The Best Surf Spots in Nicaragua
Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by Matt Hapgood
I first visited Nicaragua on a surf trip after traveling through all of the main surf spots in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras way back in 1999. Writing that down makes it seem like a long time ago!
The mellow surf vibe in Nicaragua is something not to be missed – people were saying it back in the day, and they are still saying it.
Nicaragua is like Costa Rica 20 years ago!
While you get the hustle and bustle in the capital city of Managua, once you hit the coast, the vibe is much more mellow and chilled.
And with warm water a prevailing offshore wind, and peaky sand bottom beach breaks all over the place, Nica is a surf destination that should be right at the top of your list.
Let’s rip in!
Best Surf Seasons in Nicaragua
The best surfing conditions in Nicaragua happen during the wet season from April to November. The rainy weather brings offshore winds and consistent swell on tap.
Late March through September is the peak time for excellent surf. The storms generate big swells that arrive consistently.
Around Popoyo, you can surf all day thanks to the wind created by Lake Nicaragua. The country gets south-facing swells from the wet season storms. The lake also provides offshore winds on the Pacific coast during this time. Different breaks work best at different times – there’s always something good. The wet season has slightly less predictable winds but a constant influx of swells.
So come between spring and fall and you’ll find great waves in Nicaragua. The best surf happens when the rain is coming down.
With over 400 kilometers of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder that Nicaragua has emerged as a premier surfing destination in Central America.
The country boasts some of the most consistent waves in the region, ranging from powerful beach breaks to more forgiving point breaks suitable for beginners. If you’re planning a surf trip to Nicaragua, here are some of the top spots you have to check out.
Playa Maderas
Arguably the most famous surf spot in Nicaragua, Playa Maderas offers something for all levels. Located in San Juan del Sur, this sandy beach break produces hollow barrels as well as gentler whitewater rides on the right tide and swell direction. With pumping surf in the dry season between March and October, Maderas attracts a vibrant surfing scene. Luckily the beach is long enough that crowds don’t feel overwhelming.
For travelers, San Juan del Sur provides the best beach town amenities like surf shops, shops, restaurants and nightlife. Playa Maderas makes the ideal base for tackling other breaks in the area.
Playa Hermosa
Just north of the town of San Juan del Sur, Playa Hermosa lives up to its name as one of the most gorgeous surfing beaches in Nicaragua. It serves up a heavy beach break that can churn out some very big waves when the conditions are right. As a result, Hermosa is better suited to experienced surfers. Take advantage on a south or west swell when offshore winds produce glassy barrels.
The powerful waves and rip currents come with risks though. Use caution and don’t surf Hermosa alone. Pay close attention to conditions each day before paddling out.
Playa Yankee
For a more forgiving wave, Playa Yankee near Tola offers one of the best point breaks in the country. When a south or southwest swell wraps around the point and meets offshore breezes, Yankee turns into a rippable right-hander that can run for hundreds of yards down the line.
While still suited for intermediates and above, Yankee is an excellent spot for practicing point break technique. The wave shape allows for drawn-out carves and cutbacks. Arrive on an incoming tide around 4-6 feet for ideal peeling action.
Playa Colorado
On Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, Playa Colorado is a popular beach offering both lefts and rights. Colorado can pumping out huge barreling waves when the swell and winds align properly. Beware that rips and shallow rock reefs make this a heavy, thick wave for advanced surfers.
That said, Colorado also serves up smaller, more forgivable surf at times. Beginners should stick to waist-high days with offshore winds. When smaller, the wave still provides a great canvas for improving turns.
The Boom
Near Salinas Grandes, this intense left-hander breaks over lava rock and serves up thick, hollow barrels for experienced surfers. Offshore winds shape up the face while a channel on the inside avoids the worst of the rocks. Definitely wear booties and watch the tides here.
Panga Drops
Accessed by boat from San Juan del Sur, this outer reef break churns out fast hollow tubes on a SSW swell. The takeoff is steep, so you’d better be quick on your feet. Panga Drops offers an uncrowded option when Maderas gets busy.
Playa Amarilla
With 3 different peaks, Amarilla can accommodate surfers of all levels. The right and left peaks break over sandbars, offering softer crumbling waves. Meanwhile, the lefts peeling off the point and rocks provide hollow, powerful rides for experts.
Playa Hermosa
Not to be confused with the Hermosa near San Juan del Sur, this beach break near Playa Gigante is more beginner-friendly. Long, gentle lines make it a nice easygoing option. Just beware of strong rip currents.
Playgrounds
One of the most consistent breaks in Nicaragua, Playgrounds serves up hollow powerful barrels and working sections. Located at a rivermouth near Gigante, it demands advanced skills. But on the right swell, it’s one of the best waves around.
El Transito
Offering both lefts and rights off a rocky pointbreak, El Transito picks up south and southeast swells. On a bigger swell it can barrel and throw some spray, so it’s best left to experienced surfers.
Popoyo
Located on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, Popoyo is one of the country’s top surf spots. This reef break offers powerful barrels and hollow waves, providing an exciting and challenging ride for experienced surfers. The consistent year-round waves can reach up to double overhead on big swell days – Nicaragua’s best slab in my opinion.
Offshore winds blow from the vast Lake Nicaragua, creating glassy conditions. Several surf camps dot the beaches around Popoyo, catering to travelers seeking perfect waves in a remote and beautiful setting. With warm water, sunny weather, and world-class waves, Popoyo is a surf paradise that draws wave-hunters from around the globe.
Las Penitas
Just north of Leon, Las Penitas is a mellow sandy beach break that’s ideal for beginners and longboarders. Gentle waist to shoulder-high waves let you work on your fundamentals at softer surf break.
5 Of The Best Beginner Surf Beaches in Nicaragua
Here are a few of the top spots with consistent surf for all skill levels.
- Punta Aposentillo, Chinandega
- Located in a remote fishing village with few crowds
- Consistent year-round waves
- Long, peeling waves ideal for longboards
- Sandy bottom with no rocks
- Salinas Grande, Miramar
- Faces south for smaller swells
- Rocky point break shapes the wave
- Calmer conditions in the mornings
- Surf school and board rentals right on site
- Playa Amarilla, Amarilla
- South-facing beach works year round
- Swell rarely exceeds 3 feet
- Lots of surf camps renting boards
- Lifeguards and facilities make it family friendly
- Playa Santana, Popoyo
- Just south of famous Popoyo reef break
- Protective headland provides mellow waves
- Warm, clear water for learning
- Beach vendors rent boards for cheap
- Remanso Beach, San Juan del Sur
- Wide open bay with spread out crowds
- Peak season is May to October for smaller swell
- Lots of hostels arrange lessons and rentals
- Nightlife, restaurants and amenities in town
Nicaragua Surf Trip Essentials
With premium surf spots dotting both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Nicaragua is a stellar choice for a surf trip any time of year. To make the most of your visit, be sure to bring the essentials:
- A 3/2 mm wetsuit for the water temps ranging from 26-30°C.
- Reef booties for protection from rocks and coral at reef breaks.
- High-UV rashguards and plenty of waterproof sunscreen. The tropical sun is powerful.
- A shortboard around 6′ to handle barreling waves. Or a funboard from 8-9′ for more forgiving surf.
- Wax suited for tropical temps. Stickier than standard wax.
- A surfskate to practice maneuvers back on shore.
With world-class waves up and down the coast, Nicaragua delivers an epic surf adventure. From remote beaches to the camaraderie of surf towns like San Juan del Sur, you’ll find amazing surfing and a vibrant coastal culture.
Is surfing in Nicaragua crowded?
– No, most spots in Nicaragua do not get crowded except for a few of the more well-known breaks. The country is not as much of a mainstream surf destination as Costa Rica or Hawaii, so you’ll find plenty of space in the water.
Is San Juan del Sur good for beginner surfers?
– Yes, San Juan del Sur is a great spot for beginners. There are some mellow beach breaks that are perfect for learning on, as well as surf schools and board rentals in town.
What months are best for surfing?
– The wet season from April to October is considered the best time of the year for surfing. This brings the most consistent swell and offshore winds to the Pacific side. But there are good waves year-round.
How big do waves get in Nicaragua?
– During the peak season, waves can reach 10-15 feet faces at the best breaks. The most popular surf spots top out around head high to a few feet overhead on big days. But some reefs further north can handle giant swell.
Which coast of Nicaragua is best for surfing?
– The Pacific side has the most surf spots and the most consistent conditions. However, there are a handful of fun reef and beach breaks on the Caribbean side worth checking out too.
