Surf spot

Popoyo

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

Country: Nicaragua
Coordinates: 11.4514, -86.1063

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)	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7
Wave direction	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	S	S	S	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	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)	11.2	10.6	10.4	10.5	10.3	10.3	10.1	10.2	11.1	11.4	11.4	11.4	9.2	9.1	7.3	7.2	7	7	7.2	7.2	7.2	9.1	13.2	14.2	14.4	14.5	14.5	14.4	14.3	14.2	14	13.8	13.5	13.3	13.2	13.1	12.8	12.8	12.3	12.1	11.9	11.8	11.6	11.4	11.3	11.3	11.2	11	10.9	10.8	10.9	10.8	10.7	10.7	10.6	10.6
Wave energy (kJ)	212	199	191	195	174	164	156	140	121	107	101	88	53	52	33	34	33	33	32	32	32	55	125	165	182	194	218	227	251	258	277	282	282	289	280	264	254	252	236	227	221	206	199	194	182	180	167	155	145	143	137	128	119	111	110	104
Wind speed (km/h)	29.1	26.1	25.3	35.6	34.5	35.7	31.2	30.3	27.4	27.6	30.9	38.3	38.6	36.2	36.2	32.5	30.2	27.1	29.1	33.7	33.9	39.7	31	30	29.2	27.6	27.1	32.1	32.7	33.8	28.9	28.1	24.5	24.9	27.2	35.1	32.1	32.1	28.2	25.6	23.5	22.2	23.2	29.6	26.6	25.2	26.6	10.7	18.5	15.8	11.3	14.1	9.1	20.6	9.5	5.8
Wind direction	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEBlown out	ENEOffshore	EBlown out	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEBlown out	ENEBlown out	EBlown out	EBlown out	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EBlown out	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	NEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	NEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEBlown out	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	ESECross-off	ESECross-off	EOffshore	ENEOffshore	EOffshore	EOffshore	SECross-off	WSWOnshore	SWCross-on	SCross

Popoyo, Nicaragua is one of Central America’s best-known surf destinations, famous for its consistent offshore winds, warm water, and a variety of waves that work across different swell directions. It sits on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, in a relatively remote but increasingly popular area that still feels more laid-back than many major surf hubs.

What it’s like

Popoyo offers a mix of reef breaks, beach breaks, and point-style waves spread along the nearby coastline. The main wave at Popoyo is a powerful, hollow reef break that can produce fast, barreling lefts and rights when conditions line up. Nearby spots also provide more forgiving options, making the area attractive to a wide range of surfers—from intermediate travelers to experienced wave riders chasing quality surf.

Conditions

Best swell: Works well on Pacific swells, especially from the south and southwest
Wind: Often benefits from offshore winds, especially in the morning
Water: Warm year-round; boardshorts or a spring suit is usually enough
Best season: Generally the dry season and prime swell months, though it can surf well much of the year

Who it’s for

Popoyo is best for surfers who are comfortable in reef-break conditions and know how to handle powerful waves and occasional crowding. There are also mellower waves nearby for lessons or progression.

Vibe and access

The area has a chill, tropical surf-town vibe, with surf lodges, small hotels, and beachside restaurants. It’s not as built-up as some famous surf towns, which adds to the appeal. Access is fairly straightforward by road from Managua, though the final stretch can feel remote.

In short

Popoyo is a high-quality, warm-water surf destination with consistent waves, dramatic reef setups, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere—one of Nicaragua’s standout surf spots.