Nicaragua has been pulling surfers south from Costa Rica for years — and the ones who make the trip tend to come back.
A Pacific coastline with world-class beach breaks, boat-access point breaks and secret sandbars that rarely see the crowds other areas in Central America have, backed up by a tropical landscape, warm water year-round and a price point that stretches a surf budget further than almost anywhere in Central America.
The Pacific coast of Nicaragua packs in an unusual variety — mellow, sandy-bottom beach breaks ideal for learning, fast hollow reef setups for experienced surfers chasing barrels, and boat-access point breaks that rarely see more than a handful of surfers on the best days.
Warm water year-round, a long peak season running through to November, and a coastline that hasn’t been overrun the way other Central American destinations have.
The surf towns have their own character too. San Juan del Sur is the social hub — well set up for travelling surfers with plenty of options in and out of the water. Head north into the more remote stretches of coastline and you’re into genuine off-the-beaten-track territory: world-class waves, small camps, and lineups that the guides have largely to themselves.
Peak: APRIL – SEPTEMBER
Beginner to advanced
Surf camps to boutique resorts
