With 300+ days a year of off-shore winds, fewer crowds than its neighbor to the south (Costa Rica), and consistent waves year-round, Nicaragua should be high on your list of surf trip destinations.
In this guide to surfing Nicaragua, we’ll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know to plan your trip—from the best waves and luxury accommodations to culinary highlights, local experiences, and insider tips on when to visit.
We’ll walk you through the best seasons to visit and what you can expect so you can plan your trip at the perfect time. Whether you’re envisioning days filled with uncrowded point breaks or relaxing with a handcrafted cocktail after an epic session, Nicaragua delivers on every front.
With an incredible stretch of coastline exposed to year-round surf, Nicaragua is a haven for surfers. And with its luxurious yet low-key charm, it’s the perfect destination to unwind in style while scoring waves you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.
There’s a lot to look forward to when visiting Nicaragua—among the list are the consistent off-shore winds, typical water temps around 80 degrees plus, average surf being shoulder high to overhead, and fairly uncrowded or potentially empty breaks. Whether you’re looking to learn to surf or searching for those perfect Nica barrels, Nicaragua doesn’t disappoint.
If you’re interested in checking out Nicaragua’s southern neighbor, check out this Guide to Surfing Costa Rica.
Want to have the best surf trip to Nicaragua?
We specialize in bespoke luxury surf trips to Nicaragua, tailored to your surf level and preferences. Enjoy an expertly-planned surf vacation with insider surf intel, the best local surf coaches, stunning villas, talented private chefs, surf photography, and more. We’ve vetted and curated the crème de la crème in Nicaragua and bring everything together to create dream surf getaways. Learn more.
SURFING NICARAGUA
Nicaragua has more than 250 km of coastline on the Pacific Ocean. There are two main seasons: the green or wet season (which is also the low season) and the dry or hot season (which is the high season). The green season is from about mid-May through mid-November, which is the time frame when the Pacific coast gets hit with the biggest swells and most consistent surf. It goes without saying that this is a great time to consider surfing Nicaragua.
Seasons & Swells
When it rains in southern Nicaragua it’s often light and sporadic which tends to pass through fairly quickly, and sometimes it only rains overnight (which is always welcome). September and October are the peaks of the wet season with the heaviest rain which can result in all-day downpours at times. However, during these months everything is incredibly lush and green, there are fewer people, and while the surf is smaller you can still score glassy head-high perfection with little to no competition. Not a bad idea if you ask me.
January and February experience the strongest winds and upwelling which causes the water to be colder than normal. The waves tend to be the smallest this time of year as well which is an ideal time for the beginning surfer. Wish I could have learned to surf in tame, clean, friendly, and uncrowded Nicaragua, as opposed to nasty, junky, jumbled, cold, and aggro Huntington Beach. Haha. Oh, the memories. Ok, HB isn’t all that bad, but Nicaragua would have been much more AWESOME! Anyway, I digress.
April typically has good waves, minimal crowds, and the water temp is back to its warm 80-degree self. However, be sure to plan your trip around Semana Santa, aka, the Holy Week. This is the week that leads up to Easter (Thurs-Sun) and should be avoided if you’re looking for uncrowded beaches and lineups. Thousands of Nicaraguans take this week off and flock to the beaches for vacation which is sure to increase the crowd factor.
April through September is prime time for seasoned surfers. This period, known as the green season, sees fewer crowds and a vibrant, tropical landscape. Most importantly, consistent south swells are in full swing, delivering overhead waves that range from excellent to truly epic.
Late November is the start of the dry season which runs through April and can be a great time for any surfers looking for some milder surf and clean conditions. The dry season tends to be the high season in tropical destinations like Central America because most people want to avoid the chances of getting rained out on their hopefully sun-shiny vacation.
Surf Breaks in Nicaragua
Here’s a breakdown of a few of the most well-known breaks in Nicaragua. And check out our guide about the surf in Costa Rica if you’re thinking about exploring some breaks down south.
Playa Colorado is a punchy, often hollow beach break with many faces. Found in the southern Pacific region. It ranges from shoulder-high tame and rippable to hollow double overhead stand up barrels. Colorado’s is a pretty heavy break when it’s on so be prepared to get slammed and be sure to bring an extra board (or two).
Panga Drops is just about a 15-minute walk up the beach from Colorado’s and is similar in power and shape offering some picturesque. This break is a favorite among those seeking a more spacious lineup and a chance to score bigger waves in a stunning, uncrowded setting.
Playgrounds, well, is exactly that, a playground for surfers. Offering rights and lefts it’s a super fun rippable wave breaking over a cobblestone ocean seafloor. Watch out for urchins. If you’re surfing Playgrounds though, you most likely got there by boat. It’s not commonly accessed by the beach as there is not much around. But you may stumble upon some local expat rippers who live nearby and can access by land.
Popoyo is one of the most well-known spots in Nicaragua. Some have compared it to Lower Trestles, but it’s a better left than it is a right and is a rocky reef bottom as opposed to cobblestone. Either way, it is an epic wave that will let you lay down your nastiest carves and if there is enough size and swell, you can count on snagging some incredible barrels too.
Playa Santana is a long beach with a few spread-out peaks. The main break is a left-hand wedge off to the far left of the beach that dishes out some very throaty barrels. The beach breaks have a variety of fun peaks up and down this stretch of coast but can also close out from time to time. Playa Santana is a very popular beach among locals and they often hold surf contests there. You’ll definitely be among some local rippers, always respect the locals wherever your travels take you.
Playa Maderas is one of the most popular breaks near the San Juan Del Sur area. Maderas is predominately a beach break and usually has something to offer any time of year. It’s an all-around great wave that is very rippable.
Manzanillo is a dream. One of the better waves when it’s working and a favorite of many due to its beauty. It’s a rather fickle break that needs a certain swell direction to work. Loved by all, Manzanillo is a left-hand point break, that peels off along a beautiful picturesque cliff background. There are some barrel sections to be had and wide-open faces to be hacked. Most commonly accessed by boat, this spot is a must when surfing Nicaragua.
Boat Trips
A boat trip (or three) is an essential part of any Nicaraguan surf adventure, so be sure to fit some in. There are so many great breaks to explore and depending on the swell and your luck you may want to stop to check a few before getting on it – a boat is the best way to do this. Also, anytime you go on a boat trip, you gain the added benefit of tapping into the captain’s local wave knowledge, which is always a good thing.
Half-day and full-day trips are available depending on how much time you want to spend on the water. Depending on where you stay, you may even have access to exclusive charters that offer a more personalized experience, with options for refreshments, shaded seating, and top-tier service to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Nicaragua Weather
Nicaragua enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to April and offers sunny skies, warm days, and consistent offshore winds. This is the high season for visitors, with mild surf and ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
The wet season, from May to October, brings hot, humid weather with refreshing rains that rejuvenate the lush landscapes. Rain storms can often be light and brief, often occurring overnight or in the late afternoon. September and October see heavier rains, but these months also offer stunning green scenery, fewer crowds, and glassy waves for surfers.
AIR TEMPERATURES
- 70°F – 91°F
- 21°C – 33°C
OCEAN TEMPERATURES
- 80°F – 84°F
- 27°C – 29°C
The ocean stays warm year-round but can occasionally dip slightly cooler, with February being the coldest month.
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Where to Stay
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Nicaragua offers a variety of exceptional options. From chic eco-resorts and stylish beachfront villas to boutique hotels with personalized service, there’s something for every traveler seeking comfort and quality. Whether you prefer a serene private villa steps from the sand or an upscale resort with plentiful amenities, you’ll find accommodations designed to elevate your experience and immerse you in the natural beauty of the coast.
For those traveling with a group or family, renting a private villa is an excellent option. You’ll enjoy beautiful surroundings with extra space and privacy, often at a similar price to a boutique hotel. Nicaragua has some stunning surf villas on offer, perfect for creating unforgettable surf adventures with your closest crew.
It’s important to note that certain times of the year, particularly the Christmas and New Year holidays, can be booked very quickly. To ensure you have the best selection and availability, we highly recommend booking as early as possible. Keep in mind that peak holiday seasons often come with a 30% – 80% increase in pricing.
We specialize in bespoke luxury surf trips to Nicaragua, tailored to your surf level and preferences. Enjoy an amazing surf vacation with insider surf intel, the best local surf coaches, stunning oceanfront villas, talented private chefs, surf photography, and more. We’ve vetted and curated the crème de la crème in Nicaragua and bring everything together to create dream surf getaways. Get in touch here to start planning your trip.
Below is just a sampling of the many beautiful properties we have available for your surf vacation in Nicaragua. We hand-pick properties based on design, amenities, and proximity to surf breaks.
Eat & Drink
The dining scene in Nicaragua has flourished in recent years, offering an impressive variety of options to suit every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood at a chic beachfront restaurant, wood-fired pizza, or handmade pasta, you’ll find a tempting mix of local and international cuisine.
Many of the best dining spots boast stunning ocean views, perfect for enjoying a meal with your toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand. Of course, if you’re staying at a luxury villa with a private chef, your culinary experience is elevated to a whole new level—custom menus, fresh ingredients, and personalized culinary experience to match your tastes.
Whether you’re digging into fresh-caught ceviche or savoring a chef-prepared dinner by candlelight, Nicaragua’s culinary experiences are as memorable as its waves.
Transportation
When flying into Nicaragua, you have two main options: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, the country’s capital, or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica.
From Managua, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Hacienda Iguana (home to Playa Colorado and Panga Drops) and the Popoyo area. If you fly into Liberia, expect a 4-hour journey, including the border crossing into Nicaragua.
With our trips, we take care of all your transportation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic ride in comfort.
Flying with surfboards? Check out our Guide to Surfboard Bag Fees to see how much different airlines charge to bring your boards.
Getting Around
When it comes to getting around, it all comes down to how much freedom and flexibility you want. Are you envisioning yourself cruising along the coast, checking out different breaks and local spots at your own pace? Or are you more into settling into one stunning location and letting someone else handle the logistics? Here’s a breakdown of your best options.
Private Transfers
For a seamless, stress-free journey, private transfers are an excellent way to go. Many luxury accommodations offer private airport pickups in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, making your arrival effortless from the moment you land. With door-to-door service, you can relax and enjoy the scenic drive to your destination in total comfort.
Rental Cars
For the ultimate freedom to explore at your leisure, renting a 4×4 is the way to go. While main roads are generally well-paved, many of Nicaragua’s most legendary beaches—like Playa Popoyo and Playa Colorado—require driving down rustic access roads that can get a bit rugged, especially after rain.
Having your own vehicle allows you to chase waves, discover hidden beaches, and visit charming local villages at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising to a scenic lookout for sunset or hopping between nearby surf breaks, the flexibility is unbeatable.
Motorcycles and ATVs
If you’re looking to explore the area around your stay, a motorbike or ATV is a fun and convenient way to get around. It’s especially popular in spots like Popoyo, where you’ll find plenty of winding back roads leading to dreamy viewpoints, quiet beaches, and tucked-away local haunts.
Boat Trips
For surfers looking to reach offshore breaks or remote beaches, boat trips are a must. Many boutique resorts and private villas offer personalized boat charters that will whisk you off to stunning, uncrowded waves. Whether you’re after epic reef breaks or a scenic day on the water, a boat trip is not only practical—it’s part of the adventure.
Things To Do (besides surfing)
Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a scenic ride through Nicaragua’s breathtaking landscapes. Trot along pristine beaches, wander through lush forests, or meander across rolling hills, soaking in the natural beauty at every turn.
Sportfishing
Set out on a guided fishing trip to explore Nicaragua’s abundant waters. Cast your line for tuna, mahi-mahi, and other local catches while enjoying the thrill of reeling in your own fresh catch.
The El Bosque Spa
Relax and rejuvenate at El Bosque Spa, nestled in a tranquil forest setting. Enjoy a variety of treatments and wellness offerings, as well as a beautiful yoga shala with daily classes to restore your body and mind. Reservations required.
Golf
Spend a relaxing day on the greens at two of Nicaragua’s standout golf courses. At Hacienda Iguana, play a scenic 9-hole course that winds through lush landscapes and offers gorgeous views of nearby beaches. For a more extensive challenge, head to Guacalito de la Isla, a world-class 18-hole course renowned for its breathtaking ocean vistas and impeccably maintained greens.
Catamaran Boat Trip
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruise up the coast and drop anchor at a pristine beach, where you can relax and enjoy the water. Snack on a spread of gourmet, homemade dishes, desserts, and endless drinks while you sail back to take in the sunset over lovely Gigante Bay.
Tennis & Pickleball
Enjoy some active fun with tennis and pickleball at two fantastic locations. At Hacienda Iguana, play a lively match on their outdoor pickleball court. Over at Rancho Santana, tennis and pickleball courts are exclusively available for guests, offering a private and serene setting for your games.
Day Trips
The coast may be your home base, but the surrounding region is brimming with wonders—from colorful colonial cities to dramatic volcanoes and serene crater lakes. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Nicaragua’s diverse beauty and culture.
Granada
Step into the colonial charm of Granada, one of Nicaragua’s most colorful cities. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and explore bustling markets teeming with local crafts and vibrant culture.
Masaya Volcano
Experience the raw power of nature at Masaya Volcano, where you can gaze into the glowing lava lake of this active volcano. A thrilling sight for adventurers and a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
Laguna de Apoyo
Escape to the tranquility of Laguna de Apoyo, a stunning crater lake surrounded by lush forests. Spend your day swimming in its clear waters, kayaking along the shoreline, or simply relaxing in the serene natural beauty.
Travel Insurance
While we’d all rather not think about getting injured, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.
That being the case, many hotels and surf properties actually require that you have approved travel insurance in case of a serious inquiry or trip cancellation, especially in the wake of COVID.
You know the deal—better safe than sorry. We recommend battleface or World Nomads Insurance. Both companies offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover heaps of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.
Get a battleface Insurance Quote >>
Get a World Nomads Insurance Quote >>
To sum it all up, surfing Nicaragua should probably be high on your priority list as it’s a pretty incredible surf trip destination and is definitely worth your time and money.
Be sure to check out our ultimate Surf Trip Packing List for a full breakdown of everything you might want to take on your trip.
Are there any protected spots that have less heavy waves during May-September? I see swell are consistent and big. My surfing is a bit rusty and I would like to start on 3 foot waves instead of big barreling monsters. Is this possible or all spots really exposed to big waves?
HiThomas, it can vary a bit from break to break with the swell directions and exposures but if it’s big it’s likely going to be pretty solid at most of the main go-to spots. And while you can certainly try to time your trip with conditions and seasons that are more likely to be in the 3 foot range, you just won’t know until you go. While May to September is the main south swell season that gets bigger, there are plenty of days and weeks where the swell isn’t pumping. So if you can do a last minute trip in the main season you can keep an eye on reports a couple of weeks out and plan accordingly, but the best options might not have last-minute availability.Try to get there between Nov and April if possible. Cheers
HI…just looking at heading to nicaragua for a surf trip. Have a question. We would be doing things on more of a budget. from my initial research it looks like you can’t surf playa colorado if you aren’t saying at the fancy iguana resort? its a private beach/wave?? and other waves are similar? you have to hire a boat? its a bit confusing. we’d love to just park up at a more budget option and be able to surf playa colorado when its on, other waves when its not. do you know the details of this? thanks
Hey, last I was there it wasn’t a private wave. Boats of surfers would come and go. Also, not sure your budget and everyone has different perspectives on what budget and fancy means to them but from my perspective there are reasonable budget-friendly options within Hacienda Iguana. Hope you find what you’re looking for! Cheers
Popoyo and San Juan del Sur are my 2 favorite places to surf in Nicaragua! Cheap, not so developed and great waves.
Hey, what a brilliant post! Thank you very much for all the great info.
Our pleasure! Cheers
I’m planning to stay in a Nicaragua surf camp next summer after I resign from my job. I want to start traveling the world, and Nicaragua is the travel destination on my list. I like that you said April is the best time to go surfing in the country because there few tourists and the beach has good waves. I’ll keep your tip in mind and not plan a trip during the Semana Santa so I can enjoy surfing without plenty of people. Thanks!
Hey Eric & Tara, found this post super helpful, thank you. I’m a beginner surfer (of 3 days…) and have the chance to go travelling for a while in the next month and would love to go to Nicaragua.
Would you recommend anywhere in Nica that would be good (bearing in mind we’re moving into low season) for me to keep learning? If not Nica, anywhere else in Central America that would be friendly to a newbie? Thanks!
Hi Flora, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know we’ve just recently launched a new booking service where we help our readers to find and book awesome places to stay on their surf trips at no cost to you! You can read more about it here: https://lushpalm.com/about-lush-palm-surf-club/ Yes, I’ll be happy to recommend some places in Nica and Central America. I wouldn’t worry about low season when you’re just learning to surf, there will be plenty of good waves to learn on. I’ll send you an email to discuss the details. Looking forward to connecting! Cheers, Eric
Thoughts on February for lower/middle level intermediate surfers?
Hi Rory, February could be a great time as the waves tend to be a bit smaller and tamer that time of year in Nicaragua. As opposed to during the peak season when south swells are pumping it can get quite large and hollow and pack a punch which wouldn’t be ideal for lower/middle level intermediate surfers.
Hope you have a great trip!
Hi guys, I’m planning to do a surf trip with some friends to Nica. Our principal concern is the safety. We read a lot of stuff on the web and we want to be sure if it’s already safe to travel to Nica
Hey there! Definitely understandable. We have been monitoring the situation from afar reading articles and trying to keep tabs on the latest. We haven’t personally been to Nicaragua since the crisis started, so we don’t have personal experience and obviously can’t ensure safety, but I’ll let you know what I’ve heard.
Since the crisis started, tourism has obviously gone downhill, so around 80% of small hotels have closed and unfortunately, many people have lost their jobs which is always a bad thing. I have heard that even throughout the worst times of the crisis the coastal surf areas remained pretty quiet and mellow because they are far enough away from the larger towns and cities with protests/road blocks/police presence, etc. BUT you have to travel through Managua if you fly into Nica, or alternatively, you can drive from Costa Rica, but I’m not sure the situation at the border, driving up to the surf areas, etc.
A contact of mine stayed in Nicaragua last fall and she said it was totally fine. That the surf camp she works with had closed for a few months but then reopened in the fall and are welcoming back travelers.
I think there’s no real way ‘to be sure’ it’s completely safe right now (frankly, there’s always a certain safety risk with any trip), because even if the coastal areas are mellow, there is probably some desperation with the economy tanking, etc, and there’s always a certain risk traveling in a developing country. The country is certainly still somewhat unstable, but as far as I can tell, tourists are not being targeted. Here’s the
US Dept of State Travel Advisoryon Nicaragua.
The thing that’s tricky is that countries like El Salvador have been considered more dangerous to travel to for years, yet many surfers and visitors travel through and have wonderful trips, so it’s hard to really gauge safety sometimes. At the end of the day, it’s all about your comfort level. I’d recommend doing as much research as possible and making a decision based on what you’re comfortable with.
I do know there are plenty of people traveling in Nicaragua right now, the lineups are uncrowded, and the tourism companies would definitely appreciate your business. Here is a
great thread on Trip Advisor on the question of safety. There are comments in there on both sides, but many travelers say they felt safe on their travels in Nica since the crisis began and had great trips.
Good luck with your decision, and let us know how it goes! 🙂 Happy travels!
I also spent a really good time there during my last journey and came back with great memories.
Awesome, Jenny! Glad you had a great trip!
Happy travels!