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.

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.

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.

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

Where to stay 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.

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