Playa Amarillo
Playa Amarillo is Nicaragua's empty wave—an untouched beachbreak that delivers fun sand-bottom peaks to surfers willing to venture off the beaten path. The beach offers multiple takeoff zones, with a shallow reef section at the south end providing an alternative when you want something different. While the more famous spots in the region collect crowds, Amarillo remains blissfully overlooked. Minimal development means you'll likely share waves only with the occasional local or fellow explorer who discovered this quiet stretch of coast.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 175° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (50°)
- Offshore range
- 10° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.6m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Near Playa Gigante. Walk from Hacienda Iguana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Amarillo?
Playa Amarillo works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Amarillo?
Offshore wind at Playa Amarillo blows from the NE (50°). Anything in the 10° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Amarillo?
Playa Amarillo wants SSW swell (175° to 240°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Amarillo?
The main season at Playa Amarillo is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Mar, Nov. Uncrowded beach break. Shallow reef at south end.
How do I get to Playa Amarillo?
Fly into MGA, then allow about 135 minutes by road. Near Playa Gigante. Walk from Hacienda Iguana.
What kind of wave is Playa Amarillo?
Playa Amarillo is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Uncrowded beach break. Shallow reef at south end.
Getting There
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