El Bluff

Caribbean Coast


Across the bay, the port of El Bluff is nestled at the point of a long sliver of land where the Caribbean Sea rushes into Bahía de Bluefields. There is not much to see in the town, but the enormous oil tanks and shipping tankers are cool if you like a certain industrialized tropical setting.

To the north of the town, there is a long beach that, while not particularly attractive, is clean enough and sure beats plunging into the polluted lagoon. On weekends there are sometimes a couple of huts selling food and cold beer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Caribbean Coast attractions

1. Mercado

4.97 MILES

Spilling out from a dank warehouse perched on a public pier, the local market is packed with small stands displaying pineapple, banana, citrus and casaba…

3. Moravian Church

5.02 MILES

This large concrete church is Bluefield's most iconic building, constructed to the exact specifications of the 1849 wooden original, which was destroyed…

4. Malecón de Santa Rosa

5.16 MILES

This waterfront area on the way to the airport offers views across Bluefields Bay and is a popular gathering place for families. It also pulls a crowd for…

5. Waiku Centro de Arte

5.23 MILES

This excellent social project is run by two English-speaking activists, Greta and Yesi, whose small arts center displays painting, handicrafts, clothing…

6. Catholic Church & Clock Tower

5.23 MILES

A modern white-and-green Catholic church that is more or less open to the elements. It also has an impressive matching clock tower.

7. Parque Reyes

5.36 MILES

Bluefields' best green space is a popular meeting point with impressive 25m-high trees sprouting bromeliads in the canopy and a monument to the six ethnic…

8. Rama Cay

11.15 MILES

This tiny and rocky barbell-shaped island 15km southeast of Bluefields is the de facto capital of the Rama nation. Dotted with coconut and banana palms…