Nicaragua has become a surfing Eldorado. The Pacific coast is large and diverse. From north to south, from the Gulf of Fonseca (on the Honduras border) with the Cosigüina volcano to the south (on the Costa Rica border), the beaches are one after the other. Don’t expect to see any tourist resorts or other concrete bars on the coast – there aren’t any! Instead, you’ll come across many small fishing villages and isolated stretches of beach. It’s almost impossible to find yourself in the middle of a herd of surfers on the line-ups. Exploring the more secluded beaches ensures solo surfing in superb conditions. Welcome to Nicaragua’s Pacific coast !
The best surf spots in Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur
In recent years, this former fishing village has become a surfing mecca. Yet its surfing beach isn’t incredible. It’s the location that counts! Just a stone’s throw from the region’s most famous surf spots, San Juan del Sur is the perfect base camp for your first surf sessions in Nicaragua.
Playa Maderas is the most popular spot. To the south are the beaches of El Remanso and Hermosa. El Remanso is an ideal beach break for beginners and intermediates. Hermosa, too, offers waves for more experienced surfers.
Popoyo beach
A little less easy to get to, the famous and renowned Popoyo wave(s) await you. Nicaragua’s 3 best surf spots are here! Colorado, Santana and Popoyo. The region is very wild and isolated. Passing through Rivas, the first few kilometers of trails will give you that feeling of adventure. Of course, there are villages and small stores, but few grocery stores. Hotels and restaurants have sprung up along the coast, most with incredible views and locations. Popoyo is a legend. A year-round reef break. You’ll come across plenty of surfers and wave lovers. Chill, surf and sun.
Surfing in León and the north
Where to surf near Managua?
These are the spots and beaches closest to Managua. But they’re far from being the most popular. The waves in the south are well known, those in the north much less so. There are some really nice waves here, mainly beach breaks on the left or right, as you prefer. North of the Montélimar resort, Gran Pacifica and Pochomil (where you’ll find the San Diego wave, for those who love it) lies the delightful village of El Tránsito. Mandatory stopover! Year-round waves for all levels.
Miramar
Miramar is just up the road and also offers some really good, quality waves. From here, it’s easy to take a lancha to the legendary spot and left of Puerto Sandino.
Las Peñitas
On the road to León is the beach of Salinas Grandes, where you don’t need to stop. Then there are the beaches of Las Peñitas and Poneloya, 20 minutes from downtown León. Let’s re-establish or correct the comments and recommendations on these spots: nice beaches indeed, but capricious beach breaks, strong side currents and all too rare good sessions. Further north, not far from Chinandega, there are some beautiful, remote and unpopulated beaches offering multiple surf spots and the almost certainty of being alone in the water. You’ll have the chance to hear the « Boom » rumbling, one of the country’s most beautiful barrels.
Plan your surfing trip to Nicaragua!
