5 Best Surfing Beaches in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a true surfers’ paradise…With 300+ days of offshore wind per year, tropical weather, cheap cost of living and consistent waves, Nicaragua has indeed become one of the world’s best surfing destination. The country also has many surf towns and surf spots which can make it a bit difficult to decide where to go to make the most of your surf trip.
Here are 5 places you have to put on your list for a successful surf trip in Nicaragua…
1. El Transito
Read our full surfing guide to El Transito, Nicaragua
El Transito is located just west of Managua, Nicaragua’s capital city. It is a quiet, yet extremely charming surf town with an awesome beach with tons of waves. Beginners and advanced surfers can all have fun on Playa El Transito as waves are gentle and consistent.
Find a Surf Camp in El Transito, starting at US$330
2. Popoyo
Read our complete surfing guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua
Popoyo is one of Nicaragua’s best wave and most popular surf town for many good reasons. You can find a few different surf spots next to Popoyo whether you are looking for reef breaks or beach breaks. Therefore, all types of surfers can find their fix in Popoyo with consistent surf and magical waves.
Find a surf camp in Popoyo, starting at US$599
3. Playa El Yanke
Playa El Yanke is a remote beach located south of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua’s most popular surf town. This beach has a great beach break as well as a wedge on the left end which starts working from mid to high tide. This section is a perfect A-frame which is usually more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. Playa El Yanke remains one of Nicaragua’s best surf spot, with a bit less crowd that the popular beaches that are Playa Maderas and Popoyo.
4. Playa Maderas
Playa Maderas is north of San Juan del Sur and is probably Nicaragua’s most popular surfing beach. Waves are consistent on almost any swell and the beach is picture perfect. There are a couple surf shops and surf schools for beginners to get a lesson or simply to rent your equipment. There are also a few nice accommodation options right next to Playa Maderas if you don’t fancy the 20-30 minute ride from San Juan del Sur.
5. Playa Colorado
Read our complete surfing guide to Playa Colorado
Playa Colodado is arguably the best place in the world to learn how to ride barrels. This beach has insanely consistent surfing conditions with clean offshore wind on a daily basis. With its sandy bottom and top to bottom barreling waves, it is a gentle way for surfers to try to find some shade and tuck into a Nicaraguan barrel.