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.
Playa Amarillo surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.5m - 2m
- 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?
The Playa Amarillo profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Amarillo?
The Playa Amarillo profile uses wind from NE (50°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 10° to 90°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Amarillo?
The Playa Amarillo scoring profile favors swell from SSW (175° to 240°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists MGA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 135 minutes. 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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