Summary
The surf in Popoyo, Nicaragua is well known for being extremely consistent due to its offshore wind and year round barrel opportunities. This is what attracts more and more surfers every year who are, for the most part, trying to get away from the Costa Rican crowd.
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Popoyo is located on the southern end of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast and is a very good destination for laid back die-hard surfers trying to get in the water as much as possible without getting involved in the San Juan Del Sur madness.
Read also: our San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua Surf Guide
Many surf spots are located right around this little village. The most popular is simply called Popoyo. This A-frame reef break is very consistent and challenging while still being quite forgiving for surfers looking to improve without worrying too much about the consequences.
Beginners can also find their waves at the river mouth on Playa Guasacate or at Playa Santana, near Magnific Rock. On bigger swells, there is another spot called Popoyo outer reef which is a very shallow and hollow right-hander that should only be kept for experts.
When to go
The best time to surf Popoyo, Nicaragua is from April to October, when waves are more consistent and sizable while winds drop almost dead. This also happens to be the rainy season in Central America.
The winter months, from November to March will offer decent conditions for learning on smaller waves as well as being sunny almost every day.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 27°C
81°F28°C
82°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F27°C
81°F
Water temperature 27°C
81°F27°C
81°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F28°C
82°F
Crowd Few people Few people Few people Fairly crowded Few people Few people
Swell consistency 50% 70% 95% 85% 85% 50%
Swell height 3ft 4ft 5ft 5ft 5ft 3ft
Surf spots near Popoyo
Popoyo inner reef
A very nice A-frame slowly peeling down the reef with a little barrel opportunity. Perfect wave to get into reef surfing. Located between Magnific Rock and Playa Guasacate.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE
Popoyo outer reef
Popoyo’s outer reef is a whole different ball game…A scary monster that turns to life on bigger swells and probably represents the most dangerous wave in Nicaragua. Not only is the drop critical but so is the whole ride with some incredibly shallow sections. Should only be attacked by experience surfers with some local knowledge.
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE
Playa Santana
Nice consistent beach break with many barrels when conditions are right.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : High
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE
Playa Guasacate
Popoyo’s main beach break. Good for all skill levels if things are not too heavy.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE
Surf Camps in Popoyo
Find a surf camp in Popoyo, starting at US$599
7-day Amazing Surf Camp in Popoyo, Nicaragua
US$739 includes:
- 2 surfing trips
- 2 amazing boat trips
- A tour to the Las Salinas
- Professional surfing guide
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Daily delicious breakfast
- Airport transfers
Where to stay in Popoyo
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Popoyo!
Best surf hotels/hostels in Popoyo:
On a budget : Popoyo Surfcamp Beach House, located right on Playa Guasacate, this hostel is simple, but provides everything you need. A bed, surfboard rental and walking access to the best breaks!
Best Value : Casitas Pacific, one of the best hotel in Popoyo, great location and awesome experience. Wild Waves Surf House is another great option! Magnific Rock Hotel provides the best view of all resorts in Popoyo, right up the cliff above Magnific Rock.
High-end : Rancho Santana and Aqua Oceanfront Resort are two of the best hotels in Popoyo…
Getting there
All international flights land in Managua from where you can catch a taxi or private shuttle to Popoyo (1 hour drive). The cheaper option is using the public bus from Managua to Rivas and then from Rivas to Las Salinas which is next to Popoyo.
Safety/things to know
-Nicaragua suffered a bit of political instability in the last few years. Although most flights land in Managua, the capital city is best to be avoided. Take a bus or taxi and head straight to the tourist zones.
-Consistent offshore wind and clean waves.