Manzanillo
Manzanillo is Nicaragua's serious point break - a quality left-hander at Guacalito de la Isla that needs solid swell to turn on but rewards patience with long, workable walls over rocky reef. While the neighboring beach breaks work on any swell, Manzanillo requires size and period to show its true character. When conditions align, the wave offers one of the region's better point break experiences: defined takeoff zone, predictable walls, and enough length to really open up. The rocks and reef sections demand respect, but competent surfers will find this a welcome step up from the beginner-friendly alternatives.
Manzanillo surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (205°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 240°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (60°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 100°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Rock
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Near Popoyo. Private resort or boat access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Manzanillo?
Manzanillo is a point break in Rivas, Nicaragua, that mostly breaks left over a rock bottom.
What swell works best at Manzanillo?
Manzanillo 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 1m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.9 to 2.5m. 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 Manzanillo?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at Manzanillo, 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 Manzanillo?
Manzanillo is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Manzanillo?
The most reliable run of swell at Manzanillo comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Mar and Nov too. Needs solid SW swell. Best in peak season.
How cold is the water at Manzanillo?
The water at Manzanillo 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 Manzanillo good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Rocky point. Reef sections.
How do I get to Manzanillo?
The nearest airport on our list is MGA, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive. Near Popoyo. Private resort or boat access.
What other surf spots are near Manzanillo?
The closest breaks we track are Playa Amarillo (1.6 km), Colorados (2.6 km) and Panga Drops (4.4 km), handy when Manzanillo isn't working. We track 7 spots around Rivas in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Mar
Needs solid SW swell. Best in peak season.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Playa Amarillo
🏖️ Empty perfection • Untouched beach • Off the radar
Colorados
🏄 Hacienda Iguana A-frames • Fast, barreling beachie • Panga Drops next door
Panga Drops
🚤 Swell magnet • Long rides • Boat access adventure
Playa Santana
🏄 Popoyo's secret • Uncrowded quality • Pre-boom vibes
Popoyo
🇳🇮 Nicaragua's best • Multi-peak reef • Year-round consistency
Popoyo Outer Reef
⚡ Big wave Nicaragua • Central America's heaviest • Expert only
Plan a trip around Manzanillo
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