Zopango Orchids Island represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully self-sufficient, privately owned island paradise in the tranquil Asese Bay, part of Lake Cocibolca (also known as Lake Nicaragua or the Sweet Sea), the largest lake in Central America.
In an era of rising global temperatures, increasing scarcity of clean freshwater, and escalating costs and shortages of electrical power, this off-grid property offers complete independence and resilience. Located at approximately 38 meters above sea level, the island forms a small archipelago comprising the main island and two adjacent islets, situated adjacent to the Asese Peninsula (refer to accompanying maps and imagery for precise positioning).
The property enjoys excellent accessibility: it is just 1.5 hours by road from Managua International Airport and only 30 minutes from the historic colonial center of Granada, Nicaragua's oldest colonial city. Granada is situated in a dry zone with no recorded history of earthquakes, floods, cyclones, or tornadoes.
PROPERTY FEATURES
ACCESS & HOW TO GET THERE
For the past 15 years, Zopango Orchids Island has been meticulously maintained and enhanced by its French owners, a family with expertise in landscape design. They have transformed it into a private botanical garden and sustainable tropical retreat, characterized by year-round warm climate, gentle breezes, calm waters, excellent water quality, lush pristine vegetation, minimal mosquito presence, and relatively low humidity for a tropical environment.
The island features the largest sandy beach in the Asese Bay archipelago (over 200 square meters), complemented by a spacious sundeck with a diving board. Its sheltered location—protected by the Asese Peninsula and the two smaller islets—ensures exceptionally safe and calm swimming conditions. The surrounding area provides a secure and serene neighborhood, including proximity to the acclaimed five-star El Jicaro Eco Lodge.
The property is held under clear, uncontested freehold title by the current owners, with seamless transfer available to a new purchaser. Nicaraguan regulations permit additional construction and support both short and long-term rental operations.
Fully off-grid, the island operates on solar energy via 12 rooftop panels and features a professional water filtration and purification system, along with a buried septic tank supported by on-call maintenance services. A dedicated local caretaker resides on-site, also serving as boat operator, while his wife manages cooking and housekeeping duties.
Additional amenities include a large main palapa with palm-thatched roof, mezzanine lounge, and fully equipped kitchen. The island offers four docks, a boat launching ramp, Wi-Fi connectivity, and strong mobile phone reception.
Included in the sale are three boats: two silent, five-seater electric-powered vessels, a 16-seater traditional "lancha" with a 15 hp four-stroke Suzuki outboard engine, and French-made sit-on-top kayaks with equipment.
Since December 2015, the owners have successfully operated Casa Zopango as a bed-and-breakfast listed on platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia, Glamping Hub, VRBO, and Airbnb. Current revenue streams include private and corporate event rentals, overnight accommodations in the main house and lodge, and exclusive "Under the Stars" safari-style camping experiences with custom wooden beds.
The property presents substantial potential for expansion, including the addition of 4–5 additional lodges modeled on Zopango Birds Lodge. The current owners are prepared to provide guidance on trusted local contractors and operational insights.
Guests have included families, birdwatchers, yoga practitioners, writers, artists, business professionals, and cigar enthusiasts, many returning multiple times annually to enjoy the island's tranquility, swimming, fishing, and restorative environment—away from everyday demands.
Zopango Orchids Island offers convenient access to Nicaragua's premier attractions, including Mombacho and Masaya volcanoes (with hiking and zip-lining), coffee plantations, San Juan del Sur's beaches and fishing, and Cerro Negro sandboarding. It serves as an ideal retreat for personal reconnection, family bonding, and immersion in nature.
