Top 15 surfing beaches in Nicaragua

Top 15 Best Surfing Beaches in Nicaragua and other things to do there.

/ PLACES TO GO / By

John Paul Pfeiffer

Ranked by cost with accommodation suggestions.

Top 15 Best Surfing Beaches in Nicaragua and other things to do there.

Why Nicaragua is a Surfer’s Paradise

Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline is a dream destination for surfers. With warm waters, consistent waves, and a mix of beach and reef breaks, this Central American gem offers something for every level of surfer. Unlike its more crowded neighbors, Nicaragua still has plenty of uncrowded surf spots, making it one of the best places to chase waves in Latin America. Lets not forget that its also one of the cheapest destinations you can find anywhere in the world. The Dollar and Euro go very far here in Nicaragua, and you can get a lot more for a lot less when compared to other surfing destinations.

Whether you’re looking for fast barrels, beginner-friendly waves, or a secluded surf escape, here are the top surfing beaches in Nicaragua that should be on your radar. In no particular order, we listed the top 15 surfing beaches in NIcaragua to hit up when visiting

Make sure to click the links of the beaches for a virtual tour and much more information on each beach.

1. Playa Maderas – The Classic Surf Spot

  • Why It’s Great: Just a short drive from the popular town of San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas is one of the most well-known surf beaches in Nicaragua. It offers consistent waves year-round, making it a great spot for all levels of surfers. The beach is also a social hotspot, with beachfront bars and hostels catering to the surf crowd.

  • Best for: Beginners to intermediate.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Beachfront bars with live music
    • Hiking to nearby cliffs for stunning views – Famous Shark Fin
    • Exploring San Juan del Sur’s nightlife

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)

2. Playa Popoyo – Nicaragua’s Surf Capital

  • Why It’s Great: Popoyo is home to some of the best waves in the country, including a powerful reef break at Finca Popoyo that draws experienced surfers from around the world. Popoyo has several beach breaks including beginner-friendly waves at Popoyo’s Beginners Bay. Located between Jiquelite Beach and Finca Popoyo is Beginner Bay just on the North side of Magnific Rock. Aptly named, Beginners Bay is probably the best spot in Nicaragua to learn to surf.

Jiquelite Beach, sometimes referred to as Playa Santana, is debatably part of Popoyo. Locals blame Google Maps for the confusion on what is and Isn’t part of ‘Popoyo’. Either way, Playa Jiquelite, Popoyo and Guasacate are so close that they are all within walking distance. So what does it matter? If you decide to stay in the upscale location of Rancho Santana or in a nearby surf hostle / beach house rest assured you will have no lack of surfing access.

Since 2025, the 18-mile road from the Main Highway, NIC-1, to Popoyo has been paved. This much needed improvement makes getting to Popoyo 100x better. Before the paved road, getting to Popoyo on the bumpy, dusty, pothole-ridden road was an absolute nightmare.

  • Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Relax in natural hot springs nearby
    • Several Yoga retreats and wellness centers
    • Nightlife community with nightly parties, DJ’s and Bar Hopping.
    • Horseback riding along the beach

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐ (Expensive)

3. Playa Colorado – Perfect Barrels

  • Why It’s Great: This private beach delivers some of the most consistent and powerful barrels in Nicaragua. Known for its fast and hollow waves, Playa Colorado is often compared to Costa Rica’s Playa Hermosa but with fewer crowds. While general access to the beach is private by Hacienda Iguana’s gated community you can still get to the beach by parking at Playa Amarilla and making a 10 minute walk across to Playa Colorado. Make sure you make the transfer at low tide because at high tide it’s a lot more difficult.

  • Best for: Advanced surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Golfing at Hacienda Iguana
    • Deep-sea fishing tours
    • Exploring hidden coves and tide pools

  • Cost Rating: ⭐ (Very Expensive)

4. Playa El Astillero – Hidden Gem for Surfers

  • Why It’s Great: A lesser-known surf spot, Playa el Astillero is a small fishing village beach and offers fun lefts and rights with fewer surfers in the water. If you’re looking for a peaceful surf escape, this is the place to go. Astillero also has fishing boats that you can hire out to make treks to the popular ‘Playgrounds’ and other nearby surf breaks that are only accessible by boat. See our Video here on how we chartered a boat at Astillero and made a day of it at the Playgrounds.

  • Best for: Intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Visit the fishing village for fresh seafood
    • Take a boat tour to secluded beaches
    • Explore the nearby turtle conservation area at Chacocente Beach

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

  • Recommended places to stay:
  • Usually, guests will stay at Playa Popoyo and then just rent a moto to drive 15 minutes to Astillero. Motos can be rented at ALOHA BUNGALOWS in Popoyo for around $15 per day. Playa el Astillero is a fishing village beach, so its atmosphere as a place to stay isn’t at the top of our list.

5. Playa Santana – A Beach Break Wonderland

Top 15 Surfing Beaches in Nicaragua
  • Why It’s Great: Playa Santana, also known as Playa Jiquelite, is a fast, punchy beach break with multiple peaks. We were going to add this to the Popoyo List since it’s essentially part of Popoyo ( Technicalities – Thanks Google), but Rancho Santana itself is a bit of a different world so we gave them their own category. Rancho Santana is an upscale gated community with its own atmosphere.
  • If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, Santana is not it, but if you’re looking to have a concierge and everything ‘done for you,’ Santana is your go-to spot. Playa Jiquelite is accessible to anyone and a favorite among locals and visiting surfers for its reliable waves and variety of takeoff spots. You don’t have to stay at or enter from Rancho Santana to have access to this surf spot.

  • Best for: Experienced.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Enjoy high-end dining at Rancho Santana
    • Take ATV tours through the rugged terrain
    • Visit nearby Playa Escondida for a secluded beach experience

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐ (Expensive)

  • Playa Santana is in the middle of Rancho Santana and Jiquelite Beach. If you go South, you’ll be staying in Rancho Santana’s gated community, and if you go North, there are a variety of great Hostels and Boutique rentals on the beach.

6. The Boom (Chinandega) – Nicaragua’s Heaviest Wave

  • Why It’s Great: As the name suggests, The Boom delivers explosive waves. This powerful beach break produces steep, hollow barrels, making it a favorite for experienced surfers looking for a challenge. If you’re a beginner, don’t even think about it. This wave will kook slam you faster than you can say “oh shit”. The boom is located on Playa Aserradores just south of Playa Aposentillo.

  • Best for: Experts only.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Visit the mangroves of Padre Ramos Nature Reserve
    • Explore the colonial city of León (1.5 hours away)
    • Take a volcano boarding trip down Cerro Negro

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

7. Playa Remanso – Perfect for Learning

  • Why It’s Great: Just south of San Juan del Sur, Playa Remanso is the go-to spot for beginners. The mellow beach break offers a forgiving wave that’s ideal for surf lessons and first-time surfers. The beach is protected from the wind on both sides and is layered mostly by rocks and pebbles. This landscape helps create a nice rolling wave.

  • Best for: Beginners.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Kayaking and paddleboarding in the bay
    • Enjoy beachside seafood restaurants
    • Visit the Christ of Mercy statue for panoramic views

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)

8. Playa Pochomil – Nicaragua’s Undiscovered Surf Paradise

  • Why It’s Great: Playa Pochomil is one of Nicaragua’s most underrated surf beaches. Unlike the busier spots in San Juan del Sur or Popoyo, this wide sandy beach offers fun, rolling waves that are perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers. With fewer crowds, you’ll often have the waves all to yourself. After a surf session, you can relax on the shore, enjoy fresh seafood, or explore the nearby fishing village of Masachapa.

  • Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Rent an ATV and ride along the coastline for miles and miles
    • Explore the tidal pools of Pochomil and neighboring Pochomil Viejo
    • Visit Masachapa’s fresh fish market
    • Take a boat tour on a fishing or surf trip

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)

9. Playa San Diego – The Hidden Gem with Powerful Waves

  • Why It’s Great: Playa San Diego is known for its powerful beach break that produces fast, hollow waves. While not as famous as some other surf destinations in Nicaragua, it’s gaining popularity among surfers looking for challenging conditions with fewer crowds. If you walk south about 2 miles and go past Gran Pacifica Resort you will reach Playa Ausuchilas. which is in front of a private community but has another good unknown beach break.

  • Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

10. Playa Las Peñitas – A Laid-Back Surf Town

  • Why It’s Great: Just 20 minutes from León, Playa Las Peñitas offers a laid-back vibe with consistent beach breaks suitable for all skill levels. This small fishing village has a relaxed atmosphere and a growing surf scene.

  • Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Visit Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve for kayaking and wildlife spotting
    • Watch the sunset at local beachside bars
    • Take surf lessons from local instructors

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

11. Playa Salinas Grande – A Quiet, Uncrowded Spot

  • Why It’s Great: Located north of Las Peñitas, Playa Salinas Grande offers long, fun waves for beginner to intermediate surfers. It’s a quiet and uncrowded beach, ideal for those looking for solitude on their surf trip.

  • Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Explore the salt flats and learn about salt production
    • Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants
    • Go paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm estuaries

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Affordable)

12. El Transito – A Peaceful Surf Haven

  • Why It’s Great: El Transito is a peaceful surf spot with consistent waves and a small, friendly surf community. The beach features both lefts and rights, making it versatile for different styles of surfing. To the north side of the beach in front of Mandla there is another break called the Pistols known for its rapid fire peaky waves.

  • Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Explore tidal pools and volcanic rock formations
    • Take yoga classes at beachfront retreats
    • Try horseback riding along the beach

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

13. Playa Gigante – A Beach for All Kinds of Travelers

  • Why It’s Great: Playa Gigante is a small fishing village that doubles as a surf and adventure hub. The beach offers moderate waves for beginners, with access to nearby advanced breaks like Manzanillo and Panga Drops. Its chilled-out vibe makes it a great base for surfers and non-surfers alike.

  • Best for: Beginners to advanced surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Go hiking to the iconic “Giant’s Foot” viewpoint
    • Take a boat trip to nearby surf breaks
    • Enjoy a mix of local and international cuisine in the village

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

14. Playa El Yankee – A Secluded Paradise for Surfers

  • Why It’s Great: Playa El Yankee is a hidden gem south of San Juan del Sur by about a 30 minute drive. It’s the most southern surf spot on our list. It’s a secluded beach with consistent waves and a pristine, untouched atmosphere. The waves here are best for intermediate surfers looking for a quiet spot to improve their skills. The beach has almost nothing on it but a small surf rancher in front of the Beach Break on the south part of the beach. To get there you will drive on a dusty and bumpy dirt road for about 20 minutes. If you can, take your motorcycle and put your surfboard on the rack, or take a boat tour.

  • Best for: Intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Hike to nearby viewpoints for stunning coastal views
    • Enjoy a picnic on the beach without the crowds
    • Watch sea turtles nesting during the season

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Affordable)

  • Recommended places to stay:
  • Why is it very affordable? Because you’ll be camping out. Theres no accommodations on this beach. The closest place will be about 7 minutes drive back the way you came. The place is called:
  • BIG SKY STABLES
  • or you can drive 15 minutes south more and find a place on Playa El Coco
  • High End: 88 Lodge

15. Playa Miramar – The Surf Lodge Haven

  • Why It’s Great: Playa Miramar is a fantastic surf destination for those looking for consistent waves and a laid-back vibe. Known for its left-hand point break, the surf here is reliable, especially during the wet season. Playa Miramar is also home to several surf lodges, making it a convenient spot for surfers of all levels to enjoy the waves. Just down the beach a little you can catch a boat to Puerto Sandino which has a heafty wave worth checking out. Reach our to Greg at Sirena Surf Lodge for boat tours.

  • Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers.

  • Other Things to Do:
    • Take yoga classes at one of the surf lodges
    • Visit nearby colonial León for a cultural day trip
    • Go fishing or snorkeling in the calm waters

  • Cost Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Affordable)

Conclusion

From world-class barrels to beginner-friendly beach breaks, Nicaragua has something for every surfer. Whether you’re chasing the powerful waves at The Boom, the serene left-hand point break at Playa Miramar, or the uncrowded beauty of Playa Pochomil, this country is a surfer’s paradise waiting to be explored.

Looking for a quiet, uncrowded surf getaway with add-on options of ATV Rentals and Boat Tours? Book your stay at Playa Pochomil’s Beach House today and experience Nicaragua’s hidden surf gem!

Did I miss anything or do you have a comment about our top 15 surfing beaches in Nicaragua? Let me hear your thoughts below.

John Paul Pfeiffer

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