Skip to content
Gekko Trails Explorer

Boat La Unión to Potosi

4.0out of 5 · 9 reviews

Instant confirmation

  • Boat La Unión to Potosi

Looking for an easy shared transfer from La Unión, El Salvador to Potosí, Nicaragua with fellow travelers?

  • Change or cancel up to 24 hours before departure
  • E-ticket — no need to print
  • 24/7 assistance

Need to know

Service type
Shared boat
Vehicle
Boat
Duration
Estimated 3 h 30 min
Availability
5 days a week
Departure times
7:00 AM
Luggage included
1 backpack or suitcase · 1 handbag
What's included
Lifejacket
What to bring
Sandals · Water · Small snacks · hat · sunscreen · Waterproof poncho · sun glasses
Pets
Not allowed
Prohibited items
Drones
Other information
✅ This service does not go through Honduras. ✅ Pre-Verification: Complete the online pre-verification form for Nicaragua at least 24 hours before your trip. The website works only on Android and Windows devices. Access it here: https://solicitudes.mint.gob.ni/Tramites/RegistroN ✅The boat trip takes an average of 3 hours. ✅ Professional Equipment: Effective January 25, 2023 – If you’re bringing professional video cameras, imaging equipment, long-range lenses, binoculars, or night vision devices, you must obtain a customs permit (an import declaration on entry and an export declaration on exit). Undeclared equipment will be confiscated. ✅ Passport Copies: Bring 3 printed copies of your passport on the day of your trip. If you cannot print them in advance, a copy service is available near the immigration office in La Unión—the boat driver will guide you there. ✅ Boarding & Boat Ride Notice: Please note that the pier in Potosí may not be available for boarding, so you may need to step into the water to get on the boat. During the trip, water may splash inside the boat and you could get wet—please plan accordingly. ✅ Weather-Related Cancellations: In case of weather cancellations, we strongly recommend waiting for the next boat departure rather than switching to a land shuttle service on the same day. Choosing the land shuttle may result in lower service quality, no migration assistance, and long border waits. Gekko Trails Explorer is not responsible for any inconveniences resulting from switching services. Please note that no price adjustments or refunds will be processed if you choose to change to a land shuttle service.

About this trip

Boat transport from La Union El Salvador to Potosi Nicaragua provides a practical shared boat connection for travelers crossing the Gulf of Fonseca by water. This route links the coastal town of La Unión with Potosí in Nicaragua, offering a direct marine journey that avoids travel through other countries and focuses on a straightforward point‑to‑point transfer.

Your journey

  1. La Unión — Centro

  2. Potosí Chinandega — Centro

Also worth considering

The return trip, and where you can go from there.

Reviews (9)

4.0

9 reviews

  • 55
  • 41
  • 32
  • 20
  • 11

  • Samkeliso Sibanda

    United Kingdom

    4

    Verified booking

    A fairly seamless process. I was worried about the immigration form but managed to do that on the day with no issues. Got to the immigration office at 7 and the boat left not long after 8. I was very pleased that we got calm waters so it was very serene and scenic and not traumatising. Under 2 hours on the boat and maybe 40 mins at the Nicaraguan border. I also got the shuttle straight to Leon and arrived at 13:30. One of the most stress free border crossings and travel days I’ve ever had. Thank you Gekko! My only gripe was I could only book the shuttle on the day, I was unable to do it online and customer service was very unhelpful and made it seem as if there would be no shuttles on the day if I couldn’t book it online.

  • Stephen Cole

    Australia

    5

    Verified booking

    We took the boat from El Salvador to Nicaragua and then the shuttle to Leon. The boat ride was fantastic as the water was very smooth and we took just under 2 hours. I'm 61 years old and was very happy with the organization and service. I would highly recommend the boat. We did not get wet at all and the fiberglass boat was under 3/4 full, with plenty of room as we were spaced out. Tip is to sit on the right side of the boat ( as you are sitting) then you are out of the sun and best for photos.

  • Pragya Anand

    India

    1

    Verified booking

    The on ground team told me that I couldn't take the boat due to some visa issues. They also informed the same to team Gekko and asked me to contact the support team for the refund. I have written to The gekko team on whatsapp and email multiple times and haven't heard back from them. I expected better customer service from a well known company like Gekko. Still awaiting your response and my refund

  • Jack Mcmartin

    United Kingdom

    3

    Verified booking

    Whatever the reason, UK passport holders require a visa to enter Honduras. Therefore crossing into Nicaragua requires the services of the Salvadoran ferryman in the border town if La Unión. The boat ride itself is a no-nonsense does what it says on the tin experience. Although the exit from the deck is an unorthodox method for the wester tourist - you must jump into the seawater once the boat has reached the shallows - I can't fault the piloting of the vessel, the sea or the route. However, the admin and the waiting at both the El Salvador migration Office and the Nicaraguan border office leave something to be desired. It is hardly fair to dock points from Gekko for the failures of border force administrators, but I must warn fellow travellers that you will have a long day.

  • Melles Ghebeyehu

    Netherlands

    3

    Verified booking

    I also selected the bus to Leon but there was not added to the order. Thought that maybe had to pay it in cash and a nasty surprise when the next morning they told us bus to Leon was fully booked and we had to take chicken bus to chinanedga and from there the taxi.

  • Inge Lankreijer

    Netherlands

    5

    Verified booking

    Well organized, smooth, fast and fun! Last 20 minutes was a bit bumpy and wet, but they were really fast to provide us with ponchos. I'm sure it beats the bus in all areas 😊

From

$50 USD

per person

Book Now