Surfing Guide to Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

 

Summary

Located between Popoyo and Gigante, Playa Colorado is famous for its consistent surf and daily barreling conditions. In fact, just like most of the Nicaraguan Pacific coastline, Playa Colorado benefits from clean offshore wind almost everyday. 

 

Therefore, on a surf trip to Playa Colorado, you can rest easy, surfing conditions will almost always be perfect. Playa Colorado is an absolute playing field for surfers who want to practice smooth barrel riding on a sandy bottom with smaller crowds than what you’ll find in Costa Rica.

 

Beginners can also enjoy waves in Playa Colorado or Playa Gigante on days where waves are a bit smaller which tends to be the case from November to April.

 

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf Playa Colorado, Nicaragua is from April to October, during the rainy season in Nicaragua. That is when swells are more consistent and winds become lighter, yet still offshore everyday.

 

 

Surf Camps in Playa Colorado

8-day All Inclusive Surf Camp in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua
US$1,350, including:

• Surfboard use
• Daily surf lessons
• Top quality surf instructors
• Softer, beginner breaks at Playa Amarillo
• Transportation to surf spots
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Camp style meal

 

 

Where to stay in Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Playa Colorado!

 

 

Surf Spots in Playa Colorado

Playa Colorado

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid-tide
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : E
Optimal wind direction : SW

 

Panga Drops

North of Playa Colorado is a horseshoe reef break called Panga Drops which offers a nice A-frame wave that is usually bigger in size than Colorados. Panga Drops isn’t as hollow but is a powerful wave that is suitable for intermediate or advanced surfers. 

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : E
Optimal wind direction : SW

 

Playa Amarillo

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : E
Optimal wind direction : SW

 

Playa Gigante

Just south of Playa Colorado is Playa Gigante which will often have softer and smaller waves, suitable for beginners.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : E
Optimal wind direction : SW

 

 

Getting There

To get to Playa Colorado, you can hire a private taxi from Managua which will cost around US$100 or take public transportation via Rivas.

 

 

Safety/Things to know

-Waves in Playa Colorado can get heavy.

-Respect locals.

-Watch out for stingrays and, more rarely, sharks.