Southern Nicaragua
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Positives
- Long swell season
- Dominant offshore winds
- Low crowd levels
- Quickly developing country
Negatives
- Hard access to surf spots
- No standout righthanders
- Natural disasters threat
- Lacks tourist infrastructure
Southern Nicaragua surf travel guide
Most of Nicaragua’s better-known surf spots are concentrated in Rivas Province, the developed southwest corner where a narrow stretch of coastline separates Lake Nicaragua (the largest lake in Central America) from the Pacific. This huge body of water creates the perfect atmospheric conditions for offshore winds to blow most of the year, grooming a wealth of excellent beachbreaks and left points.
Surf spots in Southern Nicaragua
Research the 12 surf breaks in Southern Nicaragua and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 12 breaks in Southern Nicaragua.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Southern Nicaragua
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Southern Nicaragua.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,256,000
- Population
- 6,624,554
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NIO
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 18.02 NIO NIO
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +505
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
From the Managua Mercado Huembes airport terminal ride the afternoon express bus to San Juan Del Sur (2.5h) to avoid connecting in Rivas (3h+1h). Driving takes 2.5h to Las Salinas (Popoyo), 3h to San Juan Del Sur.
Getting Around
The Pan-American Highway runs inland, there’s no coastal highway and sometimes no road at all and boat access becomes essential. Overcrowded buses are a pickpocket’s heaven, but are otherwise reliable. Car rental is in Managua ($280/w inc. insurance).
Accommodation
Recent years has seen a huge increase in the number of surf camps along the whole southern coastline from San Juan del Sur to Popoyo offering everything form budget to high end options. In the Popoyo area, Las Plumerias Lodge has all-inclusive packages from $750 p/w. Waterways has packages from $1399 p/w. Surf Tours Nicaragua around Puerto Sandino further north has packages starting from $1050/wk. Try 'Gallo Pinto' the local rice & beans combo.
Activities
Around San Juan del Sur go to the refuge at La Flor beach, where thousands of turtles lay their eggs between July and January. Walk to the lighthouse or the 'antennas' for stunning views of neighbouring Costa Rica. Take the trip to 'Isla de Ometepe' on Lake Nicaragua, which is inhabited by freshwater sharks.
Hazards & hassles
After over 40 years of dictatorship and 11 years of Sandinista rebel's power, Nicaragua shifted to a democracy in 1990. The country has also had its share of natural disasters with hurricane Mitch and the 1972 earthquake that destroyed a large part of Managua. Like all Central American countries, use caution and avoid traveling at night.
Handy Hints
Surf shops in SJDS include Nica Surf, Good Times, Chica Brava and repairers like Mosco. Popoyo has NSR and Bordport. Lots of surf schools and rentals. Expect all rooms to be sold out for Semana Santa.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.