Popoyo
Rivas, Nicaragua
Reef breakAdvanced
A world-class right-hand reef break on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, Popoyo fires on south swells with hollow, barrelling walls that have put this wild stretch of Rivas coast firmly on the global surf map.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
Offshore winds
Tide
Varies
LowMidHigh
Season
Varies
The Wave
Type
Right (primary) and left options
Bottom
Rock reef
Shape
Fast, hollow right, powerful barrels on the takeoff with long wall sections on medium swells
Length
60–150m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: The reef is shallow and the wave is fast, committing to the barrel is not optional.
Hazards
- •Shallow rock reef, wipeouts result in reef contact
- •Remote location (rough dirt road access)
- •Sea urchins on the reef
- •Limited medical facilities nearby
Local Tips
- •The outer reef (Outer Popoyo) fires on bigger swells and is one of Central America's best big-wave options.
- •The road to Popoyo is rough, a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.
Location
11.4275, -86.0461