#Vinecations: Surfing Playa Remanso, Nicaragua

To reach the pristine beaches of southwestern Nicaragua, you’ll travel a dirt road through dense jungle, yielding to an occasional rooster, pig or farmer walking with cows. Forget the radio. Instead, roll down the window and listen for birds and howler monkeys high above in the canopy. As the road runs out, the trees open up and give way to a white stretch of sand and the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The scene

At Playa Remanso, about 85 miles south of the capital Managua, a piece of wood painted “Surf Beach” hangs from a palapa. A small snack bar offers cool drinks and traditional fare like nacatamales (stuffed corncakes). Beyond, the horseshoe shaped Playa Remanso Bay welcomes gentle rolling waves ideal for long boarders and beginners.

When to go

With both air and water temperatures averaging 80° F (26° C), it’s always a good time of year to visit. Expect dryer weather and higher prices from November through April (high season); and heavy rains from May through October. While the rural roads can be challenging during this time, the reward is fewer crowds and bigger swells.

Where to stay

Just 5 miles north of Playa Remanso, San Juan del Sur is an ideal basecamp for your Nicaragua surf adventure. You’ll find a full range of accommodations, plus coffee shops, yoga studios, surf schools and beach shuttles. A variety of restaurants offer fresh local seafood and dishes catering to any international taste. The days are quiet, and the nights are lively. Yet despite the modest development of San Juan del Sur, the region remains authentic. It’s a true natural paradise… surfboard optional.

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