Last updated on February 6th, 2024 at 01:39 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Nicaragua, you came to the right place. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your surf trip to Nicaragua, including general travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Nicaragua.
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About Surfing in Nicaragua
When surfing in Nicaragua, you can enjoy 300 days a year of offshore winds, clean swell, uncrowded lineup, and ridiculously low prices. Even though it shares a border with Costa Rica, it offers an entirely different experience. While Costa Rica is developed and tourist-oriented, Nicaragua managed to remain authentic. Since the late 70s, when American surfers discovered Popoyo, Nicaragua has slowly become a perfect surf destination, especially for surfers looking for empty lineups and cheap travel.
Nicaragua is located in Central America, north of Costa Rica and south of Honduras. It faces both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, but when it comes to surfing in Nicaragua, only the Pacific side is relevant. In fact, with over 250 KM of Pacific coastline, it offers a huge variety of surf spots. For instance, if you drive along the coast in the southern part of the country (where most of the surf is), you will see beach breaks, reef breaks, points, and everything in between.
What makes surfing in Nicaragua so unique is the remarkable phenomenon created by Lake Nicaragua. Amazingly, this lake, about 50 miles inland, creates the famous offshore winds that blow almost every day of the year. Therefore, when surfing in Nicaragua, you will likely score clean, glassy waves all day long.
The Best Surf Spots in Nicaragua
The most famous surf spots in Nicaragua are centered on the Southwest Coast, where the lake blows its offshore winds. However, there are many unexplored spots on the Northwest Coast, too. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Nicaragua, from north to south:
Asuchillo:
Break type- River mouth and beach break.
Skill level- All levels
Description- Not many surfers have heard about this spot. It is situated in the center of the coastline, about 1.5 hours from the capital Managua. It is a half beach break and half river mouth, producing clean and mellow waves. Due to its softness, this wave is suitable for all skill levels. Furthermore, the beach here is never crowded, so you will get almost all the waves to yourself. The break at Asuchillo performs best during low tide.
Playgrounds:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This spot has no easy access, and you can get here only by boat. However, the reward for your effort will be a beautiful reef break, open to both right and left, and almost no people in the water. Due to the many sea urchins on the reef, watch out on your feet while getting off a wave.
Astillero:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This beach break requires a fairly big swell to perform well. When such swell hits, you can choose between several different peaks. All peaks break to both left and right sides and produce excellent barrels on an empty lineup.
Panga Drops:
Break type- A-frame.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Walk on the beach about 10 minutes from Playa, Colorado, and you are here. This is an A-frame peak, which breaks very far from the shore. The waves here produce some very long rides to both sides. Due to its softness, it is suitable for all levels and is very popular among longboarders.
Playa Colorado:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is one of the best surf spots in Nicaragua and a perfect place to get barreled. The waves here are very powerful and suitable for advanced surfers only. Due to its power, boards tend to break here pretty often, so bring an extra one. Unfortunately, the access to this beach is only allowed to those who stay at the Hacienda Iguana Resort. If you are not a guest, no worries, any boat will take you directly to the waves.
Manzanillo:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is an absolutely fantastic beach and one of the only left-point breaks in the country. It doesn’t always break, but when a big swell comes, you will get long rides next to a stunning cliff with multiple sections and beautiful barrels.
Popoyo:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is the most famous surf spot in Nicaragua. Popoyo is a world-class reef break that opens up to both sides over a shallow reef. On high tide, you will get long rides, and at low tide, you will be covered by massive barrels. Due to its quality and reputation, the crowds are always out here, so get ready for a competitive lineup.
Playa Santana:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This break offers several peaks, and it is one of the most consistent ones you can get. Actually, you can always find some powerful barrels crashing here very close to shore. Therefore, many surf competitions take place here, and this spot is a favorite by locals. While surfing here, expect some crowds in the water, and don’t forget to show respect in the lineup.
Playa Maderas:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Located right next to San Juan Del Sur, this beach break performs 365 days a year at all tides. Due to its popularity, it is always crowded, and yet, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this spot when surfing in Nicaragua.
San Juan Del Sur:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginners.
Description- If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, this is a perfect beach to learn. Otherwise, there are much better surf spots in Nicaragua.
Playa Hermosa:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This is the most southern spot in the country. In fact, not many know about this place, which means an empty lineup for yourself. This beach break offers several peaks and requires a big swell to perform. It is actually the perfect spot for those who want to escape from the crowds of Maderas and Popoyo.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in Nicaragua.
Surf Seasons in Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s surf season starts at the beginning of April and lasts till November. However, in April, the swell only starts to pick up, and September and October are stormy. Therefore, if you want to catch the perfect conditions, go between May to August. During these months, the sun is up, the water is warm, and clean, glassy waves hit the shore with great power. Then, the only thing left for you is to decide which spot to surf at.
Surf Camps in Nicaragua
If you are a beginner or new to surfing, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Nicaragua is at a surf camp. In detail, these are the most recommended ones:
1. Miramar Surf Camp– The camp offers surf packages for surfers at all skill levels.
For more info about surf camps in Nicaragua, please click here.
2. Costa Dulce Retreat, San Juan del Sur– Costa Dulce is located on a private beach at Playa Escameca Grande. The camp offers a surf & yoga program led by professional guides who are really stoked to do what they love and pass that love on to the guests.
For more info about surf camps around San Juan del Sur, please click here.
3. Popoyo Surfcamp– Popoyo Surfcamp operates personalized surf packages for surfers from all over the world. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, the camp will set you up with exactly what you want.
For more details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Nicaragua
When coming to surf in Nicaragua, you want to stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best surf spots. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. The Barrel Hostel, Popoyo–The Barrel Hostel has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge, and a private beach area in Popoyo. Boasting luggage storage space, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi.
2. Villa Tortuga, Playa Maderas– Villa Tortuga is located right on the beach and boasts a small outdoor swimming pool and lush gardens. Guests enjoy excellent ocean views.
3. Zen Casita, Playa Colorado– Situated in Tola, within 250 m of Playa Colorado and less than 1 km of Playa Amarillo, Zen Casita offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant, and a bar. This property offers a private pool and free private parking.
For more surf hotels in Nicaragua, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Nicaragua, or search for the best deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Nicaragua
There are plenty of excellent surf spots in Nicaragua, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like San Juan del Sur. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like Playa Maderas and Panga Drops. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride epic barrels at Popoyo and Santana.
Which Town in Nicaragua is Best to Stay At
There are so many good surf beaches in Nicaragua that sometimes it can be hard to choose where to stay. On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere, these are some of the most recommended locations to stay:
1. Popoyo– This is the number one surf spot in Nicaragua, so the town is very surf-oriented. While advanced surfers can ride barrels on the main reef, beginners can practice at Baginners Bay.
2. Playa Maderas– The beach is surrounded by stunning nature, and the waves suit all skill levels. It is also a fantastic place to meet people from all over the world.
3. San Juan del Sur– For beginners looking for surf lessons, this is a perfect beach to practice.
4. Playa Colorado– This is a great spot to spend a week or two, primarily for advanced surfers.
Nicaragua- Travel Information
Language- Spanish.
Currency- Nicaraguan Cordoba.
Population– about 6.5 million.
Calling code- +505.
Time zone- GMT -6.
Pros- consistent waves, offshore winds, not crowded, warm water, low prices.
Cons- none.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Nicaragua means clean waves, offshore winds, empty lineups, and super cheap travel. Other than what is mentioned here, there are many undiscovered surf spots that wait for you to explore on your own. Furthermore, you can continue your journey up north to surf in El Salvador, which has some epic waves, or even make it all the way to Mexico.
We hope this guide helped you on your search for the best surf spots in Nicaragua. Have a great surf trip!
