Nicaragua Surfing

San Juan del Sur’s beaches have much smaller crowds than Costa Rica, making them a great place for both beginning and advanced surfers.  The most popular and easily accessible surfing beach close to town is Playa Maderas, where both beginners and experts can find great waves. Playa Maderas will pick up most swells that hit Nicaragua, and will usually break best at a medium to high tide. Waves can range anywhere from chest high and crumbling to double overhead and barreling, depending on the swell size and direction. Playa Maderas maxes out at about 8 foot. If you are not traveling with your own board, you can rent one at Playa Maderas or at many sporting good rental shops in town.

Another option for surfing in San Juan del Sur is Playa Yankee, which is approximately 30 minutes south of town by auto and is also best on a medium to high tide. Playa Yankee is much less frequented and is a more advanced but fickle wave than Playa Maderas.  Waves can range from chest high to a little overhead. You will not find any rental boards on this beach, so make sure to rent a board in town before going.

A number of other surf breaks around San Juan del Sur can only be accessed by boat. You can easily charter a boat for a full or half day in San Juan del Sur. Come by the Water's Edge International Realty office on the corner of the beach front road next to Hotell Estrella and ask for Joey who runs Action Tours or contact Local Treasure International by visiting the Costa Paraiso link on the right.

Check out our Vacation Rentals page for information about surf house rentals all along the Nicaraguan coast. We have access to some of Nicaragua's absolute best surf vacation rentals.