Surfing in Las Peñitas: Surf Spots, Poneloya, Las Penitas, and Los Brasiles Playa Travel Guide
This little travel guide will be a good introduction to the city of Las Peñitas, alongside the accompanying surf spots such as Poneloya, Las Penitas, and los Brasiles Playa. They are definetely some beginner setups for waves, but great if that is your scene;
Introduction to Surfing in Las Peñitas
If you are looking for a spot that is the total opposite of the high energy party towns, Las Peñitas is your sanctuary. It is a laid back fishing village on the northwest coast that has a real soul. You are right on the edge of the Pacific, and the setup here is all about long, golden beaches and a super friendly lineup. The main reason you make the trek here is for the tranquility and the easy access to fun, consistent peaks without the aggressive crowd.
The typical swell is a solid south southwest pulse that hits the sandy floor and creates a variety of peaks along the beach. Because of the way the coast is angled, you get those sweet offshore winds that groom the waves into clean, rideable faces. You can pretty much count on finding a wave almost every day of the year. If the ocean decides to take a breather, the area is still a blast. You can take a panga through the Juan Venado mangroves to see crocodiles and turtles, or just grab a cold beer and watch the sun dip behind the waves. It is an amazing place for beginners because the beach breaks are generally forgiving, but there is enough size and punch on the right tides to keep the intermediate crew stoked too.
Best Season to Surf in Las Peñitas
The peak of the swell season runs from May to October. This is when the big Pacific energy is most active, bringing more size and power to the beach breaks. The landscape is lush and green, and while you might get a tropical rain in the afternoon, the mornings are usually glassy and perfect.
For those just starting out, the dry season from November to April is a dream. The swells are much more mellow, and the sun is out all day long. The offshore winds can get pretty brisk, which keeps the wave shape perfect but might chill the water just enough to make you want a thin top for those early morning sessions.
Overall, the sweet spot is often April or May. You get the first real pulses of the summer swell while the weather is still beautiful and dry. It is the best time to find that perfect balance of wave size and tropical sunshine.
Surf Spots and Beaches
Las Penitas Playa
This is the main hub and it is a super fun, shifting beach break. It offers a mix of lefts and rights over a mostly sandy bottom. It is a great place for all levels because you can find different peaks along the shore to suit your comfort level. At mid tide, it usually offers the best shape for long, playful rides.
Playa Poneloya
Just a short walk north, this beach is a bit more exposed and can pick up a little more swell. It is a wide, open stretch of sand with punchy peaks that are great for practicing your turns. It is often less crowded than the main beach, giving you plenty of space to find your own peak.
Los Brasiles
This spot is a bit of a hidden treasure across the estuary. It is a long, untouched stretch of sand that offers very quiet lineups and clean beach break peaks. It is a bit of a mission to get there, but the reward is a peaceful session in a beautiful, natural setting.
Surf Schools, Camps, and Resorts
A local favorite right on the sand. They focus on giving you a real feel for the local lifestyle while helping you nail the fundamentals in a fun, relaxed environment.
These guys are all about the vibes and progression. They offer personalized coaching and have a great team that knows exactly where the best sandbars are on any given day.
Surf Camp & Resort
This is a beautiful, eco conscious spot that sits right on the beach. It is a social hub where surfers and travelers hang out, share stories, and head out for dawn patrol together.
How to get to Las Peñitas
Landing at MGA in Managua is your best bet. From there, it is a simple and scenic two hour drive. You can easily book a private shuttle or grab a taxi. If you are on a budget, you can catch a bus to the city of León and then jump on a local chicken bus for the final 20 minute ride to the beach. Once you are in the village, everything is walkable, so you can leave the wheels behind.
General Costs and Considerations
Las Peñitas is very kind to your wallet. You can find a solid local meal for around 6 to 9 dollars and the beer is always cheap. The Córdoba is the local currency, and it is definitely the best way to pay. There are no ATMs in the village itself, so make sure you pull out plenty of cash in León before you head to the coast so you do not have to cut your trip short.
Travel Advisories
The village is a safe and friendly community. Like anywhere, just keep your gear in sight when you are on the beach and use the lockers at your hostel. The sun is the most intense thing you will deal with, so bring plenty of high quality zinc. There are no mandatory shots, but bring some bug spray for the estuary area during the evening.
Other things to do in Las Peñitas
Food
You have to try the Sopa de Mariscos. It is a rich, coconut based seafood soup that is a local specialty. It is the perfect way to refuel after a heavy day of paddling.
Location to Hike
Take a boat tour through the Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve. You can explore the winding mangroves and see an incredible amount of birds and wildlife. It is a totally different side of the coastline.
Cultural Thing
Head into the nearby city of León for a day. You can climb to the roof of the massive white cathedral for a view of the volcanoes or explore the local markets for handmade crafts and world class coffee.
Conclusion on Las Peñitas
Las Peñitas is the spot for the traveler who wants to score fun waves and actually relax. It lacks the chaos of the bigger surf towns and replaces it with a genuine, slow paced village life. The waves are consistent and friendly, the sunsets are some of the best on the coast, and the people make you feel like part of the family. If you want a trip that is about the simple joy of the ocean and the sun, it is absolutely worth sending it for a session.