Best Advanced Waves in Nicaragua

Home to some of the best surfing in Central America, Nicaragua has several waves that can absolutely fire.

The Best Big Waves


Popoyo

Playa Colorado

Manzanillo

Popoyo

Popoyo is one of the best places (probably the best) to surf in Nicaragua in general. There are multiple breaks right at the reef and beach, and few nearby. The advanced wave here is the Outer Reef. A deeper reef break than the inside Main Reef, this break has steep drops. It is a hollow left that has some good distance and is definitely best for advanced surfers. The wave ends on a bit of rock and sharp reef, so it’s for sure a bit dangerous, but worth the ride if you are safe.

popoyo surf conditions by month

Playa Colorado

Playa Colorado is at a private beach best accessed by staying at the lodge nearby. You can also take a boat out to the beach and break, but this may take some Spanish language skills and haggling. The break is a river mouth break at the beach, and it can pump quite high in the rainy season. Because of how remote it is, it’s one of the quitier big breaks in Nicaragua!

playa colorado surfing

Manzanillo

Manzanillo certainly isn’t as big of a break as the other waves on this list, but this point break can indeed get pumping. It takes the right SE swell and offshore wind to really pump. But when it does get the right conditions, it’s one of the cleanest and nicest point break waves in Nicaragua. There are some rocks, and you have to check conditions to not waste your time, but it is definitely worth a visit.

san juan del sur swell conditions

If you have any questions about the right surf spot for you or your friends/family, reach out. We’re happy to help you find the best big waves in Nicaragua and highlight what each place has to offer.


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