Best Surf Hotels & Lodges in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (2026)

San Juan del Sur: Nicaragua's Surf Capital

San Juan del Sur started as a quiet fishing village and has transformed into Central America's premier surf destination. Set in a beautiful crescent bay surrounded by jungle-covered hills, this laid-back beach town offers consistent waves, affordable prices, and a welcoming surf community.

Unlike Costa Rica's crowded lineups, Nicaragua's surf breaks remain relatively uncrowded. Multiple world-class breaks within a short drive, warm water year-round, and waves for all levels make San Juan del Sur the perfect base for your surf trip.

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Understanding the Area

San Juan del Sur Town

The main town sits in the protected bay—great for swimming but no surf. This is where you'll find most restaurants, bars, and services. Convenient base with beach breaks a short drive away.

North Beaches

The famous surf beaches north of town: Maderas, Marsella, Majagual. More developed with hotels and restaurants. Better for intermediate to advanced surfers.

South Beaches

Less developed beaches south of town: Remanso, Tamarindo, Escameca. Often less crowded, good for beginners and intermediates.

Playa Maderas

The most popular surf beach, 15 minutes north of town. Consistent beach break, surf camps, restaurants. Gets crowded but has waves for all levels.

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Luxury Surf Resorts

Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa

Ultra-Luxury on the Pacific

Nicaragua's most exclusive resort, Mukul offers 37 bohíos (villas) on a private beach with its own surfable break. World-class spa, golf course, and the region's finest dining.

Highlights:

• Private beach with surf break
• Bohío-style luxury villas
• 18-hole golf course
• World-class spa
• Multiple restaurants
• Surf lessons available

Price: From $800 USD/night

Best for: Luxury seekers, couples, surf + golf

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Rancho Santana

Oceanfront Community Resort

Spread across 2,700 acres with five private beaches, Rancho Santana offers everything from hotel rooms to multi-bedroom villas. Multiple surf breaks right on the property.

Highlights:

• Five private beaches
• Multiple on-property surf breaks
• Variety of accommodation types
• Restaurants and bars
• Tennis, yoga, fitness
• Surf instruction

Price: From $250 USD/night (rooms) / $400 USD (villas)

Best for: Families, groups, extended stays

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Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge

Eco-Luxury Meets Surf

A stunning eco-lodge with dramatic treehouse-style bungalows overlooking a private beach. Sustainable luxury with access to uncrowded surf breaks.

Highlights:

• Treehouse bungalows
• Private beach
• Sustainable operations
• Farm-to-table dining
• Wildlife throughout
• Kayaking and SUP

Price: From $350 USD/night (meals included)

Best for: Eco-conscious luxury, couples, unique stays

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Surf Lodges & Hotels

Buena Vista Surf Club

Surf-Focused Boutique Hotel

Purpose-built for surfers, this hillside property overlooks Playa Maderas with direct access to the waves. Pool, restaurant, and a social surf community.

Highlights:

• Overlooks Playa Maderas
• Walk to the waves
• Swimming pool
• Surf shop on-site
• Good restaurant/bar
• Surf package deals

Price: From $120 USD/night

Best for: Dedicated surfers, couples, surf trip base

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Maderas Village

Boho-Chic Surf Camp

A creative surf lodge set in the hills above Playa Maderas, combining comfortable accommodation with a surf camp vibe. Yoga, art, and good coffee alongside the waves.

Highlights:

• Creative, artistic vibe
• Close to Maderas beach
• Yoga sessions
• Coffee shop
• Shared and private rooms
• Community atmosphere

Price: From $80 USD/night

Best for: Creative surfers, yoga enthusiasts, social scene

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Casa de Olas

Beachfront Budget Luxury

Right on Playa Maderas with affordable rates and solid amenities. A great balance of location, comfort, and value for surf trips.

Highlights:

• Beachfront location
• Pool overlooking waves
• Good restaurant
• Surf rentals
• Great value
• Steps to the break

Price: From $100 USD/night

Best for: Value seekers, couples, direct beach access

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Hotel Barca de Oro

Town Base for Surf Trips

Located in San Juan del Sur town, this comfortable hotel offers a pool, restaurant, and easy access to shuttles and tours to all the surf beaches.

Highlights:

• In-town location
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant and bar
• Tour desk
• Close to nightlife
• Surf shuttle access

Price: From $80 USD/night

Best for: Town convenience, nightlife access, beginners

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Surf Camps & Schools

Nicaragua Surf Academy

Learn to Surf Package

All-inclusive surf camp with accommodation, meals, lessons, and transport to the best breaks. Multiple locations and package lengths.

Highlights:

• All-inclusive packages
• Daily surf lessons
• Board and transport included
• All levels welcome
• Multiple location options

Price: From $150 USD/night (all-inclusive)

Best for: Beginners, learning trips, solo travelers

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Nica Surf Camp

Immersive Surf Experience

Week-long surf programs with professional instruction, video analysis, and surfing at different breaks daily based on conditions.

Highlights:

• Week-long programs
• Video coaching
• Daily surf trips
• Comfortable lodging
• Meals included

Price: From $1,200 USD/week

Best for: Dedicated learners, intermediate progression

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Budget Options

Hostel Pachamama

Backpacker Social Hub

The most popular hostel in town, with dorms, privates, pool, bar, and a legendary Sunday Funday party.

Highlights:

• Pool and bar
• Social atmosphere
• Sunday Funday party
• Dorms and privates
• Budget surf packages

Price: From $15 USD (dorm) / $40 USD (private)

Best for: Backpackers, party scene, budget travelers

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Casa Oro Eco Hostel

Sustainable Budget Stay

An eco-conscious hostel with a chilled vibe, garden setting, and reasonable prices. Good for budget travelers wanting something quieter.

Highlights:

• Eco-friendly
• Garden setting
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Kitchen access
• Surf board rentals

Price: From $12 USD (dorm) / $35 USD (private)

Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, quiet seekers, budget

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Surf Spots Guide

Beginner Breaks

• Playa Remanso: Gentle waves, sandy bottom, south of town
• Inside Maderas: Smaller inside section of Maderas
• Hermosa (inside): Soft peeling waves, good for learning

Intermediate Breaks

• Playa Maderas: The main break, multiple peaks, works most swells
• Marsella: Fun right point, less crowded than Maderas
• Majagual: Beach break, good variety of waves

Advanced Breaks

• Playa Hermosa (outside): Powerful beach break
• Popoyo: One of Central America's best waves (45 min south)
• Colorado Point: Heavy left reef break

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Best Time to Surf

Offshore Season (December - April): Light offshore winds, cleaner waves, dry weather, busier lineups.

Swell Season (May - November): Larger swells, morning glass, afternoon onshore winds, less crowds, lower prices.

Year-Round: San Juan has waves 365 days a year. Water temperature stays warm (78-82°F).

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What Else to Do

Beyond Surfing

• Sunset Catamaran Cruises: Watch sunset from the bay
• Fishing: Sportfishing for marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi
• Yoga: Multiple studios and classes
• Hiking: Climb to the Jesus statue for bay views
• Horseback Riding: Beach and jungle rides
• Stand Up Paddling: Calm bay waters

Day Trips

• Granada: Colonial city (1.5 hours)
• Masaya Volcano: Active crater with night tours
• León: Historic city, volcano boarding
• Popoyo: Epic surf break, different scene

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Getting There

From Managua Airport: 2.5 hours by shuttle or private transfer. Multiple daily shuttles available.

From Costa Rica: Direct shuttles from San José and Liberia (4-6 hours).

Getting Around: Taxis in town, shuttle services to beaches, or rent an ATV/motorcycle.

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Practical Tips

Board Rentals

Available at most surf camps and on the beaches. Quality varies—inspect boards before renting. Shortboards: $15-20/day. Longboards: $20-25/day.

Surf Photography

Several photographers work the main breaks. Check your photos at local shops or online galleries.

Currency

Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) but US Dollars widely accepted. ATMs in town, bring cash for beach areas.

Safety

Respect the waves and localism at certain breaks. Rip currents exist—ask locals about conditions.

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Conclusion

San Juan del Sur offers something rare in Central America: world-class waves without world-class prices or crowds. Whether you're learning to surf, progressing your skills, or just want warm waves and a chill vibe, Nicaragua's Pacific coast delivers.

For luxury surf trips, Mukul or Morgan's Rock offer incredible experiences. For dedicated surfers, Buena Vista Surf Club or Casa de Olas provide the best beach access. And for budget travelers, the town hostels offer affordable surf camp packages.

Use our search widget above to find the best rates at San Juan del Sur's surf lodges and hotels.