

Prices (all equipment, IKO lessons and radio helmet included):

  • Private lessons: 1 hour 60 dollars, 3 hours 170, 6 hours 320, 9 hours 450, 12 hours 570
  • Duo lessons, per person: 3 hours 95 dollars, 6 hours 180
  • Gear rental: ask them for prices and longer rental packages

Useful links:

Come for the rides, stay for the vibes.

Kitesurf Ometepe rider kitesurfing on the waves of Lake NicaraguaKitesurf Ometepe instructor and students in the lake with a turquoise kite and Concepción volcanoKitesurf Ometepe instructor explaining the control bar to two beginner studentsKitesurf Ometepe instructor and student launching a kite on the beach of OmetepeKitesurf Ometepe kite school hut with F-ONE flag on Santa Cruz beach, Ometepe IslandKitesurf Ometepe sign for kitesurf and wing foil lessons by Lake Nicaragua


Open Kitesurf Ometepe in Google Maps

Ometepe Kite Center: kitesurfing lessons for all levels

Ometepe Kite Center is right on the main kite spot, with easy access to the water. They teach all levels and all ages, from complete beginners to riders working on jumps, back rolls, transitions and grabs. Instructors are certified, beginners wear radio helmets so they hear the instructor on the water, and classes are in English, Spanish, Dutch, German and French.

Ometepe Kite Center rider kitesurfing at sunset with Concepción volcano behind
Kitesurfing between two volcanoes with Ometepe Kite Center

Beginners learn step by step: wind theory and kite control, safety systems, body drag, water start and first rides.

Prices for the 2026-2027 season (equipment and instructor included):

  • Beginners private course: 3 hours 190 dollars, 6 hours 340, 9 hours 470, 12 hours 590
  • Private advanced class: 1 hour 65 dollars, 3 hours 190, 6 hours 340, 9 hours 470
  • Group courses, price per person, one instructor and one kite: 3 hours 120 dollars for 2 people, 90 for 3, 75 for 4; 6 hours 210, 150, 120
  • Rental with CORE kites: complete kit from 65 dollars for 2 hours, 85 for a day, 450 for 7 days

Useful links:

Ometepe Kite Center rider jumping high over Lake Nicaragua with Concepción volcano at sunsetOmetepe Kite Center rider jumping a wave at sunset with Concepción volcano behindHorses running in the lake at the Ometepe Kite Center spot with a kite in the skyOmetepe Kite Center instructor and students on the beach with a CORE kiteOmetepe Kite Center instructor checking a student harness next to the school signSmiling Ometepe Kite Center student holding the control bar in Lake Nicaragua


Open Ometepe Kite Center in Google Maps

When is the best season for kitesurfing on Ometepe

The season runs from December to May, when the wind on Lake Nicaragua is strongest and most consistent. On most days the wind builds through the morning and holds into the afternoon. Expect 18 to 25 knots, with stronger days of 25 to 30 knots, especially from January to March. On a lighter day, try wingfoil with Kitesurf Ometepe or go explore the island.

How to get to the kite beach from El Zopilote

The kite schools are on the Maderas side, like El Zopilote. You can go by bus, by taxi or with our scooter and motorbike rental. Check the Ometepe bus schedule, and if you are still on the mainland, the Ometepe ferry schedule and how to get to El Zopilote.

Make it a full day on the Maderas side

On a day without wind, try the Río Istián kayak tour, swim at Ojo de Agua or hike to San Ramón Waterfall. More ideas in Discover Ometepe Island.

Stay at El Zopilote eco hostel

El Zopilote is a permaculture farm, eco hostel and Sustainability Learning Center on Ometepe Island, running since 2002 and almost completely off-grid. After a day on the water, come back to the farm for:

Ready to ride? See how to book your stay at El Zopilote or write to us on our contacts page.

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