Planning a Surf Trip To Nicaragua?

Central America’s Pacific Coast is home to some of the biggest waves and the best surfing spots in the world, including San Juan del Sur in southern Nicaragua. With a largely undeveloped coastline to explore and a rich culture to experience, this secluded secret offers everything a wave rider would want from a surfer’s paradise.

If you’re planning a Nicaragua surf trip and thinking about conquering the waves in San Juan del Sur, read these tips to help make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

The Travel

If you’re a United States citizen, you don’t need a visa to visit Nicaragua if you’re staying for 90 days or less. Traveling within the country is extremely safe. In fact, Nicaragua has the lowest crime rate in Central America. When booking a flight, make sure you fly into Managua International Airport. If you elect to book a surf retreat with Chica Brava, it’ll provide a free shuttle to and from the airport.

Accommodations

Among the 66 types of specialty lodging reviewed on Trip Advisor in San Juan del Sur, the Chica Brava Surf Camp is ranked number one. From picking you up at the airport to providing you with a comprehensive surf instruction program, this women’s retreat excels at ensuring your experience is as unforgettable as the sunsets.

Surfing in NicaraguaWomen learning how to balance on their surfboards in Nicaragua

Southern Nicaragua benefits from offshore winds for more than 300 days out of the year. This means perfect surfing conditions all day long. At Chica Brava in San Juan del Sur, there are different beaches for difficulty levels ranging from one to five. For more information read our detailed blog on each beach.

  • The Bay of San Juan del Sur has a sandy bottom and is perfect for catching a mellow wave (I)
  • Playa Remanso produces slow and soft waves – about 10 minutes south of San Juan del Sur (II)
  • Playa Hermosa is another 15 minutes more south and has many peaks to surf (III)
  • Playa Maderas is 20 minutes north of San Juan del Sur and has some of the heaviest breaks in the area (IIII)
  • Playa Yankee is half an hour south of San Juan del Sur and can produce a perfect left-hand barrel (IIIII)

Dining

Like most beach-side destinations, there are plenty of dining options in San Juan del Sur. Whether it’s drinking fresh coconut water from a mobile street cart or eating the national staple Gallo Pinto in one of the area’s intimate restaurants, your taste buds won’t feel left out just because you’re in a secluded surfer’s paradise. The nightlife is also very exciting with bars and clubs available hosting an international clientele.

Extras

If you are feeling adventurous you can schedule canopy tours or horseback riding. If you want a more immersive experience you can take spanish lessons or volunteer with one of Chica Brava’s many charities and community service projects. Whether you want to be pampered or explore Nicaragua has it all.