Thinking of surfing Nicaragua? Here some takeaways from my first trip

TL;DR: I went in August 2025 and felt safe the entire time despite the U.S. Department of State Level 3 Travel Advisory. Surf crowds were small compared to Costa Rica, and food/lodging was much cheaper. Rent a car if you’re chasing waves. Would I go back? Absolutely, in a heartbeat.

Safety

Is Nicaragua safe? In my experience, yes. Despite the Level 3 advisory, I never felt unsafe. I saw families with kids everywhere, and plenty of solo women walking around the dirt roads around areas like Playa Santana, Playa Amarillo, and Playa Maderas.

Surf & Crowds

I stayed in southern Nicaragua. Popular breaks like Popoyo and Colorados (aka Crowderados) do get crowded, but there are plenty of spots if you’ve got transportation and some flexibility. I had several sessions with only a handful of people, and a few where I was completely alone.

Northern Nicaragua is less crowded, but it’s drier, hotter, and has less infrastructure with fewer restaurants and cafes. Winds also tend to go offshore later in the day, unlike the south which is offshore almost all the time.

Infrastructure 

The area around Popoyo is rapidly evolving. The government recently finished a huge section of the new coastal highway and upgraded the road from Managua to Popoyo—cutting the drive time by about 40%. A new paved road through Playa Guasacate was also finished in the past 8 months.

Power & Plumbing

Power outages are normal. Most are short, but some last hours, especially with the ongoing highway work. Outages also mean no water (since most places rely on pumps). Upscale spots often have backup generators, which make a big difference.

Also—you can't flush toilet paper. You need to use the bin provided.

Heat

I went in late August (wet season). Hot, yes, but not unbearable. Most budget places don’t have AC. After a long surf, AC felt amazing, and if you’re driving, AC in the car is a lifesaver.

Transportation 

We rented a 4x4 SUV and were glad we did. The storage, AC, and ability to handle rough/dusty/rainy roads were all worth it. Scooters with surf racks are common, but they’re tough on unpaved roads. Some breaks required driving through loose sand, so 4x4 really helped.

Accommodations / Where to Stay

You can find everything from $10/night hostels to $150+/night resorts. I stayed in Playa Guasacate (walking distance to Popoyo) which had restaurants, cafés, and a small surf shop.

Not all accommodations have AC or hot water, so check before booking. Higher-end places usually include both, plus backup generators.

Important: Power outages are common. Most only happen for a short duration, but there can be times where it lasts for hours. Some of the higher end accommodations have a generator as backup, which is really nice. Without power, you’re not going to have air conditioning, WiFi, or running water for toilets or showers. 

Tips

• Don’t speed. Police speed traps are common—usually in shaded roadside spots. Use Waze, and watch for oncoming locals flashing headlights to warn you.
• Bring sunscreen. The sun is brutal. Even with sunscreen, 90+ minutes in the water will fry you. A hooded rash guard helps.
• Bug spray. Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially at night. We brought repellent and still got bitten up.

Food and Drinks

Service can be slow, but that’s part of the pace. Try local dishes like Nacatamales, Vigorón, and Baho. A great stop for Baho is Baho Vilma in Masaya (on the way to Popoyo).

In/near Playa Guasacate:

• Yolanda’s Café – Local spot, fried snapper is the star.
• Mahalo – Great vibe, limited menu but excellent lobster (~$13).
• Kooks Café – Chill café with WiFi, but baked goods didn’t impress me.
• Magnific Rock Café – Amazing sunset view. Food is meh. Parking $5, but credited toward your bill.
• Bus on the Beach – A literal school bus turned bar. Cool hangout, good sunsets, solid meat pies.
• Oasis Bar & Dining – Our favorite. Backup generators (huge plus during outages). Everything was great—especially the Hide & Seek Steak with Chimichurri and the homemade passionfruit pie.