Astillero
Astillero is Nicaragua's powerful rivermouth discovery—a hollow beachbreak in a fishing village that can hold waves up to 8 feet and beyond. The river constantly replenishes the sandbars, creating hollow peaks with rights typically outperforming lefts. The wave is known for its hollow barrels, double-overhead days, and point break sections that demand experienced surfers. What makes Astillero special is the combination of quality waves and authentic Nicaragua: no crowds, warm water, a working fishing village, and perfect conditions when the swell hits. 4WD access adds to the adventure.
Astillero surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's ConditionsToday's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to MGA, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Central America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Central America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full Astillero trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (205°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (55°)
- Offshore range
- 15° - 95°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.6m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Fishing village on Carazo/Rivas border. 4WD to the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Astillero?
Astillero is a beach break in Carazo, Nicaragua, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Astillero?
Astillero picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.8m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Astillero?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Astillero, and anything from the NNE round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Astillero?
Astillero is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.6m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Astillero?
The most reliable run of swell at Astillero comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Mar and Nov too. Rivermouth replenishes sandbars. Best low-mid tide.
How cold is the water at Astillero?
The water at Astillero averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Astillero good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Strong rips on big days. 4WD access recommended.
How do I get to Astillero?
The nearest airport on our list is MGA, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Fishing village on Carazo/Rivas border. 4WD to the point.
What other surf spots are near Astillero?
The closest breaks we track are Lance's Left (1.1 km), Chacocente (7.8 km) and Playgrounds (8.7 km), handy when Astillero isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Rivermouth replenishes sandbars. Best low-mid tide.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Lance's Left
🏄 Long left point • All skill levels • Emerald Coast longboard wave
Chacocente
🐢 Wildlife reserve • Zero crowds • Jungle barrel paradise
Playgrounds
🏋️ Nicaragua's Trestles • Progression paradise • Rippable walls
Popoyo Outer Reef
⚡ Big wave Nicaragua • Central America's heaviest • Expert only
Popoyo
🇳🇮 Nicaragua's best • Multi-peak reef • Year-round consistency
Playa Santana
🏄 Popoyo's secret • Uncrowded quality • Pre-boom vibes