If you arrive in Nicaragua you can arrive in the capital Managua. The airport is small and easy to navigate. If you walk out the main door and straight across the road you will pay considerably less for a taxi as opposed to getting one at the terminal door. The capital does not have much to offer but if you have to stay there overnight it is probably best to book a hotel in advance rather than walking around at night. If you want to see a good example of a colonial city then Granada is worth a visit for a day or two. There are plenty of buses going to all destinations frequently and the buses are safe and reliable. The main roads seem to be quite good mostly and drivers are not as wild as in some other countries in the region.
The coastline is very long but to dare most of the surfing in Nicaragua has been developed in the SW, in the Rivas province and especially around San Juan del Sur. While it is true that the wind blows offshore 300 days per year, this wind can be strong enough to make for unsettled conditions, and the wind can also be cross offshore at times that can affect waves quality and shape. A lot of the surf is best accessed by boat. Once you turn off the main roads there is little or no signposting and you will be travelling in dirt roads rather than tar roads. During the rainy season the dirt roads can get washed out. The benefits of staying in a surf camp is having boat access to waves a few times per day. You can access waves by land but it could take time to get your bearings. Early mornings are best and least crowded. Many surf camps are based around San Juan del Sur but the best waves are a good drive in the boat. The benefit of GFS surf camp is its proximity to some of the best waves, so you are often the first group in the line up in the morning. Expect plenty of more discoveries in the NW part of the country as the SW gets more crowded. There are quite a lot of people going to Nicaragua on surf trips recently as the country has got a lot of surf media coverage in recent years, in American publications in particular. The surf can be more crowded than expected but still plenty of waves to be had. If you have a good surf guide in your camp you should score decent waves. The wind can create a bit of a chill in the water, even though it is hot and sunny and the water is warm enough for board shorts. Consider a thermal rash vest for early morning surfs. The sun is strong so take plenty of sun screen – you don’t feel the sun with the constant wind. Some of the waves are quite hollow producing decent barrels and considerable power. There are also plenty of more intermediate waves – talk to the guide and tell them the type of waves you are looking for, and be realistic in your expectations. GFS is small camp located right on the beach. Accommodation is comfortable yet basic and food is very good and plentiful. There are a few small bars in the village but generally it is early nights. The camp has plenty of DVD’s to choose from. A great time to catch up on your reading.
Travel Tips
