Nicaragua is a hidden gem in the world of surfing, with a range of breaks that cater to all levels of surfers. This country in Central America offers warm water, consistent waves, and uncrowded lineups, making it a surfer’s paradise. From the beginner-friendly beaches of San Juan del Sur to the world-class breaks of Popoyo, Nicaragua has something for every surfer.
Additionally, Nicaragua offers a rich culture, delicious food, and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for those looking for an authentic and adventurous experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Nicaragua is a must-visit destination for any surfer. Read on to discover the best places to surf and stay in Nicaragua, and plan your next surfing adventure with ease.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to surfing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Holiday home overlooking the bay of San Juan del Sur, Rivas (from USD 195)
Looking over the bay of San Juan del Sur, this stunning vacation property is a great find for spending surfing vacations. Conveniently located near Playa Maderas which offers bigger waves as well as gentle surf breaks of Playa Remanso, surfers of all skill levels can have fun if they rent this home. Restaurants and surfboard rentals are easily available on these beaches, so you do not have to worry about a thing. If you wish to go paddleboarding or kayaking for a change, Playa Marcella is close by.
The holiday home provides access to a gorgeous pool and a yoga studio. Guests can also opt to pay the two caretakers and have them prepare the meals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the breeze was enough to keep the house comfortablepool is a wonderful way to pass the hot afternoon hoursthere is also an infinity pool which overlooks the pacific also the most comfortable hammockCleanliness:
very clean and tidy homewell equipped clean and perfectthe house was up to date clean and secureawesome view spacious and very clean place highly recommendedHost:
lovely caretakers on the propertytanx to our host susan we had a wonderful time therewarm welcome by the caretaker and very helpful during the stayelmo and maria were an absolute pleasure and very attentive and helpful every day of my staysusan and the caretaker are caring people and the house was in perfect shapeRead more reviewsLocation:
i think it may have the best location in sjdsamazing view great location safe in a gated communitythe walk to town was around 20 minutes but we rented mopeds for $10/day and it was perfectperfect location with great viewsthe walk into town is easy and scenic along the water's edge
2. Beachfront apartment with breathtaking views, Rivas
This fully equipped beachfront apartment is located in Popoyo, one of the best places to surf in the country. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and an expansive patio overlooking the ocean. The apartment is located just steps away from some of the best waves in the region, making it the perfect destination for surfers of all levels. Surfing spots such as Santana, Beginners Bay, Outer Reef, and Popoyo are all within reach.
When you are not surfing, you can relax on the hammock as you hear the crashing of the waves.
Popoyo, Rivas, NicaraguaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the apartment is bright clean and well equippedRead more reviewsHost:
nick and thomas are wonderful hosts that make you feel at homenick & tom are great hosts everything i possibly needed they were there fortom is very friendly and accommodating with all our requeststhomas was one of the best and most helpful hosts
3. Casa Mango, Rivas
Casa Mango is a simple yet cozy bungalow located near excellent surf spots in the neighborhood. The beach and surfing spots can be reached within 10 minutes on foot. Guests can also find helpful surfing courses in its vicinity where they can learn to surf if they are new to the sport. You can seek your host’s help in finding the right instructor, learning about the local surf culture, and finding a suitable surf spot.
What’s more, you can rent motorbikes with surf racks during your stay and explore the area.
Popoyo, Rivas, NicaraguaSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the outside rock shower is wonderful and i just love how open air the whole place isglad we had a small 4x4 suv if you like to cook the kitchen downstairs is well equippedthe house itself is just right: open-air kitchen wonderful outdoor shower and cozy closed-in bedroom upstairswe also really enjoyed the outdoor kitchen and living roomthe room upstairs is very comfortable as well has two comfortable beds and bathroomCleanliness:
the house is beautiful clean and comfortablea big house wonderfull outdoor shower and a clean bedroomHost:
dana is helpful with questionseddy was also very helpful to us during our staydana responds really quick and is helpfuleddy the caretaker was friendly and always available for our needsupon arrival at the house the caretaker eddy was there to greet us and show us aroundRead more reviewsLocation:
there are also several places to eat and enjoy the sunset within walking distanceawesome location we had a vehicle but could have walked to the beach easilyeasy ten minute walk down to the beach and local restaurantsi stayed at dana's place for three nights and found it very enjoyable
4. Fort Walker, Rivas (from USD 735)
Fort Walker is a beachfront house in Nicaragua that offers an idyllic setting for a perfect tropical getaway. In addition to comfortable bedrooms, this spacious house features a fully equipped kitchen, a large living area, and an expansive patio with stunning views of the ocean. The house is conveniently close to four amazing surf breaks - Panga Drops, Los Perros, Playa Amarillo, and Playa Colorados.
Guests can also request arrangements for surfing classes and guided surf trips. And if you need to purchase surfing accessories or beach gear, a surf shop is within arm’s reach.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the furnishings are comfortable and high qualitythe house is well stocked and the wifi was goodthe house was very comfortable at all times of dayCleanliness:
the house itself was spacious and clean and had beautiful finishingslouis the pool guy came by every morning to ensure the pool was clean and maintainedHost:
beautiful property managed by a great group of people who were extremely responsive the e tire timeRead more reviewsLocation:
beachfront location makes everything betterthe location right on the beach and pool were greataaa all the time fantastic location beautiful house and great hospitalityjust take a nice walk along the beach to the left and you are there
5. Luxury home with a private beach, Rivas (from USD 83)
Conveniently close to many surfing spots including those in Playa Colorado, Playa Amarillo, San Juan, and Popoyo, this house is ideal for surfers. You can also partake in private surfing lessons including a choice of boards during your stay. These sessions usually last for 90 minutes and cost 65 USD.
Here, you can also practice yoga to calm your senses or pay for a relaxing Thai massage after having a great time surfing the waves. Don’t forget to try deep-sea fishing and watch movies on the beach for a wholesome experience.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the pool and the deck in the second floor is breathtakingamazing views and great plunge poolthe bathrooms had items like soap and shampoos/conditioners toilet paper etcit’s magical with beautiful ocean view balconies/decks (2) swimming pool and it’s own private beachhot water works really well and the ac in the rooms was very niceCleanliness:
very clean and crispthe house is great very clean and very comfortable bedthere are sun beds hammocks and clean towels available for gueststo be fair the rooms and beds were decent and cleanHost:
the host was very kind and flexible to our requestsalthough the owner was responsive and explained everythingvery helpful and friendly staff quick responsespeople are very welcoming and friendlythe host and property management were extremely responsive and accommodating to anything we neededRead more reviewsLocation:
location was just perfectthe location is great toothe house is a tucked away paradise for anyone looking for a relaxing tranquil place to stayalso the beautiful aqua beach is just 5-10 minute walk awayall in all i'm planning on staying here again and would recommend this place to anybody
6. Anahata, Rivas
Anahata is an award-winning, designer villa surrounded by lush greenery and close to the beach. If you are in Nicaragua to surf, then you will be delighted to find that the world-class surf break of Playa Colorado is less than a three-minute walk while another surf break, Panga Drops, takes about a five-minute walk.
During your stay, you can relax in the pool or stroll in the garden to calm your senses. However, if you want to develop your mind and muscle connection, practice some yoga in the 120-sq m (1291.67-sq ft) movement area.
Tola, Rivas, NicaraguaAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
highly recommend staying here the property is gorgeous and unique and the staff is friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great spot in a great locationgreat house and design very short walking distance from the beachbeautiful and private property great location and fully equipped houseanahata is beautiful family friendly and well locatedgreat place great house love it
7. Casa Colina, Rivas (from USD 119)
Enjoy the tranquility of living in a jungle when you stay at Casa Colina. Situated atop a hill, the house is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers fantastic views. Here you can enjoy your morning coffee while admiring the local wildlife which includes parakeets and mantled howler monkeys.
However, if you want something more than just views and a tranquil setting, then you can head to the famous beaches at San Juan del Sur. Here you can not only party and enjoy the nightlife but also find a variety of surf breaks and great surf camps.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed the pool- very calm and nice viewlaura’s place was perfect the house is spectacular and so comfortable the natural ventilation is amazingthe propety is very cozy the view is beautiful and also the pool was a nice assetwatching the sunsets from the infinity pool is also the bestthe beach below is gorgeous and had some great tide pools to exploreCleanliness:
towels and sheets were clean and there was also a set of beach towels for our useit's lovely to be immersed in nature and so close to a beautiful and clean private beachHost:
she is so knowledgeable and friendlygreat hosts - very professionalcasa colina is one of a kindhost was responsive helpful and friendlythe staff were also so helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
close access to amazing beachesbalcones is a beautiful placethis particular house is close to its neighbor so please note if you'd like max privacythe perfect location overlooking the woods with the ocean in the horizon
8. Casa Tranquila, Rivas (from USD 232)
Casa Tranquila is a 278.71-sq m ( 3000.00-sq ft ) villa ideal for a surfing holiday. It puts guests in close proximity to the best beaches in the country for surfing. For consistent surf, head to Playa Maderas, which is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers while being forgiving to beginners. However, beginners can plan a day trip to Playa Hermosa where they can find beginner-level waves as well as excellent amenities.
After a great surfing session, retreat to your bedrooms with hardwood floors and comfortable queen-size beds. The bedrooms open to a hardwood deck, ideal for admiring ocean views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is equipped with very convenient amenities like bluetooth stereo pretty consistent wifi etcthe kitchen was beautifully stocked with all the tools necessary to make fabulous dinners every nightthe beds were also super comfywe did not miss a/c and the house is super well equipped and set outthe kitchen is really well stocked and cooking/eating was a real pleasureCleanliness:
it was very clean the decor and layout great and the pool lovelyHost:
excellent support and service from local staffthe staff were so friendly and helpfulmany thanks to the hosts for creating such a special homethe staff were very helpful catering to all of our needssecurity safety and all that--you're in good hands with the staff at balconesRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a great location for playa maderas and playa marsellathis is a special place to get away and unwindfarther from the beach than we expected and definitely not walkable to anywhereperfect place to stay if you are looking for a quieter more relaxing vacation
9. Casa Colina, Rivas Department (from USD 145)
Casa Colina is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, bars, and the beach. Rest assured of magnificent views of the bay and the lovely coastal town of San Juan del Sur throughout your stay. Guests can also access a shared infinity pool and a private stone deck with outdoor dining arrangements.
Being in San Juan del Sur, the property lets its guests access a variety of world-class surfing spots. You can also find great surf camps in town.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful place beautiful view and amazing poolthe view is breathtaking and the infinity pool is incrediblethe location is great and the views of the bay from the balcony and pool are fantasticthe space was fantastic great view pool bedroomsit fit in more with the nica vibe and was so pretty and cozyCleanliness:
everything was great and super cleanthe place is spotless and super well keptit was spacious clean and very welcomingthe pool is super nice too and get clean every morning by victorvery clean easy to communicate with and beautifulHost:
katalina is amazing and helpfultowe was a great host and made sure that we had everything we neededtowe and catalina were really kind and helpfultowe is amazing as a host and promptly answered any questions i had very quicklyvery comfortable and everyone was extremely accommodating and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to townparadise bay is secure area and a 10-minute walk to townreally the best location in townwe also loved the walk to town in the morningclose to town super peaceful nice place to relax
10. Private and tranquil cabin by the woods, Rivas (from USD 23)
This quaint cabin is a 15-minute walk to Playa Amarillo and a mere 7-minute walk to the town. Playa Amarillo is a big hit among surfers and offers friendly waves to ride. Surfboard rentals can be arranged with the help of your host.
The cabin is ideal for a couple and comes with a cozy living room and a fully equipped kitchen. It also has a small bathroom where you can enjoy a hot shower after a day spent surfing the tides.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
we really enjoyed our stay with megan she was super welcoming and a great hostmegan is a really nice host she really cares about youmeagan was extremely welcoming and very helpfulamazing airbnb really cozy and megan is a great host that can help you with everything you needoverall we enjoyed our stay and would recommend megan as a host
Catch a wave in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a beautiful country that offers a perfect blend of world-class surfing and fantastic holiday homes. Catch a wave to ride it in one of the many world-class surfing spots but before you do anything else, book an ideal accommodation to surf and stay in Nicaragua.
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