Best Places to Surf in Nicaragua + Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts
Planning a sustainable surf trip to Central America? Discover 5 of the best places to surf in Nicaragua and eco-friendly surf resorts that are keeping their environmental footprint to a minimum.
While it’s not as popular as its southern neighbour, Costa Rica, Nicaragua is fast becoming one of Central America’s best surf destinations.
Its breaks are refreshingly uncrowded, providing a much more laid-back experience compared to the packed lineups found in places like Tamarindo or Santa Teresa. Add to that majestic volcanoes and captivating colonial towns and you have an incredible surf trip in the making.
The allure of Nicaragua’s surf scene lies in the exceptional quality of its waves. In short, they benefit from a unique combination of almost constant offshore winds (generated by the waters of Lake Managua) and reliable southwest swell systems.
This creates world-class surfing conditions and Nicaragua has become a standout surf destination in Latin America.
In recent years, Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline has seen a surge in high-quality surf camps, resorts and hostels, catering to the growing influx of wave-hungry travellers.
Many of these are putting a high priority on sustainable practices. This is not only to appeal to eco-conscious surfers but to protect the spectacular natural environments they call “home”.
In this article, we’ll highlight 5 of the best places to surf in Nicaragua and eco-friendly surf resorts to help you plan a sustainable stay.
Looking for more inspiring surf destinations in Latin America? Check out our surf guides to El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.
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Best places to surf in Nicaragua
The surf scene in Nicaragua is centred around the country’s southwestern coastline. Specifically, it’s a stretch of shore that runs from the Costa Rican border past the lively town of San Juan del Sur.
Including Playa Maderas, this region is renowned for its diverse array of waves. They cater to surfers of all skill levels, including beginners
Further up the Nicaraguan coast, the Popoyo region is where the big-wave enthusiasts flock. Those seeking remote breaks, seldom-crowded lineups and hollow barrels venture to Playgrounds.
Puerto Sandino (between Managua and Leon) lies even further north en route to the Honduran border. It’s a logical stop for those travelling overland through Central America.
The following list includes five of the best surf spots in Nicaragua, from south to north.
San Juan del Sur
Best place to surf in Nicaragua for digital nomads
While San Juan del Sur has garnered a reputation for being the main surf town in Nicaragua, it doesn’t actually have a surf break on its doorstep.
That being said, it lies at the heart of around 100 kilometres of prime surfing real estate. As a result, it provides easy access to a wealth of wave-riding opportunities in either direction.
Not only that, but it’s incredibly popular with the digital nomad crowd. So if you’re all about connecting, this is the place to be. In San Juan del Sur, you’ll also find trendy yoga studios and a lively party scene that appeals to some.
Head north and you’ll find yourself at Playa Maderas (read more on its waves below). Here, you’ll find a classic A-frame break that’s the stuff of intermediate-level dreams.
Venture south and you’ll encounter the beginner-friendly waves of Remanso, a mid-tide oasis that serves as the perfect training ground for aspiring wave-riders.
And these are just the tip of the iceberg. The coastline surrounding San Juan del Sur is dotted with countless other surf spots. In short, it will satisfy surfers of every skill level.
Eco-friendly surf resorts in San Juan del Sur
TreeCasa Hotel & Resort
Ideal for those travelling with kids who want a resort-like stay, TreeCasa is a place to bring your tribe and breathe easy. Take your pick from their family and canopy suites or enjoy room to move in the six-bedroom Garden House.
At this eco-friendly resort in San Juan del Sur, you can take advantage of the swimming pool and the daily yoga classes. Additionally, TreeCasa is a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, cementing its green status.
Dreamsea Surf Resort
While it might be a little way from the beach, this eco-friendly resort in San Juan del Sur makes up for it with its affordability. It’s a great place to learn to surf, with friendly instructions and sessions designed to complement your experience level.
Daily practices are held in the bamboo yoga shala and there’s a refreshing swimming pool. Plus, the restaurant serves lots of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Playa Maderas
Best place to surf in Nicaragua for intermediate surfers
Just 20 minutes’ drive north of San Juan del Sur takes you to this laid-back beach. It offers a refreshing vibe if you’re looking to escape the digital nomads and party vibe.
Playa Maderas’ high-quality A-frame offers both peeling rights and fun lefts, with the waves ideal for intermediate surfers. More experienced surfers usually head out when things get bigger on powerful southeast swells.
But the allure of Playa Maderas extends far beyond its surf. It’s the chilled-out atmosphere of the surrounding town that lures many to stay longer than they intended.
Hidden amidst the jungle-clad bay are a handful of surf-yoga retreats where you can relax in between sessions. In many ways, Playa Maderas offers a less developed alternative to San Juan del Sur. Although the word is truly out about how great it is!
Eco-friendly surf resorts in Playa Maderas
Buena Vista Surf Club
Featuring just a handful of thatched-roofed rooms, this intimate eco-lodge in Playa Maderas is surrounded by jungle. All just a short walk from the beach.
The Buena Vista Surf Club is an affordable option for a sustainable surf vacation in Nicaragua, with delicious meals, yoga classes and massages all available at reasonable prices.
In between surfs, you can relax on the sprawling sundeck before feasting with friends in the communal dining area.
Hostel Clandestino Maderas
With its rave reviews, this highly-rated surf hostel in Playa Maderas features duplex villas and dorms with kitchens. It’s ideal for those who want to self-cater during their stay.
Guests always comment on the homely atmosphere and the incredible staff, as well as the peaceful setting surrounded by jungle. The onsite skate bowl and yoga deck are added bonuses!
Popoyo
Best place to surf in Nicaragua for advanced surfers
Popoyo is undoubtedly one of the best places to surf in Nicaragua, home to one of the country’s most consistent waves. It generally works on all tides and at all sizes, with the conditions best suited to surfers with some experience.
Added to that, Popoyo exudes a laid-back charm with its beachfront bars and palapas, from where you can watch all the action. In recent years, it’s also become home to an inspiring choice of eco-friendly stays.
Within the immediate vicinity of Popoyo, surfers can choose from around five or six distinct breaks. But the primary focus is usually the classic A-frame wave that unfurls at the main beach.
In addition to barrelling right-hand walls, there are powerful left-handers that break just offshore.
For big-wave enthusiasts, the aptly named Outer Reef offers XXL conditions suitable only for the most experienced chargers. Another highlight is Stoney’s, a classic point break with long, winding left-hand walls.
Eco-friendly surf resorts in Popoyo
Malibu Popoyo
This boutique surf resort in Popoyo offers all-inclusive experiences with sustainability at the forefront of any stay.
Aside from the stylishly decorated rooms, there’s a cantina serving healthy food and daily yoga classes to complement your surf sessions. Organic produce for the restaurant is grown at the neighbouring farm, La Quinta.
Hide and Seek Resort
This eco-friendly Nicaraguan surf resort radiates a calming vibe with its whitewashed aesthetic and wooden accents. It’s surrounded by tropical vegetation just steps from the beach and has been designed with sustainability in mind.
Aside from its spacious rooms, there’s an onsite spa and a restaurant serving gourmet fare.
Playgrounds
Best place to surf in Nicaragua for uncrowded waves
Just south of El Mogote Nature Reserve lies an undiscovered surfing paradise known as Playgrounds. This remote and largely uncharted stretch of Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline has become a mecca for adventurous wave riders seeking an off-the-beaten-path surfing experience.
Due to the remote, jungle-fringed location, most surfers access Playgrounds by boat. That being said, there is one surf resort in the area.
Boasting something like 10-12 individual surf spots, Playgrounds offers an incredible variety of wave quality and conditions to explore.
The standout features are the hollow, powerful waves of Playground Left and Right – expect barrelling sections and rippable faces.
Also of note is Chococente – a more sectional, punchier wave that provides an adrenaline-fuelled tube-riding experience.
Eco-friendly surf resorts in Playgrounds
Playgrounds Surf Camp
Set amidst the isolation of Chacocente Wildlife Refuge is Playgrounds Surf Camp. It provides surfers with unparalleled access to the area’s diverse array of breaks.
Playgrounds is the only land-based resort in the area and is all-inclusive, with a maximum of 11 guests staying at any one time.
The resort’s 4×4 buggies and pangas will shuttle you to the waves while the restaurant serves up hearty meals to keep you fuelled up.
Puerto Sandino
Best place to surf in Nicaragua’s north
Far from the famous waves of San Juan del Sur and Playa Maderas, this remote coastal town sits at the mouth of a river in the Nicaraguan department of Leon.
It was originally established as a petrochemical port. As a result, it has a gritty, industrial vibe to it (that isn’t for everyone).
But that doesn’t detract from its incredible waves. The lineups here are far less busy than those further south and there are some great surf resorts in the area.
In recent years, Puerto Sandino has started to gain attention among intermediate and advanced surfers seeking out uncrowded Central American surf destinations. It delivers an epic sandbank wave – one that can hold serious size and offers what is perhaps the longest ride in the country.
The surrounding stretches of black sand beaches are dotted with multiple surf breaks that cater to intermediate and advanced surfers. That being said, we wouldn’t say Puerto Sandino is ideal for beginners.
Eco-friendly places to stay in Puerto Sandino
Miramar Surf Camp
With its stunning beachfront setting, this eco-friendly resort in Puerto Sandino is striving to become more sustainable every day. In addition to solar power and a water filtration system, it’s growing a lot of its own produce on-site.
Aside from the beautifully designed rooms, there’s a wave right out front. Oh, and the meals are plentiful for surfer appetites.
Sirena Surf Lodge
With just six beachfront rooms, this intimate surf resort near Puerto Sandino is a standout.
Aside from offering easy access to the surf, there’s an onsite restaurant serving delicious meals and a billiards table where you can socialise with other guests. Bicycles can also be rented for getting around the area.
Best time to surf in Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s best surf conditions can usually be found between April and November, coinciding with the country’s wet season. The swell reaches its peak intensity during July and August, with a combination of moderate southwesterly to westerly offshore winds blowing in from the Caribbean.
As this coincides with the summer vacation period in North America and Europe, it’s also one of the busiest times to surf in Nicaragua.
As autumn arrives, the surf scene shifts somewhat, with the region collecting more southerly swells that tend to bypass the Californian coast further north. While the swell remains good, the winds maintain a consistently offshore pattern. The crowds usually thin out as the kids return to school.
Winter brings a change in conditions, as the winds transition to a stronger side-shore pattern. This can at times trigger upwelling and a corresponding drop in water temperatures.
As spring arrives, the early-season south swells begin to make their way into the beach breaks and reef breaks of the region. However, the winds can still be quite gusty.
By early to mid-March, the winds start to calm and the swell picks up, signalling the return of prime surfing conditions.
FAQs about surfing in Nicaragua
Does Nicaragua have good surf?
Simply put, yes – Nicaragua has good surf, with a lot of the breaks concentrated on the southwestern coastline.
Consistent southwest swells, which originate far out in the Pacific, bring a steady supply of wave energy. At the same time, the prevailing offshore winds groom the waves into long, peeling walls.
In recent years, Nicaragua has firmly cemented its place on the global surfing map as a must-visit location in Central America.
While there’s a huge diversity of waves, from reef to beach and point breaks, it perhaps doesn’t offer world-class waves like Pavones in Costa Rica or Punta Roca in El Salvador.
When is the best time of year to surf in Nicaragua?
The best time to surf in Nicaragua is usually from April to November, which aligns with the rainy months. The biggest swells come in July and August, thanks to the offshore winds that blow in from the Caribbean.
This period also aligns with the summer breaks in North America and Europe, making it the busiest time for surfing in Nicaragua.
As autumn approaches, the surf scene shifts with more southerly swells. The waves are still good and the offshore winds usually remain consistent. At the same time, the crowds are thinning out as summer vacationers head home.
In winter, you can expect stronger side-shore winds and cool water upwellings. Spring brings some early south swells to the beach and reef breaks, although the winds can be a bit gusty until mid-March.
Is the surf crowded in Nicaragua?
Generally speaking, Nicaragua doesn’t experience the crowds of its more famous neighbour, Costa Rica. But it is still well and truly discovered.
The most popular stretch of coastline is around San Juan del Sur, where you’ll find lots of accommodation and waves to suit all abilities. That being said, the sheer number of breaks means that everyone tends to spread out.
The further north you go, the thinner the crowds become. But there’s the added challenge of accessing remote beaches and limited accommodation options.
Where is the best place for beginner surfers in Nicaragua?
Aside from being a great place for experienced surfers, Nicaragua has some excellent beginner-friendly breaks.
If you’re heading to Popoyo, consider practicing your skills at the northern end of Playa Santana or hone your pop-ups at aptly named Beginner Bay.
In northern Nicaragua, most surf schools take newbies to Aposentillo. Meanwhile, those in San Juan Ddel Sur head to Remanso. Adjacent to the relaxed surf town of Playa Gigantes is Amarilla, another one of the best surf spots in Nicaragua for beginners.
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