Surfing is a massive sport in Nicaragua thanks to the fact that there are strong offshore winds over 80% of the year. The beauty of Nicaragua is that it is still somewhat of a hidden gem compared to many places in Mexico where Americans go to surf.
If you’re looking to prioritize some solid surfing this summer, you’re in the right place. From surfing destinations to tourist entertainment, we’ll cover it in this small surf trip to Nicaragua travel guide.
When To Surf
With over 150 miles of gorgeous shorelines, Nicaragua truly provides the best of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking to catch the biggest waves while you’re there, we recommend going anytime from March to November, as this is when the Pacific swells are strongest.
If you do decide to go later in the year during October or November, you may run into a bit of rain. Crowds do tend to be smaller during these times. So if you’re on the hunt for a solo journey, fall might be your best bet.
For those who can only go during winter (December-February), you should expect small waves. Even with that said, there’s no reason you can’t spend some time shredding it up on your little Beater board.
Where To Surf
Panga Drops offers some of the best A-frames along the coast and has solid waves almost all-year-round. Just next to Playa Colorado, you can expect some shifty peaks coming from the left and right. The waves here are fairly spread out too, meaning you and your crew will have tons of room to catch some waves simultaneously.
If you’re looking for a classic, hollow break with some serious energy, Playa Colorado is the spot. If you have the ability, you can catch some of the best barrels here that you’ve ever seen. To utilize this beach, you must either stay at Hacienda Iguana or get there by boat, as it is located on private property. It can get crowded here at times so make sure to keep your eye on the waves so you can score some alone time.
Popoyo is the wave that gave Nicaragua its surf cred. With gorgeous lefts and rights, this mighty reef break provides huge walls and picturesque barrels when the tides are lower. Thanks to the geography, this spot takes some of the smallest swells and turns them into double-overheads. Do keep in mind that this is one of the more popular Nicaraguan spots, so you’ll need to be considerate of the locals who have it on lock.
Getting Around
You’ll likely fly into Managua when you get there and you’ll have to be shuttled or taxied to your hotel. The best shores are a little over 2 hours away from the airport, so be prepared to trek a bit. If you decide to stay with a surf camp, such as the Miramar Surf Camp, they will figure out the shuttle situation for you. If you’re not staying with a surf camp, we recommend checking out some of the busses and taxi vans. These modes of transportation are pretty wallet-friendly too, perfect for those traveling on a budget!
Best Places To Stay
If you decide not to stay with a surf camp, here are some cool places to check out:
Low-key and budget-friendly is the game when it comes to Selina Maderas. It’s somewhat of a boutique hotel that is 100% surf-friendly and excellent for situating yourself right on the shores. Whether you’re looking to spend under $100 for your stay, or you just want to immerse yourself with the locals a bit more, Selina Maderas is an excellent choice!
Aurea is situated right next to Hacienda Iguana Tola, which sits a few steps from Nicaragua’s best breaks in the country. This eco-conscious hotel has a natural, open vibe that is great for couples and large groups alike. You can even try your hand at some of the hotel’s activities such as horseback riding or golf.
Big Ballers – Two Brothers Surf Camp
This private villa located next to Popoyo offers over 32 acres of private land for you to explore and relax on. It’s easily one of the safest spots on the island and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean. Even at the top of the list in terms of cost, it’s still fairly inexpensive in the big scheme of things.
Conclusion
When it comes down to spending time and money on a good surf trip, Nicaragua is a destination that you can’t pass up. With great surf all-year round, excellent food and hotels, wonderful locals, and tons of other adventurous activities, it’s a no-brainer.