Playa Maderas
Playa Maderas is Nicaragua's most beloved intermediate wave—a fun beach break near San Juan del Sur that has become the heart of the country's growing surf scene. The wave offers consistent left and right peaks that work for all skill levels, from beginners finding their feet to experienced surfers looking for playful sessions. The vibe here is pure Central American warmth: sunset sessions, beachfront bars, and a community of international travelers who've discovered Nicaragua's incredible value proposition. When the southwest swells pump from April through October, Maderas delivers daily surfable conditions at a fraction of Costa Rica's prices.
Playa Maderas surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Near San Juan del Sur. Easy beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Maderas?
The Playa Maderas profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m 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 Maderas?
The Playa Maderas profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 0° 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 Maderas?
The Playa Maderas scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 250°), a swell-height range of 0.8m 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 Maderas?
The main season at Playa Maderas is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Mar. SW swell season April-October. Consistent beach break.
How do I get to Playa Maderas?
The spot profile lists MGA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 130 minutes. Near San Juan del Sur. Easy beach access.
What kind of wave is Playa Maderas?
Playa Maderas is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Mar
SW swell season April-October. Consistent beach break.
Getting There
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