Where to Surf in Nicaragua? (Popoyo, El Tránsito...): Seasons and Spots Guide

My decision to settle in Nicaragua was partly driven by my passion for surfing, and luckily, the country is a top destination for the sport! Welcome to Nicaragua, land of sun and offshore winds! The coastline is perfectly positioned to catch the swells of the South Pacific, and the wind is truly in our favor. It's a world-class destination if you know where to look!

For those seeking powerful, hollow waves, the rainy season (April to November) is the ideal time. This is when the swells are big, with more consistent and challenging waves. If you're a beginner or prefer smaller waves and all-day sunshine, the dry season (December to March) is perfect.

A note on the wind: the famous offshore wind (blowing from the land towards the ocean) is generally more reliable in the south of the country (San Juan del Sur and Tola region) thanks to the thermal effect created by the large inland lakes. This is why we have such frequent "clean" sessions.

To the North towards the spots of "The Boom" and "Aposentillo", the wind tends to turn around 11:00 - 12:00.

The Pacific coast: the spots, from south to north

Here's a guide to the country's surf spots, outlining the skill level and atmosphere you'll find at each, based on my experience. Of course, I can't reveal the many hidden gems and secret spots out of respect for the locals. But with this list, you should have a good foundation for planning your surf trip, and if not, feel free to contact me for more details about the destination.

1. The Southern Region (San Juan del Sur): The most famous spots in Nicaragua

This region is the most touristy and the easiest to access. It's ideal for starting out.

• Playa Hermosa: Perfect for beginners. It's a gentle beach break that works well at mid-tide. It's a really safe spot, but it inevitably attracts a lot of people around the surf schools.

  
  

• Playa Maderas: For beginners, intermediate, and expert surfers. This is one of the most popular spots near San Juan. The beach break is consistent and produces some really fun peaks. It works best at high or rising tide, but expect large crowds, especially in the morning. A very nice right-hander!

  
  

2. The Tola (Popoyo) Region: the trendy destination

This is where you'll find the most renowned waves in the country. The technical level is higher.

• Popoyo Main Break: For intermediate and advanced surfers. This is a world-class reef break. Perfect wave, but often crowded with excellent surfers, both locals and visitors. It's best surfed at high or incoming tide to avoid the reef. For beginners, "Beginners Bay" is a more sheltered area, but be careful of rocks at low tide and also be aware of the crowds.

• Tip: if you surf between 12:00 and 14:00 (lunch time + peak sun) there are often fewer people in the water.

  Accommodation recommendations: Tukasa Surf House Cafe Con Leche

• Playa Colorado: For advanced surfers (very technical). A hollow, powerful beach break known for its fast barrels. It works best at low or high tide. It's very crowded and the skill level is high. Note that access is private (community system); you must reserve a table at a restaurant/hotel to enter.

  
  

• Playa Santana: For intermediate and advanced surfers. A powerful beach break offering good sections for maneuvers. It's best to surf at high tide. It's moderately to heavily crowded. It's also a private community with a reservation system.

3. The Wild North (From El Tránsito to Mechapa): My favorite beaches

For me, this is the region of less crowded spots and more authentic experiences. There's so much to explore and surf in this part of the country!

• El Tránsito (My Village): Suitable for all levels. Our beach break and reef work at almost every tide. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed session with few crowds. It's a fishing village with an old-fashioned atmosphere; the locals are quite welcoming in the water, unlike the localism found in Popoyo.

  Accommodation recommendation: Sunslice Surf House Camping Ojo De Agua

Read my full article about the village: My favorite place in Nicaragua

If you visit us, come and enjoy a cocktail in our bar: Niños Del Mar

• Puerto Sandino: For advanced surfers. This is simply the longest left-hand wave in the country, a world-renowned point break. It requires experience and is only accessible by boat. It works from low tide to high tide.

Accommodation recommendations: Miramar Surf Camp

→ Discover the wave in video

• Salinas Grandes: I've been there about ten times, and nine times I was lucky enough to surf alone! A huge, unspoiled beach that reminds me of the Landes region of France, and it works at all tides. You really have to go to Salinas during small swells and when there's no wind because the coast is very exposed.

  
  

Accommodation recommendation: Somar Surf Lodge

• The Boom (Playa Aposentillo): For advanced and expert surfers. This is the legendary shore break of the North. The wave is fast and hollow, breaking very close to the sand with big barrels. You have to go early in the morning and at high tide. The level is very technical, but the crowd is small to moderate.

Accommodation recommendation: The Badaboom Hostel

Nicaragua is a true surfing paradise. Whether you're looking for the big barrel or simply want to improve your skills, you're sure to find your place here. See you in the water!