Surfing in San Juan del Sur: Surf Spots, Lessons, and Camps Guide
This article covers surfing in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, which is one of the surfing hubs in the region that has a variety of fun surf spots, camps, and surf schools for lessons. This guide should help you travel your way through and to it! Get hyped with this clip;
Introduction to Surfing in San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is the ultimate hub for the surf lifestyle in Nicaragua. It is a vibrant horseshoe bay that serves as the jumping-off point for dozens of world-class breaks tucked into the surrounding coastline. The main reason you come here is the lifestyle and the variety. You have a fun, traveler-friendly town full of energy, and then you have a massive choice of beaches just a short truck or boat ride away.
The typical swell here is a consistent south-southwest groundswell. Because of the unique geography of the area, you get those famous offshore winds blowing across Lake Nicaragua for over 300 days a year. This means the waves stay clean and groomed almost all day long. Decent waves are incredibly frequent; it is rare to see a day where there is absolutely nothing to ride. If the ocean is quiet, the town is still buzzing. You can hike up to the Christ of the Mercy statue for a killer view of the bay, dive into the local food scene, or join the legendary Sunday Funday pool crawl. It is a fantastic place for beginners because spots like Remanso offer soft, rolling walls, while more experienced riders can hunt for barrels further down the coast.
Best Season to Surf in San Juan del Sur
The peak season for consistent, powerful waves is from May to October. This is when the Southern Hemisphere really starts pumping out the energy. The swells are larger and more frequent, making it the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers to score. Even with the rain, those offshore winds usually hold strong, keeping the faces glassy.
For beginners, the dry season from November to April is prime. The swells are generally smaller and much more manageable. The wind can get pretty intense during these months, which can cause a bit of upwelling and drop the water temp slightly, but it keeps the waves perfectly shaped for learning.
Overall, the best time to visit for a mix of great weather and fun surf is the shoulder season in April or May. You get the first real pulses of the southern swell and the land is still soaking up the sun before the rains really kick in.
Surf Spots
Best Beginner Waves
El Remanso is a total gem for anyone just starting out. It is a small, protected bay with a sandy bottom and very mellow, rolling waves. It has a nice channel on the side which makes the paddle out a breeze, and the vibe in the water is super friendly.
Playa Hermosa is about 20 minutes south of town, this beach is a mile long and picks up plenty of swell but spreads it out beautifully. It is a great spot for beginners because there is so much space; you never feel like you are dropping in on someone. The waves are long and soft, giving you plenty of time to find your feet.
General Recommendation
Playa San Juan del Sur is in the main town bay, this is the softest wave around. It is a very mellow, peeling wave that works best when a massive swell is hitting elsewhere, turning the harbor into a perfect longboard playground with zero heavy currents.
Playa Nacascolo is tucked into a super protected cove, this spot is mostly known for its calm, bath-like water. It is a great place to paddle out on a big board just to get your balance when the open ocean beaches are looking a bit too intimidating.
Peña Rota is a shifty beach break that offers a bit more of a challenge for those looking to progress. It has a mix of lefts and rights over a sandy bottom, providing a great spot to practice reading the ocean without the heavy crowds of the main beaches.
Playa El Yanke is located about 25 minutes south, this is a beautiful and secluded beach. While it can get punchy and fast when the swell is up, on smaller days it offers well-defined peaks that are great for beginners who want to move away from the whitewater and try catching their first green waves.
Surf Schools and Camps
Surf Schools for Lessons
A rad local spot in town that focuses on making surfing accessible for everyone. They are known for their high-energy instructors and great tips for first-timers.
These guys offer a wide range of coaching from total beginner fundamentals to high-level video analysis. They are super professional and know the local sandbars inside and out.
Alex is a local legend with a passion for teaching. His school is all about having fun and leaving the stress behind, providing a very patient and encouraging environment.
Surf Camps
The first all-women’s surf retreat in Nicaragua. They offer an empowering environment with expert coaching and beautiful accommodations, specializing in helping women of all levels progress fast. For that reason alone, I had to throw them down at the local surf camp recommendation!
How to get to San Juan del Sur
Most travelers fly into MGA in Managua. From there, it is a straightforward two-and-a-half-hour drive via taxi or shuttle. If you are coming from Costa Rica, you can fly into ECI and be in town in under an hour. Once you are in San Juan del Sur, you do not really need a car; there are surf shuttles that leave from the center of town several times a day to take you to all the best beaches.
General Costs and Considerations
San Juan del Sur is very affordable. You can grab a local Tona beer for a couple of bucks and a massive plate of food for under ten. The currency is the Córdoba, and while US dollars are accepted everywhere, you will get a better deal using the local cash.
Travel Advisories
The town is very tourist-friendly, but like any travel hub, watch your pockets in crowded bars and do not leave your bag alone on the beach. Use the shuttles to get to the surf spots rather than walking long distances on the dirt roads alone at night. No special vaccines are required, but the sun is heavy, so bring plenty of zinc and stay hydrated.
Other things to do in San Juan del Sur
Food
You have to try the Pargo Rojo, Red Snapper. It is usually served whole, fried to perfection with a side of tostones and salad. It is the classic beach meal.
Location to Hike
The trek up to the Christ of the Mercy statue is a classic. It is a bit of a climb, but the view of the bay and the sunset from the top is absolutely mental.
Cultural
Check out the local market near the center of town. You can find amazing handmade leather goods and local coffee that makes for the best souvenirs to take home.
Conclusion on San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is the perfect home base for a Nicaraguan surf trip. It has the best balance of town life and incredible ocean access. You get the convenience of great restaurants and shops combined with a massive variety of waves just minutes away. Whether you are looking to catch your first wave at Remanso or hunt for long rides at Hermosa, the consistency here is hard to beat. It is a high-vibe place where the sun always shines and the offshore winds never seem to quit. It is absolutely worth sending it for a session.