Popoyo
Popoyo is Nicaragua's flagship surf destination—a reef break that catches virtually every SW swell and offers multiple peaks to choose from. The setup is perfect for a surf trip: consistent waves, warm water, offshore morning winds, and a growing infrastructure of surf camps and restaurants. The reef produces both left and right options, with the outer reef getting heavier and hollower. This is where Central American surf trips often begin and end.
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Popoyo?
Popoyo works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Popoyo?
Offshore wind at Popoyo blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 0° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Popoyo?
Popoyo wants SSW swell (180° to 250°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Popoyo?
The main season at Popoyo is Apr-Oct. SW swell season. Offshore winds most mornings.
How do I get to Popoyo?
Fly into MGA, then allow about 120 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Popoyo?
Popoyo is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
SW swell season. Offshore winds most mornings.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Playa Santana
🏄 Popoyo's secret • Uncrowded quality • Pre-boom vibes
Popoyo Outer Reef
⚡ Big wave Nicaragua • Central America's heaviest • Expert only
Panga Drops
🚤 Swell magnet • Long rides • Boat access adventure
Colorados
🏝️ Remote island perfection • Resort exclusive • Empty A-frames
Astillero
🎣 Hollow rivermouth • Double overhead potential • Fishing village gem
Playa Amarillo
🏖️ Empty perfection • Untouched beach • Off the radar