Surfing
Surfing is one of the major activities along the coast with better and more consistent waves during the May thru mid-September time frame. You can click on the hyperlink for more information and surf breaks easily accessible from Casa Amarilla. Large, southern swells are frequent during this time of year and good surfing is almost a certainty. However the best surfing also coincides with the rainy season and you can expect daily evening rainfall, except during the “Indian Summer “period of late July and early August when there is typically a dry period.
There are waves during the rest of the year, just not as large and regular. The dry season runs from late November thru April and the waves are smaller but well formed by the nearly constant off shore winds. The advantage to surfing the dry season is that the weather is much less humid and the summer crowds have vanished. Mornings during this period can actually be considered cool (around 21 Deg C) and the constant breeze makes this time the most comfortable of the year. Another advantage of this period is that the insect population, particularly mosquitoes, is diminished significantly.
Mid-September thru mid-November is a period of frequent heavy rainfall. Tropical systems in the Caribbean draw moisture from the Pacific across the Central American isthmus and provide a wet, on-shore wind along the southern Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Tropical systems of the Eastern Pacific usually originate north of Nicaragua but the cyclonic action draws clouds and rains across the southern coast creating onshore winds and lots of rain. This period is also when the roads to Gigante can be nearly impassable as the rivers rise with the heavy rains.
Surfing Spots (see map for locations)
Manzanilla
Big wave break located ten minutes south of Gigante by boat. “Lefts only” over a rock ledge located adjacent to a cliff. Requires at least a six foot swell. Best at medium or high tide. No access by foot or car. You must take a boat to reach this break. Definitely worth the effort when the swell is large!
Playa Gigante
Note from the satellite map that the large headland extending west from beach protects Gigante from the prevailing south swell. The surf in front of Casa Amarilla rarely breaks. However, during the “Surf Season” there are occasional days when west or south west swell will wrap into the bay providing surfable waves. Typical beach break with rights and lefts. Surf it when you see it!
2a. Three Beers: Located on the south end of Gigante beach. The wave breaks only when larger south and south west swells wrap into Gigante Bay. Small well formed peelers break over rocks just beneath the surface. Low tide break only. You’ll know it’s breaking when you see the locals carrying their surfboards down the beach!
Playa Amarillo
The next beach located just north of Gigante Bay. “Surf Season” beach break on the north side of the beach is where beginners and less experienced surfers can find a smaller and more forgiving wave. Easily reached by walking about 25 minutes north from Casa Amarilla. A description of the walk is included in the “Nature Watching” section. You can also reach this beach via a 5 minute panga boat ride.
Colorado
The most consistent surf in the area. River mouth beach break that is located within walking distance of Gigante. The walk is about 45 minutes and you must scale the headland on the north end of Playa Amarillo. If you plan to walk to Colorado or Panga Drop, then you should wear good hiking boots or sandals and take someone with you. The hike over the headland is a mildly serious climb and descent. Ten minute boat ride from Casa Amarilla. Bigger swell closes out. Surf any time but best at low tide.
Panga Drop
Located about 200 meters north of Colorado. Rock bottom about 100 meters off the beach and the break will hold large swell. Very fast at low tide. Wave slows as tide comes in but the wave remains surfable in large swell at any tide. Best at mid tide for smaller swell. You should expect mild shore current here and slow drift north. Be prepared to paddle to stay on the take-off spot. Can be reached on foot but plan for an hour long walk from Casa Amarilla. Fifteen minute boat ride from Casa Amarilla.
Los Perros
Rock bottom left just in front of beach front homes on the northernmost bay in Rancho Santana. This picturesque left can be reached from Rancho Santana beach by paddling around rocks or walking around headland at Rancho Santana on low tide. Approximately a 25 minute boat ride from Casa Amarilla or a short walk from Rancho Santana.
Rancho Santana
Good left break situated at headland on north side of Rancho Santana development. Best at mid tide. Long stretch of beach running north of headland (Playa Rosada) provides good lefts and rights within sight of Rancho Santana. Favorite spot for small group of local surfers. The break can be accessed by car or boat. Car ride is 45 minutes from Casa Amarilla on typical road but can be faster in “Dry Season” when roads are in better condition. Boat ride is about 25 minutes.
Fun Rancho Santana
Beach break just north of Rancho Santana
Popoyo
The most famous break in the area. Rights and lefts over rock bottom. Can be very crowded, particularly during the “Surf Season”. Best at mid tide. About one hour by car and about 45 minutes by boat. Park at the end of the Popoyo Beach road and walk south to cross a creek mouth and pass another 200 meters of beach to reach the break. Rarely unoccupied so look for the surfers in the water and you’re there!
Small Popoyo
Local Surf Spots
Surf Map
