Surf spot

Pipes

Forecast conditions and map view for Pipes in Nicaragua. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: Nicaragua
Coordinates: 12.1730, -86.7658

Metric
Metric	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00
Wave height (m)	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	13	12.7	12.3	12	11.8	11.6	11.4	11.4	11.3	10.9	10.8	10.7	10.7	10.4	10.1	10.1	10.2	10.1	10.8	10.8	10.8	11.1	11.2	10.6	10.2	10.3	9.9	9.6	11	13.5	14.1	14.3	14.4	14.5	14.3	14.3	14.3	14.2	14.1	13.8	13.7	13.4	13.2	13	12.8	12.6	12.5	12.4	12.3	12.1	12	11.9	11.8	11.6	11.4	11.3
Wave energy (kJ)	227	217	203	184	186	172	158	150	148	146	142	138	132	125	106	105	95	89	83	78	78	72	67	52	44	38	31	29	43	99	116	128	140	162	168	169	178	174	183	185	193	186	179	175	178	174	171	168	164	160	149	147	143	131	121	112
Wind speed (km/h)	21.5	14.2	11.1	13.4	13.4	15.3	14	23.3	19.2	14.2	10.4	18.2	16.7	27.4	26.1	19.6	13.1	13	14.6	22.6	25.3	30.1	27	19.8	14.4	15.8	15.8	22.7	17	26.3	27.4	24.1	16.3	10.4	10.2	16.1	15.4	8.1	5.1	13.6	15.9	10.9	10.3	22.6	17.3	20.3	5.9	22	17.3	9.7	5.2	5	2.9	12.3	10.5	6.1
Wind direction	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	NEOffshore	SECross-off	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	ESECross-off	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	SECross-off	NCross-off	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	WSWOnshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	SGlassy	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SECross-off

Pipes is a well-known surf spot on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, famous for its powerful, barreling waves that break over a sand and reef bottom. It’s especially appealing to experienced surfers looking for fast, hollow sections and occasional long rides when the swell lines up properly.

What it’s like

Wave type: Fast, punchy beachbreak/reefbreak with tubes
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, especially those comfortable in hollow surf
Conditions: Works best with solid southwest swell and favorable offshore winds
Crowds: Can get busy when it’s firing, but usually less packed than more famous global surf destinations
Hazards: Strong currents, shallow sections, and powerful closeouts at larger sizes

Atmosphere

The area around Pipes is typically laid-back and tropical, with warm water and a relaxed surf-camp feel. It’s a spot that can deliver serious surf without requiring a heavy winter wetsuit, which is a big part of its appeal.