You Can Go 'Volcano Surfing' While Staying on a Private Island in Nicaragua

Sure, surfing in the ocean is cool, but have you ever tried volcano surfing? Well, now's your chance, because that's just one of the many thrilling activities available at the private island villas of El Coyol in Nicaragua.

Owned by self-described British "soul seeker" Nicky Ray, El Coyol is a private villa available for rent for up to eight guests, floating among the 364 islands that were formed when the volcano Mombacho erupted 20,000 years ago on Lake Nicaragua. According to the company, Ray visited the country for the first time for her birthday in 2012 in search of somewhere unspoiled, beautiful, and hot — and that's exactly what she found in Nicaragua.

"In my search for a life less ordinary, little did I know that I would have the biggest love affair of my life with this amazing place," Ray said in a statement.

The island is a nature lover's paradise, and El Coyol is at the center of it all. From the villas, guests can swim in the lake from its private dock, or take to the water for a bit of kayaking or fishing.

But the real star of the stay is the volcano surfing. Here's how it works: you will make your way to the Cerro Negro, Nicaragua's youngest volcano near the city of León. Then, you'll hike to the top, which takes about an hour, where you can catch your breath and take in the fantastic views. You then "surf" to the bottom by hopping on a board about the size of a snowboard, sitting down, and holding onto an attached handle, and coasting back down the slope. Don't worry if you fall — the landing is super soft sand.

Once you're back on flat land, head back to the villa, a bohemian dream designed with wood, polished concrete, and rattan furnishings. There are plunge pools, outdoor seating areas, and yoga platforms galore. So go ahead, book a stay starting at $795 per night, and put your balance to the test on this one-of-a-kind adventure.