from San Carlos to Solentanime Islands

[ellenjl]

I have come across differing ferry times for the boats between Los Chiles(Costa Rica) and  San Carlos and fro the times from there to the Solentanime Islands...The one  thing that is consistent is that the boats leave for the Solentanime on Tuesdays and Fridays..Is it possible on one of those days to get from  Los Chiles directly to the Solentanime so I do not have to overnight in San Carlos?

[Joshua Berman]

I think there are three or four boats a day from Los Chiles to SC, then you have to time it right to catch the boat to Sol., nothing direct that I am aware of from Los Chiles, unless you charter your own boat.

[jimwalker]

Yes, there are no direct boats to Solentiname from Los Chiles, there are several boats a day from Los Chiles...the first generally leaves between 12 and 1pm, arriving generally too late to catch the Solentiname collectivo (Tuesday and Friday) that leaves at 1:30. The last boat leaves Los Chiles about 4pm. The problem is that the boats from Los Chiles do not have a fixed schedule...they leave when they are full, or before 1:30, so you unless you are lucky, you will not catch the Solentiname boat. I urge travelers to suggest Los Chiles boats adopt a fixed schedule. For example, the boat from San Carlos (Nica), leaves a 10am sharp, every day. Los Chiles could do the same and would make connections much easier. Frankly  I think the problem is there are too many boats in Los Chiles and they get their turn only every 10 days or so. Unfortunately, generally you need to plan to spend the night in San Carlos.

[erik nelson]

Boat service in this area will try the patience of a saint.  One Sunday there was no boat service at all from Los Chiles and I had to overnight there.  Overnighting at San Carlos isn't a bad idea.  The town is being spruced up and now has the best waterfront park in Nicaragua.  It is becoming a tourist destination in its own right, as well as a jumping off point.
Full disclosure:  I'm biased.  I love San Carlos.