Covering over 8,000 square kilometers, Lake Nicaragua is the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world, and by far the largest in Central America. Its natural history is fascinating; its natural beauty breathtaking. The lake is believed to have once been part of the Pacific, and was then subsequently cut off from the ocean by massive volcanic eruptions. Unusual aquatic species, including guapote, saw fish, and freshwater sharks do inhabit Lake Nicaragua, offering some evidence to substantiate this theory. As to the presence of sharks in the lake (which, unfortunately, have been seriously depleted over the years due to over-fishing), others suggest that these species swam up the Río San Juan from the Caribbean, acclimated to their new environment, and then stayed.

http://www.pacific-currents.org/sharks.htm

In any event, fisher-people from all over the globe come to Lake Nicaragua to enjoy the fine fishing. In fact, the lake is host to Central America’s largest fishing contest. With its lush shorelines and numerous islands, the lake also supports a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/cennicaragua.htm

Lake Nicaragua is a tourist destination in its own right. And it’s darn fun (and easy) to see Lake Nicaragua up close. Head over to Port Asese, a quick, cheap taxi ride or a hot and sweaty walk from Granada. There, colorful motor boats and competent, knowledgeable local boat captains will be waiting gladly to show you around the lake for an affordable price (about $10 per hour).