Puerto Sandino

Surf Guide

Puerto Sandino is one of the longest waves in Nicaragua, but it can be difficult to catch it good, as it is openly exposed to the wind and way out there off shore. The initial take off zone to the end of the wave usually averages over 300 yards when its on. It is mostly a sand bottom break, however there are reef sections at certain points along this long wave. These intermittent areas of sand and reef allow for a variety of barrel and wally sections for the length of the ride. Boat access is recommended, as the wave starts in front of a large river mouth roughly almost a half mile from the shore. Due to Puerto Sandino's location, it picks up more swell than the nearby breaks, often producing sets that are several feet bigger. Its magic size is around 8-10 feet. Although, due to the consistency of the sandbars, it can hold more size with the right swell direction and winds. The best time to surf this wave is the low-to-high incoming tide push with calm or light offshore winds. The ideal swell direction for Puerto Sandino is South-Southwest. It can take more west and still work well though, as opposed to the other breaks situated to the south. Located due west from the very top end of Lake Nicaragua, the Puerto Sandino area still enjoys the benefits of the lake effect offshores that Nicaragua is known for. The northern breaks of Nicaragua are still relatively unknown, thus far less crowded than the waves in the southern part of the country. It is not uncommon to have world-class waves with no one out. Peak season is from March through September. Enjoy.