Top 5 Beginner Surf Beaches In Nicaragua

Surfing Nicaragua is the stuff of dreams; warm water, empty waves, jaw dropping scenery, delicious food and for those who have never paddled into a wave, you’ll find some of the best beginner surf beaches Nicaragua has in every nook and cranny of this beautiful country. 

One thing that always pops in to our mind when at one of the Nicaragua surf camps is that this is what it must have been like on a surf trip to the more well known destinations such as California, Bali and Australia back in the 70’s.

Big quiet beaches, world-class waves with only a few other people in the line-up and the chance for exploration to find your own slice of paradise.  

Considered by many to be the jewel of central America surfing, Nicaragua boasts an unlimited amount of untapped beaches, points and reef breaks, and due to the geographical location and terrain, has some of the most consistent offshore winds of anywhere in the world. 

To help you find the perfect spot to head to, we have listed the top 5 beginner surf beaches Nicaragua boasts below, leaving you stress free and allowing you to get the most out of your surf holiday.   

1. Playa Santana, Popoyo  

Also known as ‘Playa Jiquiliste,’ Playa Santana is where you’ll find some of the best beginner surf beaches Nicaragua has, as well as some outer reef breaks that offer the chance to surf something a little more challenging as your week progresses. 

Town: Nestled between San Juan and Popoyo. 

Where: South West Nicaragua. 

The Area: Unspoilt and scenic, the perfect place to get away from it all.  

Beach: Beautiful long beach that is surrounded by green hills and pastures and rocky outcrops at either end of the beach. 

The Surf: Wedgey beach break that offers plenty of space to find a peak completely to yourself. 

Best Time: March to June. 

Weather: Day time temperatures between 28°C and 32°C and night time temperatures ranging between 20°C and 24°C. The seawater resembles bath water all year so boardies and rashguard are the go.  

The best place to stay & surf Playa Santana: Buena Onda Beach Resort

2. Remanso Beach, San Juan del Sur  

Remanso Beach is a 15minute drive from San Juan del Sur and is the perfect spot to head for natural scenic beauty and quiet waves. It's a great place for those who have never been on a board as it has consistent small to medium waves and there are two restaurants on the beach for the post surf refuel. 

Town: South of San Juan del Sur. 

Where: South West Nicaragua. 

The Area: Small little neighbourhood with glorious views and crystal clear waters. 

Beach: Playa Remanso is a small beautiful bay where, on a clear day, you can see the mountains of Costa Rica. 

The Surf: Fun and manageable peelers that are the perfect set up for a first time experience in the ocean. 

Best Time: March to June. 

Weather: Day time temperatures between 28°C and 32°C and night time temperatures ranging between 20°C and 24°C. The seawater is between 25 and 28°C, so boardies and a UV rashguard are more than enough. 

The best place to stay & surf Remanso Beach: Surf Ranch Hotel & Resort

3. Playa Amarilla, Amarilla  

Located just north of Gigante Bay you’ll find Playa Amarilla, which offers empty beach break peaks for beginner surfers. At the south end of the beach you’ll find a flat bottomed reef that will pack a bit more power and should be surfed towards the end of your Nicaragua surf camp.  

Town: Gigante. 

Where: South West Nicaragua. 

The Area: Gigante was once a rural fishing village with a farming cooperative in the adjacent hills but in the last decade has seen a boom, by Nicaraguan standards anyway. Surfers, ecotourists,, yogis and travellers alike have discovered Gigante, and now it is the perfect place to relax and unwind with some waves all to yourself with some of the most pristine views of any in Nicaragua. 

Beach: You’ll feel like the only person in the world here, clear waters, lush green foliage and golden sand make for a whirlwind of colour. 

The Surf: One of the best beginner beaches Nicaragua has, in part to the sheer amount of waves you can catch because of the empty line up, the only obstacle being how much stamina you have in your arms! Expect left and right bowly peaks that will be best surfed on the mid to high tide. 

Best Time: April to July. 

Weather: Consistently hot Nicaraguan weather conditions, where day time temps will be between 27°C and 33°C and night time temperatures ranging between 21°C and 25°C. Once again the waters very warm, so boardies, UV rashguard and plenty of sunscreen are the go to attire.

The best place to stay & surf Playa Amarilla: Hotel Brio  

4. Salinas Grande, Miramar  

Blessed with offshore winds all day, and with points and beach breaks, it provides setup’s for all levels of beginner surfers, all year round. 

Town: Miramar. 

Where: North West Nicaragua. 

The Area: Located in the Leon Province, in a sleepy fishing village, this surf hot spot offers more than just the best beginner surf beaches Nicaragua dishes out. It is packed full of recreational activities and a calming, peaceful atmosphere that provide the perfect set up for a Nicaragua surf holiday. 

Beach: Soft volcanic sand that stretches for 3kms and is surrounded by native flora and green fields. 

The Surf: Salinas will always be empty with many peaks going off a long the 3 miles beach and picks up the smallest of swells, which means you’ll always find a rippable wave. Expect peaky walls that offer both left and right walls and maybe your first cover up once you get into the swing of things as your surf holiday progresses. 

Best Time: September to February. 

Weather: Hot, hot, hot. Day time will be between 28°C and 32°C and boardies, UV rashguard and plenty of sunscreen are the go to attire once again in the water.  

The best place to stay & surf Salinas Grande: Miramar Surf Camp    

5. Punta Aposentillo, Chinandega 

A beautiful beach with perfect peaceful waves for beginners, where on a clear day, you can take in stunning views that extend all the way to El Salvador. A fantastic place to unwind with daily yoga and fresh healthy food as well as exploring mangroves on an SUP. 

Town: Aposentillo. 

Where: Northern Nicaragua. 

The Area: Located in the Chinandega Province, the area is a nature lovers paradise and is surrounded by native fruit trees, flourishing gardens and a wide variety of indigenous animals. 

Beach: Beaches don’t get more picturesque than this, golden sands are kissed by the greenest foliage you’ll ever see that are framed by cliffs at the southern end of the beach. 

The Surf: You’ll find perfect peeling waves dotted along the beach, with both left and right hand walls ready to be tackled. The wave can pack a bit more power towards the high tide mark when it can break in shallower water. 

Best Time: September to February. 

Weather: Air temperatures in the day can reach 33°C and the standard attire of boardies, rashguard and sunscreen are all you need in the water.   

The best place to stay & surf Punta Aposentillo: Rise Up Surf Camp Nicaragua

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Aside from some of the best beginner beaches, Nicaragua offers a vast array of activities away from the salt, from ethereal volcanic landscapes, colourful colonial architecture and immaculate forests and national parks that will cleanse your soul with every breath.  


Some of our favourite things to do include swimming and cliff jumping at Somoto Canyon, spending a lazy day at the geothermal pools of Laguna de Apoyo, hike the Miraflor Nature Reserve, coastal horseback riding, partying with fellow travelling surfers and locals in the Nicaragua surf capital of San Juan del Sur and take part in a wildlife expedition where you can spot sloths, jaguars, monkeys, tropical birds and parrots, anteaters, armadillos and much more.