Warm water, uncrowded line ups, consistent offshore winds and your pick of beach, reef and point breaks… That’s surfing in Nicaragua. With over 300+ days of offshore winds, you have your choice of beautiful windswept hollow drainers or long ripple reef breaks all… day.. long.
In my 6 months in Nicaragua, I had the chance to get to know some amazing people, eat delicious food and of course surf some beautiful waves – all on a budget. There is certainly no shortage of spots to choose from regardless of skill level, you can easily surf a different peak each day of your trip.
To help you find the perfect peak, here is a break down of some of my favorite waves, and a few insights so you can stress less and surf more.
This is by no means a complete list of ALL of the surf spots in Nicaragua. These spots are all within striking distance if you are staying in Southern Nicaragua.
Note: 1 year ago (April 2018) Nicaragua experienced civil unrest when protests against the government started. The US and other countries have issued travel advisories which led to a decrease in tourism. At its peak the issues were isolated to the main cities, leaving empty line ups and the beach towns quieter than normal. The situation has improved greatly but the travel advisory remains. I would advise you to contact local resort owners for the most up to date status and help planning your trip.
Playa Santana
Photo @stonedonvida
Playa Santana (also known as Playa Jiquiliste) is a sweet little beach break located in Limon 2. Like most beach breaks, you’ll find rights, lefts and a fast little wedge that breaks left off the rocks on the south side (pictured above). It is walking distance from The Surf Sanctuary which makes daily sessions easy.
Know before you go: This is the home break to a lot of local shredders, show respect and pay attention to the line up before you go out. There are enough peaks spread out to find one that is not too crowded.
Access: Car, walk
Break: Beach break
Whats below: Sand mostly with some scattered rocks
Playa Rosada
Photo @stonedonvida
Playa Rosada is a consistent, fast down the line left-hand reef break that creates a canvas for turns and a few barrel sections. Best at low tide, the take-off point is in front of some dry reef (you’ll be tempted to surf it a high tide… don’t… the tide covers the reef making finding the take-off point harder and more dangerous.
Know before you go: Best to surf at low to mid tide. Paddle out from the center of the bay.
Access: Rancho Santana guests, walk around the cliff from Playa Santana (not accessible at high tide)
Break: Reef point break
Whats below: Shallow reef & urchins. Don’t put your feet down.
Playa Popoyo
photo @stonedonvida
Popoyo, if you have heard of one break in Nicaragua this is likely it. There are actually 3-4 breaks within the park, the main break (pictured above) and outer reef the most famous. The main break at Popoyo is a fun ripple A-Frame over a shelf rock reef. You can surf virtually any type of board from Logs to high-performance shortboards depending on the tide.
With larger swells, you can find a barrel or two. More frequently you’ll be treated to a big open face to carve and throw buckets out the back.
Know before you go: Entry can be tricky, be aware of the current pulling North (best to watch a few people go out if you are new).
Access: Car is easiest ($3 park entry for each surfer in the car), boat or walk in from the South or Northside
Break: Reef break
What’s Below: Rock Shelf
Magnificent Rock aka “Beginners Bay”
Photo @stonedonvida
Located on the south side of Popoyo, this rock shelf rock formation is where you will find most beginners and longboarders. The fat crumbly wave wraps around the rock and peels left into the bay for a sweet cruisy ride.
Know before you go: Beginners bay works best on lower tides giving the wave more power. There are 2 main breaks: A crumbly left off Mag rock and soft deeper log wave towards the middle of the bay.
Access: Car or walk-in
Break: Rock reef point / beach break
What’s below: Rock shelf, some sandy points towards the center of the bay
Playa Colorados
Photo @stonedonvida
Barrels, barrels, barrels. Playa Colorados is a fast hollow beach break that can deliver the best barrel of your life or it can send you to the beach with your board in two pieces. The secret is out on this spot and if you truly want to score it you should stay in Hacienda Iguana. Like any beach break it can be fickle but the days it’s on will deliver.
Know before you go: Playa Colorados is a private beach accessed through Hacienda Iguana or boat. When it’s on you are as likely to get the best barrel of your life as you are to swim back to the beach with a snapped board (bring an extra or two).
Access: Stay in Hacienda Iguana, boat, or a long walk from Santana
Break: Beach break
What’s Below: Sandy bottom
Lances Left
Photo @stonedonvida
Suited for all skill levels Lances left is a long left-hand point break. Its easily accessed by boat from Playa Astiellero. The wave is slopey with some steep fast sections. Because of this, you can ride a variety of boards from a longboard down to a shortboard depending on the swell and tide.
Know before you go: The wave churns over a shallow reef which tends to have a lot of power under the wave, it’s best to kick out or kick your board out above the white water if you crash. I have broken 2 leashes here when my board got away from me and the wave took hold of it.
Access: Boat
Break: Point Break
What’s Below: Reef
Playgrounds
Photo @stonedonvida
As the given name implies, this wave is a surfers playground. Fun and rippable you have the choice of a longer left or shorter faster right. Think Lowers in Nicaragua. The wave is consistent from the cobblestone reef below. Although a longer boat ride, playgrounds is usually less crowded than Lances Left.
Know before you go: The rocks are covered in barnacles, watch out for hidden urchins. If you put your feet down expect it an attack from the reef kitties.
Access: Boat
Break: Rock reef break
What’s Below: Cobblestone reef
There you have it! Some of my favorite spots to surf in Southern Nicaragua. Are you planning a trip or know someone who is going to Nicaragua? Share the knowledge & stoke with a fellow surfer!
Questions, comments or recommendations? Leave a comment below!
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