Intermediate Surf Spots in Nicaragua
14 surf breaks we map are rated for intermediate surfers in Nicaragua: Astillero, Beginners Bay, Chacocente, Gavilan, Lance's Left, Mag Rock / Magnific Rock, Manzanillo and Panga Drops and 6 more.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Beach breaks
- 6
- Reef breaks
- 4
- Point breaks
- 3
The intermediate breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- Astillero
Astillero
- Wave
- Rivermouth / Beach Break · Right / Left
- Level
- Intermediate / Advanced
- Season
- March - October
- Tide
- Mid Tide / Rising
- Watch out
- Rips and river-mouth currents, with shifting sandbars. Heavy rain brings runoff through the river mouth. Fishing boats work the bay, so keep clear.
- Beginners Bay
Las Salinas
- Wave
- Beach Break / Scattered Rocks · Left / Right
- Level
- Beginner / Intermediate
- Season
- Year Round
- Swell
- S / SE
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Busy with surf schools and beginners, so keep your board under control. Rocks near the point and a current there on bigger swells. Tide-dependent: it is best from mid to high tide.
- Chacocente
Chacocente
- Wave
- Beach Break · Right / Left
- Level
- Intermediate / Advanced / Pro
- Season
- April - October
- Tide
- Low to Mid Tides
- Watch out
- Protected wildlife refuge with seasonal turtle nesting and access restrictions; surfing may be prohibited during nesting, so check current rules locally. Rocks, strong currents and rips. Remote, with rough roads in the wet season and minimal facilities.
- Gavilan
Playa Gavilan
- Wave
- Point / Rock Break · Left
- Level
- Beginner / Intermediate
- Season
- March–October
- Tide
- Mid - High Tide
- Watch out
- A rock at the main peak and other submerged rocks. Faster and steeper above chest high, with stronger currents on bigger swells. Beginners should surf the smaller days. Fishing boats work around El Astillero; keep an eye out, and respect the quiet local lineup.
- Lance's Left
El Astillero
- Wave
- Point Break / Reef Break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate / Advanced
- Season
- May – November
- Tide
- All Tides with Mid–Low preferred
- Watch out
- Rock reef and boulders, sea urchins and strong currents. The lineup is remote and the walk-in is rocky, so many surfers come by boat. Swell-dependent and powerful at size. Do not leave belongings on the isolated beach.
- Mag Rock / Magnific Rock
Popoyo
- Wave
- Point break · Left
- Level
- Beginner / Intermediate
- Season
- March–October
- Swell
- S–SW
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide / High Preferred
- Watch out
- Rock/Reef • Shallow Inside • Urchins • Point Current • Low-Tide Exposure • Larger-Swell Power
- Manzanillo
- Wave
- Reef Break / Point Break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Rocks • reef • rip currents • swell-direction sensitivity • limited access • powerful surf when large. The point needs the right SW swell angle; a poorly angled swell can make it mushy, sectiony or close out. Rocks and currents are the primary hazards. Access is more restricted than at many public Tola breaks, so surfers commonly reach Manzanillo through authorized local access through Guacalito or by boat.
- Panga Drops
El Gigante
- Wave
- Sand Reef Combo · Right and Left
- Level
- All levels
- Season
- April through September
- Tide
- Best on a low to mid-tide
- Watch out
- A lot of water moves on bigger days, and the reef is powerful. The peak shifts, so watch a few sets before paddling out. Access is through private property or by boat.
- Playa Amarillo
Playa Gigante
- Wave
- Beach / Reef Break · Right / Left
- Level
- Beginner / Intermediate / Expert
- Season
- April to October
- Tide
- Mid / High / Rising Tide
- Watch out
- Rips • Shifting Sandbars • Shorebreak • South-End Reef/Rocks • Hollow When Bigger • Limited Facilities
- Playa Santana
Playa Jiquilite
- Wave
- Beach break · Left & Right / A-Frame
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Strong rip currents; fast shorebreak; shallow sandbars at lower tide; scattered flat rocks/boulders; powerful closeouts on larger swells; and competitive crowds around the best peaks. A river empties near the main surf zone and helps replenish the sandbars, but after significant rain it can also discharge dirty runoff, debris and branches into the lineup. Keep valuables off the beach as local surf guides also flag petty theft as a concern.
- Playgrounds
Veracruz de Acayo
- Wave
- Reef break · Left / Right
- Level
- Intermediate - Advanced
- Season
- April - October
- Tide
- Mid Tide
- Watch out
- Sharp cobblestone reef and barnacles; sea urchins; boat access; shallow sections; faster and more consequential rights; currents and tiring paddle-backs when larger. Don't put your feet down on the reef unless you want to leave with a souvenir. The southern/right-hand portions become shallower and more advanced.
- Rubber Duckies
Popoyo
- Wave
- Reef Break · Left
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- April to October
- Popoyo
Popoyo
- Wave
- Reef break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Playa Hermosa
- Wave
- Beach break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; sandbar-dependent
- Watch out
- Rip currents form between the sandbars — always check conditions before paddling out.
Other levels in Nicaragua
Frequently asked questions
Where can intermediate surfers surf in Nicaragua?
14 surf breaks we map are rated for intermediate surfers in Nicaragua: Astillero, Beginners Bay, Chacocente, Gavilan, Lance's Left, Mag Rock / Magnific Rock, Manzanillo and Panga Drops and 6 more.
When is the best time for intermediate surfers to surf Nicaragua?
The intermediate-rated breaks we map in Nicaragua are mostly at their best in April to October.
What kind of waves are the intermediate surf spots in Nicaragua?
Of the 14 intermediate breaks we map in Nicaragua, 6 are beach breaks, 4 are reef breaks and 3 are point breaks.