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.
Popoyo 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
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- 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 kind of wave is Popoyo?
Popoyo is a reef break in Rivas, Nicaragua, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Popoyo?
A tsunami from a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated Popoyo on 2 September 1992. Its offshore winds funnel in from Lake Nicaragua.
What swell works best at Popoyo?
Popoyo 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 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. 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 Popoyo?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Popoyo, and anything from the N 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 Popoyo?
Popoyo is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Popoyo?
The most reliable run of swell at Popoyo comes Apr to Oct. SW swell season. Offshore winds most mornings.
How cold is the water at Popoyo?
The water at Popoyo 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 Popoyo 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. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Sharp reef with urchins. Booties recommended.
How do I get to Popoyo?
The nearest airport on our list is MGA, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Popoyo?
The closest breaks we track are Playa Santana (2.0 km), Popoyo Outer Reef (2.0 km) and Panga Drops (6.2 km), handy when Popoyo isn't working. We track 7 spots around Rivas in total.
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
🏄 Hacienda Iguana A-frames • Fast, barreling beachie • Panga Drops next door
Astillero
🎣 Hollow rivermouth • Double overhead potential • Fishing village gem
Playa Amarillo
🏖️ Empty perfection • Untouched beach • Off the radar
Plan a trip around Popoyo
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.