Popoyo Surf Guide
Perhaps the best intermediate-advanced wave in Nicaragua, Popoyo is home to two awesome waves.
Quick Facts
Super consistent wave
Breaks both ways with a nice A-frame
Bigger outside wave and “smaller” inside wave
Getting more crowded every year
Popoyo is best surfed in the rainy season, or summer. from May-September, the outer reef can truly pump. We’re talking 20+ feet pumping. Experts only. The main reef is really the highlight though, with a wave that is basically always there. Even in the offseason, you’ll seriously find this wave there. Swell direction doesn’t matter, wind doesn’t matter, and the tide is irrelevant. Probably one of the most consistent waves in all of Central America.
Surf Season in Popoyo
We’ll cover the Main Reef here, as it’s really the main break at Popoyo. The Main Reef is literally always firing. The wave breaks over the reef and creates a lovely A-frame that is often hollow and a nice long ride. If you’re looking for a reliable barrel, this is your wave. Seriously.
Where to Surf in Popoyo
Crowds - Some, but spread out
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell -S/SW
Ideal Wind - Low
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 90%+ (nearly 100%)
Be Aware: Beginners on inside, reef
Surf Camps and Classes in Popoyo
Popoyo is a hub of surfing in Nicaragua. There are plenty of surf schools and camps in town, and we expect there to be more in the coming years.
Hide and Seek - An all-inclusive surf camp that is on the more expensive end, but includes all meals, drinks at the bar, massages, and more.
Wild Waves - Super established surf camp in town with tons of offerings. They have 7 day beginner camps, 7 day intermediate camps, and two week camps.
99 Surf Lodge - 99 Surf also offers all-inclusive surf retreats for both novices and advanced surfers. All meals are included at their gourmet restaurant and their accommodations are absolutely beautiful. They have 6 Day Beginner Camps and 8 Day Intermediate/Advanced Camps.
Outer Reef
This is the big break, one of the heaviest in Central America. Best for advanced surfers. Steep drops, hollow left, and ends on sharp reef.
Crowds - Rarely
Surfer Level - Advanced
Ideal Swell - S/SE
Ideal Wind - N/NW
Break Type - Deep reef
Consistency - 90%+
Be Aware: Big ass waves
Beginner Bay
The name probably says it all. Great beginner spot safe from the Main and Outer Reef. Just at the south end of Playa Guasacate.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beg/Intermed.
Ideal Swell - S/SE
Ideal Wind - N/NW
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 90%+
Be Aware: Lots of people
Playa Santana
This is the beach inside the Main Reef. Tons of surf hotels and schools, and multiple peaks for multiple different surfer levels.
Crowds - Not really
Surfer Level - Beg/Intermed
Ideal Swell - S/SE
Ideal Wind - N/NW
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: People
Stoneys
We think the only point break in the area. Beautiful lefts off a reef, and a few nice hollow sections with SE swells and offshore winds.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - SE
Ideal Wind - N/NW
Break Type - Point/reef
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Reefy!
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