A guide to World-Class Surf Breaks
The Popoyo Surf Zone
The Popoyo surf zone on the southwest coast of Nicaragua gained its name from the famous point break of Popoyo since the 2015 annual ISA (International Surfing Association) contest. There are plenty of surf spots to choose from up and down the coast in the zone. No matter the time of day and conditions, it’s likely there is a wave working. Listed are 13 well-known breaks assessable by foot, vehicle, or boat. Believe it or not, there are more surfable waves than highlighted here.
Are you feeling stoked? You should! Nicaragua is known for consistent surf, thanks to more than 300 days a year of offshore winds and year-round barreling breaks, and you don’t have to deal with the crowds like neighboring Costa Rica. All breaks mentioned here are within 30 minutes by boat or 45 minutes drive at most from Costa Oeste…a convenient and picturesque take-off point for surfing adventures in the zone.
Playa Santana (playa jiquelite) Costa Oeste's Home-Wave
Consistent A-frame beach break created by the water refracting off the rocks with typically 3 peaks. It's a fast, hollow, barreling wave that starts to work from 1 foot and up to 5 feet. With 3 feet or less, this is a manageable wave for most skill levels; however, with 4 feet or more, it can get heavy and is recommended for advanced surfers. Works best at mid to high tide. Sandy beach break with some flat rocks. Accessible by foot, vehicle, or boat.
Playa Rosada
A short walking distance from Playa Santana. Rosada is a fast and heavy left reef break on shallow water. This wave is recommended for experienced surfers only. Works best at low tide. Don't be tempted at high tide there are submerged rocks directly in the path of the wave.
Playa Colorado
Looking for barrels? Playa Colorado is the place, a consistent hollow and barreling right-hander. Since the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in 2012 and the World Surf Games in 2015, it has been known around the surf world. Although all beaches in Nicaragua are public, some private gated communities have surrounded all entrances to world-class surf breaks and Colorados is one of them (Hacienda Iguana Golf and Beach Club). But for those determined, you can get there by walking from the nearby town of Gigante or go by boat (the more accessible and more popular choice). A 20 drive from Costa Oeste Hotel or a 10-minute boat ride.
Panga Drops
On the north end of Playa Colorado, Panga Drops is surfable for all skill levels, at any tide, and in most swell directions. This is a deeper-water shifty and sectiony wave with lefts and rights. Be cautious of stingrays in the sandbar and strong currents inside.
Manzanillo
A left point break in a picturesque bay. It can offer three-barrel sections and a long rippable face to follow; however, it's a fickle wave and provides a small window. It requires the right swell direction. Manzanillo is in front of Guacalito De Isla, a luxury resort community. They offer day passes for $50 a day (goes toward food and drinks), stay at the five-star resort, or what most people do, access by boat. A 20-minute boat ride or a 30-minute drive to Guacalito De Isla from Costa Oeste Hotel.
Beginners Bay (Magnific Rock)
"Mag Rock" is the picturesque rock structure that defines Beginners Bay. Because of the rock, it is sheltered with mellow and soft waves. On bigger swells, it can be fun for all levels with long lefts off the point. The middle section has a working left and right. Accessible by foot and vehicle on the dirt beach road access. A 10-minute walk from Costa Oeste Hotel/Playa Santana.
Popoyo
The namesake for the Popoyo surf zone is an A-Frame point break that put Nicaragua surfing on the map since the 2015 annual International Surfing Association contest. It’s a powerful reef break with lefts and rights. This is one of the most consistent waves in Nicaragua and works with just about any swell direction. The catch? It's likely the most crowded wave in Nicaragua with one shifty peak, so be ready to compete for waves. Popoyo is not for beginners. Accessible on foot from the beach road from Beginners Bay or drive to La Finca, a picturesque bar overlooking the wave. A 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from Costa Oeste Hotel.
Popoyo Outer Reef
A big wave spot that works a few times a year. Popoyo Outer Reef attracts serious surfers around the world during the right swell. A powerful left that breaks a half-mile out to sea is a long paddle or boat ride for those charging big wave surfers. Careful of the rock bottom at low tide; better yet, be constantly alert. This wave is only recommended for experienced big-wave surfers.
La Lejana
Situated between Popoyo and the Outer Reef is a nice option if the crowds get to be too much at Popoyo; La Lejana is a good alternative but requires a bit of swell to work. This is a better wave if you are not ready for Popoyo, a softer and more forgiving wave that can accommodate longboarders who know what they are doing.
Astillero River Mouth
As the name suggests, it's located right in front of the river mouth in the fishing town of Astillero. A beach break that can get hollow and barrel with the right swell size and direction. Works at mid to high tide. A 30-minute drive or 15-minute boat ride from Playa Santana/Costa Oeste Hotel.
Lances Left (El Penon)
A fun left point break for all skill levels that offer rides up to 500 meters. Works at all tides and in most conditions, although particularly fun with decent swell size. Access is best by boat, but for those set on walking, Lances Left can be accessed on foot from Astillero by hoofing it across the black sand beach and traversing loose rock piles that can be somewhat sharp. Be aware of urchins on the rocky shore break. A 30-minute drive or 20-minute boat ride from Playa Santana/Costa Oeste Hotel.
Chacocente
A wildlife preserve and turtle sanctuary (egg-laying grounds), Chacocente is also a quick and hollow beach break offering lefts and rights with a sandy bottom. It is a lovely spot to escape the crowds, although it can be somewhat inconsistent. Rideable at all tides but works best at mid to low. The dirt road access can be dicey in the rainy season; we recommend accessing by boat. A 40-minute drive or 25-minute boat ride from Playa Santana/Costa Oeste Hotel.
Playgrounds (Veracruz)
The name says it all. Long and inviting rippable lefts and rights, this spot can handle crowds and is fun for short-boarders and long-boarders and most skill levels. It's been likened to California's Lower Trestles breaking across a cobblestone reef bottom. Only accessible by boat, so although it can handle it, crowds are not typical. A 30-minute boat ride from Playa Santan/Costa Oeste Hotel.