Taking a Car on the Ferry to Ometepe

How can I bring my car to Ometepe?​

​

First, you should make a ferry reservation.  If you have a room booked with us at Hospedaje Soma, we can help make the reservation for you.  Please fill out and submit the form on this page and we will get back to you.

​

Please note that the ferry companies do not usually accept reservations more than one month in advance. Also, you should submit your ferry request to us at least 3 days prior to traveling to Ometepe to increase the probability of securing a ferry reservation.  One to 3 weeks in advance is preferred.

What should I do when I get to the port?​

​

When you arrive in San Jorge, drive up to the gate (First Checkpoint) and tell the guard “Tengo una reserva a las (time)” (I have a reservation at (time).)

You will have to exit your vehicle to pay a port usage fee of $1 per person at the little window at the gate before they let you through. Once you get your receipt for that tax, go through the gate and pull over on the side of the road to pay for ferry passage. Go to the passenger ticket booth for your ferry. Tell them you have a reservation and the number of passengers. You’ll get a ticket per passenger and a receipt for your vehicle. Keep these. Then go to the window labeled “caja” to pay the “export tax”. (Vehicles and goods are taxed when leaving San Jorge). Keep that receipt.

Go back to your vehicle and go straight to the next gate (second check-point). A guard will want to see your export tax receipt and your $1 port usage receipts. You will also be given a clipboard to write down the name and passport number of everyone in the car.

Once all that is done, you can drive down to the ferry. Passengers may be asked to leave the vehicle before you drive onto the boat. They can wait for you on board. You will back your car onto the ferry with the assistance of one of the workers. Don’t even bother trying to use your mirrors to park on the boat; look the guy in the eyes and do what he indicates. They park people 100 times a day, so you can trust them.

​

A map of the San Jorge port is below.  Safe travels!