San Juan del Sur Surf Guide
Solid beginner and intermediate waves, chill place to relax, and perfect in the summer months.
Quick Facts
Nice A-frame wave for beginner-intermediates
Big surf culture with hotels and camps
Not very close to airports
Tons of open nearby breaks
Surf Season in San Juan del Sur
A south-facing beach on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, this whole area is best surfed during the wet season when the S/SE swells come from the Pacific. This is generally from May to October, when you will find the biggest and cleanest waves. During the winter months, you’ll find more knee-height waves and whitewash, better for those learning to surf. In the winter/wet season, the consistency is fairly high. The dry season is likely to bring completely flat days between surfable sessions.
Where to Surf in San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a bit of a hub in the middle of several surf spots. The actual breaks are outside the town, including El Remanso, Manzanillo, and Playa Maderas. San Juan del Sur is the “big” town in the area, so it makes for a good place to stay. To get to the actual breaks, you’ll have to head north 20 minutes to Playa Maderas or down south 10+ kilometers.
Surf Camps and Classes in San Juan del Sur
Sayulita is perhaps the best place in Mexico to go for classes and beginner surf camps. Just a ton of waves and options you won’t find everywhere else.
Escameca Eco-Lodge - Working together with Verdad Nicaragua, you can find many surf camps of different kinds through Escameca. They have 8 day surf and yoga camps, surf and coworking camps, and a normal 8 day camp.
Dreamsea Surf Camp - Located in San Juan del Sur, Dreamsea takes their students out to various spots including Playa Maderas. For us, this is a plus, as many surf schools keep their students on the smaller waves/spots.
Playa Maderas
Crowds - Quiet
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell - SE
Ideal Wind - NE, Low
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 50%
Be Aware: Some rocks, a bit hit or miss
It takes a bit of a detour to get to, but Manzanillo can fire when the SE swells come through during the summer. In our opinion, worth checking out only on the right days, otherwise stick to Maderas.
Nearby Surf Spots
Manzanillo
The best surf spot in the area. Super close wave to shore, tons of nature and jungle, and a solid A-frame wave. Good for beginner-intermediates or intermediates.
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Beginner/Intermed.
Ideal Swell - S/SE
Ideal Wind - N/NW
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Beginners
El Remanso
Just to the south of San Juan del Sur, this is perhaps the closest legit surf spot near town. The wave can get crowded as it can supply rides for all levels of surfer
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - S for the good swells
Ideal Wind - NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rocks
Other Things to Do in San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua is an absolutely beautiful country, and worth exploring on your days or times off from surfing. Here are a few things to do to make the most of your time in San Juan del Sur!
Cascada Blanca Waterfall - Take a hike to Cascada Blanca, a beautiful waterfall in the area.
Mombacho Volcano and Ziplining - This is an awesome tour that takes up a full day. You go on beautiful hikes to a volcano, and get to ride some awesome ziplines on the way back.
Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia - Take in the view from this beautiful lookout point over the bay!
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