Volcano Boarding Nicaragua – What You Need to Know for a Thrilling Ride

Volcano boarding? Yes! Flying down the side of the Cerro Negro volcano on a plywood board is, believe it or not, one of the more popular and most thrilling things to do in Leon Nicaragua! And there’s a reason for that – it’s fun, fast and where else can you do it!

I’m not what you’d call an adrenaline junkie but one hot March morning I flew down the slope of Cerro Negro and in this post I’ll set out my complete guide with all you need to know about this exciting sport! I’ll answer a few frequently asked questions and explain what’s involved in getting up and, crucially, getting down Cerro Negro. I’ll also provide a few tips to help you have a thrilling ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get into the nitty gritty (and it is gritty…more on that below!) I thought it might be helpful to start by answering a few frequently asked questions:

1. What is volcano boarding?

Volcano boarding or volcano surfing is exactly as it sounds…a sport where you slide or ‘surf’ down the slopes of a volcano on a plywood board.

2. What is the history of volcano boarding?

There seems to be a bit of a difference of opinion on who invented volcano boarding and when it started. American Zoltan Istvan has credited himself with inventing the sport back on Mount Yasur in Vanuatu in 2002, however the Australian founder of the Bigfoot Hostel, Daryn Webb, claims to have invented it in 2004.

I really don’t know the truth, I’m just thankful that someone, somewhere came up with the idea and that Leon Nicaragua volcano boarding became a thing!

3. Where do you go volcano boarding in Nicaragua?

Volcano boarding in Nicaragua takes place on the Cerro Negro volcano. It is one of Nicaragua’s active volcanoes and the youngest in Central America. Standing 728 metres tall, it last erupted in 1999 and has erupted 23 times since it first appeared back in 1850. A basaltic cinder cone, Cerro Negro is made up of loose pyroclastic fragments hence its name which means Black Hill.

Cerro Negro is located about 45 minutes’ drive from León.

4. Is volcano boarding safe?

Volcano boarding, like other more extreme sports, has a degree of danger attached to it. That said, if you listen to your safety briefing then, like me, you should be fine. Obviously, the faster you go the greater the risk, but you can control your speed so maybe err on the side of caution if you’re a bit nervous!

I am not aware of any news reports about volcano boarding deaths but people have been injured. I was travelling in Nicaragua as part of a group tour but the company I travelled with does not include volcano boarding as one of its optional activities due to accidents in the past.

Keep in mind that if you decide to go volcano boarding then you do so at your own risk.

5. Who offers the best volcano boarding in Leon?

I joined a private tour operated by Vamos Travel however there are a number of other operators offering volcano boarding tours, including these two that are very popular:

• Bigfoot Hostel
• Volcano Day

You can review these various options and book here:

You may also want to check TripAdvisor for various volcano boarding in Leon reviews. 

6. How much does it cost to go volcano boarding in Nicaragua?

The cost will depend on which company you use, however you will be looking at prices being from $25+ USD. You can expect the tour cost to include transportation, protective clothing, a board and drinks.

Getting to Cerro Negro

Transportation to Cerro Negro should be included as part of your tour and the trip will take around 45 minutes.

Volcano Boarding – Getting to the Top of Cerro Negro

In order to be able to slide down Cerro Negro you first have to climb up it! The hike up takes upwards of an hour and isn’t the easiest of walks. The terrain is rough and on the day I was there it was very windy, particularly at the top.

Some operators have their clients carry their boards and protective clothing up. The tour I took however supports local people by paying them to carry the boards. I carried up a protective suit, gloves and googles in a light weight, soft sided back pack supplied by the company.

The views of the surrounding countryside are wonderful. Be sure to stop and take them in (and to have a breather and water!).

Volcano Boarding – Getting to the Bottom

Now you’re at the top, there’s only one way down! Actually, there are 2 ways, one involves walking, the other speed! On a serious note, if you do get to the top and decide you don’t want to board down, then let the organizer know. You should not be pressured into boarding down.

The conditions at the top of Cerro Negro were very windy so we did climb down a little lower from where we would launch ourselves. It was clear that there were well-used pathways down from this position.

Once you’re at the top of Cerro Negro, this is how you’ll get down:

1. Dressing for the Occasion – What to Wear Volcano Boarding

As I mentioned above, the tour company will provide protective clothing for you to change into before boarding down. We put the protective suits supplied on over our clothes once we got to the top of Cerro Negro – this has ties at the ankles although I also put on some longer, ankle socks to keep the gravel and dust out of the short socks I was wearing. Gloves and googles also went on. I was wearing sunglasses with googles over the top and visibility was still excellent. A bandana gives extra protection against the dust.

2. Volcano Boarding Equipment

You should at this point, if you haven’t already, be given a briefing on what and what not to do. Safety is paramount and although the wooden boards aren’t complicated, it pays to listen.

The board I used was plywood, about 1.5 metres or so long with a rope handle for holding on. You sit at the end with your weight evenly distributed. Hold the rope with both hands – no selfies on the way down! To go faster, lean back. To slow down, push your heels lightly into the gravel. Don’t dig your feet into the ground as you slide down, you’re likely to go head over heels!

If you feel you’re about to fall off however, fall away from the board and let go of the rope.

3. Let’s Go!

We separated into 2 groups with one group going down one pathway and the other down the second pathway. We had to wait until the path was clear of the previous person before being released….safety first!

Looking down from the top I did question why I was there! Once I was ‘suited and booted’ and awaiting my turn however, I couldn’t wait and flew down far faster than I had declared I would on the journey to Cerro Negro. That said, the record is upwards of 60/70 kms and I was nowhere near that!

Once down the volcano, it’s a gentle glide to a stop at the bottom where we celebrated our achievements with a cold beer included as part of our tour.

I think the videos of volcano boarding in Nicaragua make it look a bit scarier than it actually is. Although we were all a bit nervous immediately before setting off, once we were heading down the volcano we all loved it and frankly, if I didn’t have to climb back up, I’d have done it again!

My Nicaragua Volcano Boarding Tips

You will (should!) get a safety briefing from the tour leader/organizer and no doubt each company will provide a list of recommended items to take, but based on my experience, here are my tips for making this thrilling experience even better:

• wear covered shoes (and not your best ones!). You need them for the climb up and on the way down, the dust will get all over them. You also need to protect your heels
• take water – the climb isn’t the easiest, it’s hot in León and the black gravel of Cerro Negro just intensifies that heat (plus, you are on a hot volcano!). You will want to take on some fluid
• wear sunscreen
• wear a bandana around your nose and mouth. The volcanic dust gets everywhere including on your face and in your mouth!
• wear longer socks to cover your ankles and keep the dust and gravel from irritating your feet
• check whether the tour company is providing any video or photos of your slide down. If not, consider using a head strap with your camera to catch some footage or a GoPro otherwise put your phone away safely or in a protective case before you board down

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an adrenaline packed, unique experience then add volcano boarding Leon to your Nicaraguan bucket list!

Whilst boarding Cerro Negro is not a risk free activity and you’ll be taking part at your own risk, the tour company will give you a safety briefing and provide protective clothing. The views from Cerro Negro are wonderful and the experience of climbing an active volcano is not one you have every day and only adds to the overall adventure.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Leon, then check out my post 5 Exciting Ways to Spend Time in León, Nicaragua. If you are planning to visit the city of Granada then do read my post 6 Great Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua.  

Finally, if you’re planning a larger trip to Central America then do read the other posts on my Central America page and check my Resources page for extra travel planning advice and help.

Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.