Sailing School & Kayaking Velago Granada
Sailing School & Kayaking Velago Granada
Sailing School & Kayaking Velago Granada
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S A I L I N G T O U R S *** S A I L I N G C L A S S E S *** K A Y A K I N G T O U R S S A I L I N G T O U R S: - 2 hours- half day- full day- moonlight tours- ...you name it! S A I L I N G C L A S S E S:-complete course-half day basic courseK A Y A K I N G T O U R S: -San Juan River Kayaking-Islands of Granada
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Sailing School & Kayaking Velago Granada
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FreedomInSailing
Dingle, Ireland19 contributions
Sailing on Lake Nicaragua?
In deed - and it is more than just sailing on a lake.
WHERE?
We found out via Google (keywords: "Sailing Lake Nicaragua") that there is a sailing school right at the beach of Granada, so we did not even have to leave town. We took our rented bikes and cycled down to the lake (takes 3 minutes). From there we went south along the coast entering the so called "Centro Turistico" (Tourist Recreation Area at the Lake) where we were asked for a little contribution of about 50 cents at the entrance.
Cycling south along the beach we reached the very southern end, which is where the sailing school named "Velago" is situated.
THE SAILING SCHOOL
We met Ferdinand an Austrian guy who is running the school and boat rental. After several years with NGOs in Nicaragua, he said, he founded this project in early 2007. Ferdinand took us out on one of the sailboats and he introduced us step by step into the art of dominating the wind's enormous power.
Everybody aboard was given a little task to fulfill. Like this it was great fun to sail north towards the peer of Granada. From there we had a nice view of the town itself. We then carried on towards the southern Isletas of Granada (some 360 little islands). Soundlessly we passed several of the islands waving to their inhabitants and enjoying the tropical green vegetation.
Our trip lasted for 2,5 hours of which we were charged only 2. Also the skippering was for free, since Ferdinand told us he likes it so much to sail out himself. The trip had cost us 16 Dollars per person.
SAILING COURSES
After the trip our skipper thankfully accepted our invitation to a nearby restaurant. Ferdinand explained us that at Velago one can take a full Sailing Course or just a half day introduction class. One does not have to bring anything but motivation.
SAILING TRIPS
These are offered for those non-sailors who just seek an alternative to the powerboat culture in the islands of Granada. The skipper is always free and in most cases Ferdinand himself undertakes the journeys.
BOAT and KAYAK RENTAL
People who want to be independent can rent a boat or a Kayak to explore the lake on their own. Three hours of Kayak cost 15 Dollars per person - we have paid way more for that at other places in Nicaragua!
CONCEPT OF VELAGO SAILING SCHOOL
Ferdinand's main target is to create a sailing culture on the lake and to give a meaningful job to several people of the area. So far he has 3 employees - two of them have already learned to sail and take people out in order to show them the beauty of their country.
Some philosophic thoughts about sailing in Nicaragua:
Nicaragua, the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" is one of the most prosperous places in the world. Do you know what kind of abundance we speak about? One of this country's resources may not gain the attention it deserves. Perhaps we can't see it, though it certainly can be felt – and it would be wise to use it. You may have guessed by now, it's the W I N D.
One of the most creative uses is being moved by it. Sailing is an original technique that is still being used. Some Nicaraguan fishermen in their everyday lives make use of simple triangular bermuda type sails running before the wind - without getting that much attention...
In deed - and it is more than just sailing on a lake.
WHERE?
We found out via Google (keywords: "Sailing Lake Nicaragua") that there is a sailing school right at the beach of Granada, so we did not even have to leave town. We took our rented bikes and cycled down to the lake (takes 3 minutes). From there we went south along the coast entering the so called "Centro Turistico" (Tourist Recreation Area at the Lake) where we were asked for a little contribution of about 50 cents at the entrance.
Cycling south along the beach we reached the very southern end, which is where the sailing school named "Velago" is situated.
THE SAILING SCHOOL
We met Ferdinand an Austrian guy who is running the school and boat rental. After several years with NGOs in Nicaragua, he said, he founded this project in early 2007. Ferdinand took us out on one of the sailboats and he introduced us step by step into the art of dominating the wind's enormous power.
Everybody aboard was given a little task to fulfill. Like this it was great fun to sail north towards the peer of Granada. From there we had a nice view of the town itself. We then carried on towards the southern Isletas of Granada (some 360 little islands). Soundlessly we passed several of the islands waving to their inhabitants and enjoying the tropical green vegetation.
Our trip lasted for 2,5 hours of which we were charged only 2. Also the skippering was for free, since Ferdinand told us he likes it so much to sail out himself. The trip had cost us 16 Dollars per person.
SAILING COURSES
After the trip our skipper thankfully accepted our invitation to a nearby restaurant. Ferdinand explained us that at Velago one can take a full Sailing Course or just a half day introduction class. One does not have to bring anything but motivation.
SAILING TRIPS
These are offered for those non-sailors who just seek an alternative to the powerboat culture in the islands of Granada. The skipper is always free and in most cases Ferdinand himself undertakes the journeys.
BOAT and KAYAK RENTAL
People who want to be independent can rent a boat or a Kayak to explore the lake on their own. Three hours of Kayak cost 15 Dollars per person - we have paid way more for that at other places in Nicaragua!
CONCEPT OF VELAGO SAILING SCHOOL
Ferdinand's main target is to create a sailing culture on the lake and to give a meaningful job to several people of the area. So far he has 3 employees - two of them have already learned to sail and take people out in order to show them the beauty of their country.
Some philosophic thoughts about sailing in Nicaragua:
Nicaragua, the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" is one of the most prosperous places in the world. Do you know what kind of abundance we speak about? One of this country's resources may not gain the attention it deserves. Perhaps we can't see it, though it certainly can be felt – and it would be wise to use it. You may have guessed by now, it's the W I N D.
One of the most creative uses is being moved by it. Sailing is an original technique that is still being used. Some Nicaraguan fishermen in their everyday lives make use of simple triangular bermuda type sails running before the wind - without getting that much attention...
Written October 21, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicamaid
Tenants Harbor, ME2 contributions
Mar 2010
I enjoyed 40 hours of sailing lessons with Ferdinand Hofer, a pleasant young Austrian, at Laguna de Apoyo in Nicaragua. He taught me on a very nice 16-foot boat. He is an expert, experienced sailor and an excellent teacher. I am a beginning sailor, and he was extremely patient.
The setting was wonderful, and that alone made the lessons worthwhile. Ferdinand's school is located on Lake Nicaragua, and he would be a fabulous choice for either lessons or a tour of the lake and the islands there. I unreservedly recommend his services.
The setting was wonderful, and that alone made the lessons worthwhile. Ferdinand's school is located on Lake Nicaragua, and he would be a fabulous choice for either lessons or a tour of the lake and the islands there. I unreservedly recommend his services.
Written January 5, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BC_Daryl
Kelowna, BC1 contribution
I spent a few days in Granada and had wanted to Kayak the Isletas. Thankfully the staff at my hotel (Hotel Con Corazan, highly recommended as well!) recommended Velago. Fernando was professional and very knowledgeable and I have nothing but praise for his operation.
I had gone down there with the intention of renting a Kayak on my own for 3 hours, but then decided to have him come along to help make the most of my time. Fernando was very knowledgeable about everything in the area ranging from the plants and animals to the human inhabitants of the area. If you want to see as many sites as possible in a short time, I highly recommend bringing him along. Otherwise if you just want to paddle around in solitude, his rates are very economical.
He is still in the process of building his business, so keep that in mind when you are seeking his services. Living in Canada, I am used to 'corporate' operations so its refreshing to see a business being built with heart. When I first saw his multi-colored 'pier' built from old boats, I kind of wondered what I was getting myself into/ However, it only took a few moments of talking to him to cast my initial doubts aside. Fernando's passion for the business as well as his love for the area will make Velago a great addition to Granada
If you are staying in downtown Granada, you don't need to take a cab to get to Velago. Rent a bike from your hotel or walk down Calzada street to the water and use one of his free bikes at the kiosk to ride to his operation (check with him first about the kiosk as it wasn't there on the day I went).
If you do nothing else while in Granada, rent a Kayak or hire the services of Fernando for a kayak/sail of the Isletas and area!
I had gone down there with the intention of renting a Kayak on my own for 3 hours, but then decided to have him come along to help make the most of my time. Fernando was very knowledgeable about everything in the area ranging from the plants and animals to the human inhabitants of the area. If you want to see as many sites as possible in a short time, I highly recommend bringing him along. Otherwise if you just want to paddle around in solitude, his rates are very economical.
He is still in the process of building his business, so keep that in mind when you are seeking his services. Living in Canada, I am used to 'corporate' operations so its refreshing to see a business being built with heart. When I first saw his multi-colored 'pier' built from old boats, I kind of wondered what I was getting myself into/ However, it only took a few moments of talking to him to cast my initial doubts aside. Fernando's passion for the business as well as his love for the area will make Velago a great addition to Granada
If you are staying in downtown Granada, you don't need to take a cab to get to Velago. Rent a bike from your hotel or walk down Calzada street to the water and use one of his free bikes at the kiosk to ride to his operation (check with him first about the kiosk as it wasn't there on the day I went).
If you do nothing else while in Granada, rent a Kayak or hire the services of Fernando for a kayak/sail of the Isletas and area!
Written April 24, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anchorhd7
Torio, Veraguas16 contributions
i met francisco or chico yesterday for a great, great, PERFECT day on the water. yes, it rained a bit, yes, my gringo butt got a bit burned, but it was amazing. francisco shared the people he knew, the topics he cared about, the stuff he was interested in, and most of all made me feel comfortable.
we went out for 6 hours and it was amazing. watching local fishermen catch their goods, passing tranquillo islands and most of all, just paddling for as long as wanted. it was great.
Velago is a great business, in a re-emerging Central American spot, with wonderful locals.
I won't forget this trip for a long time.
we went out for 6 hours and it was amazing. watching local fishermen catch their goods, passing tranquillo islands and most of all, just paddling for as long as wanted. it was great.
Velago is a great business, in a re-emerging Central American spot, with wonderful locals.
I won't forget this trip for a long time.
Written June 2, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squirreletta1
San Francisco, CA92 contributions
While visiting Granada we decided to take sailing lessons since this is something we wanted to learn. We went out for three hours and the lesson was great. He was patient with us and we worked on moves over and over until we understood it.
Written January 20, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mediopinolero
Ticuantepe2 contributions
Living in Nicaragua is automatically off the track just a hair anyway, and you have to be a tad creative to keep life interesting. So, we are lucky that Fernando set up his business here. I have taken the basic sailing course, and the two day trip to Zapatera and recommend the whole show wholeheartedly. I'm half-local and plan to go back to sail more and try the kayaking around the islands that I am sure is easy and pleasureable to do. Part of the pleasure is that the whole idea is so unused that it is a little more special. The opposite of doing something in the states where you would be surrounded by a ton of other boats etc. So expect things a little rough around the edges as development is limited here and you will be fine.
Written December 13, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieSipes
Longmont, CO1 contribution
Ferdinand is very knowledgeable and fun to learn from. I sailed with him on Laguna de Apoyo for my first sailing experience. He taught me a lot, was patient, and friendly. The lake and the crater were even more beautiful from on the water. Get a friend and take a lesson or just go sailing!
Written April 21, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redhookcrystal
NYC1 contribution
At the time of writing, the only sailing school in Central America - check it out. On a very short trip to Nicaragua, this was well worth both the money and the time. An independently-run operation with friendly, patient, expert staff. The mango mission for lunch afterwards was also a bonus : ) Thanks guys, see you next time. Crystal
Written April 5, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jronaldreed
Los Angeles, CA12 contributions
Sailing school, Kayaking and boat rental and boat and Kayaking tours
What to take - sun tan lotion, camera and wear water clothes
I am a tourist who likes some unique activity and this company arranged tours of the nearby Volcano Momobacho rainforests as well - recommend these tour agency highly and this is the best way to visit the more than 240 islands, including Monkey Island
What to take - sun tan lotion, camera and wear water clothes
I am a tourist who likes some unique activity and this company arranged tours of the nearby Volcano Momobacho rainforests as well - recommend these tour agency highly and this is the best way to visit the more than 240 islands, including Monkey Island
Written June 18, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doreen M
Berlin6 contributions
Hola :)
Yo y una amiga vamons a ir a Granada a 02.05. y queremos navegar un poco allí. Es possible de alquilar un balandro?
Muchos saludos,
Doreen :)
WHJSY
Jersey, UK
If you can contact me directly via my emal that would be much easier waynehjsy at gmail com
I will also be looking for accomadation, thanks
Wayne
WHJSY
Jersey, UK
Hi, im coming to Nicaragua on the 6/7 August and have a week to learn to sail. Is this enough time? Im a complete novice as i have never tried it before.
I know i have left it very late but would really like to if possible :)
If you can please send me some coasting that would be prefect.
Many thanks
Look forward to hearing from you
W Highfield
Sailing School & Kayaking Velago Granada - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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