Surf
It’s world class.
Lap up some of the best breaks in Central America. Whether you’re seasoned or brand new to it, there’s a beach to suit you. Here’s our locals guide to the ones you’ll want to get amongst.
Playa Colorados live weather and wind forecast
Playa Colorados
A magical white sand river mouth beach break located inside the private surf/golf community of Hacienda Iguana. Lefts and right barreling peaks that spread from the river mouth north about 300m up the beach.
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On perfect days you'll be blessed with open barrels all day. Even on the smaller days it has good wave transition shape to race and hack. The word is also out about the wave and the awesome lifestyle here, you'll likely have other globe traveling surfers, locals or residents to share the waves with and a couple of sundowners at the beach club later!
It can work on all tides, however being a beach break it is sandbank dependent and ever changing. Keep your eyes on it all day and you'll get it. The wave has a tendency to work better through mid tide. Low tide could be draining tubes or closeouts. Rising high tide could pulse in size and you might have to deal with some lumping backwash.
It doesn't like huge swells they generally create lots of current movement and strong rips. This normally translates into well shaped banks in the following days as the swell backs off. October to March is generally smaller and intermediate/beginner friendly.
Panga Drops
Panga drops located mid beach of Hacienda Iguana 1km north of Playa Colorados. It's an under rated wave and often gets over looked by travelers coming to get barreled at Colorados.
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It's a swell magnet and produces fun surf sessions even in micro swell conditions. When it's big expect long left and right rides, big cut backs, rail turns and you can hunt for the inside barrels. Alos a greatWhen the waves are midsize or smaller the peaks can feel shifty because it breaks on different depths of rock reef structure spread over the area. Look for some land markers or locals to hold your position and stay put until your wave breaks in that spot. My favourite time to surf Panga Drops is either side of low tide or after mid tide to high and especially when Playa Colorados is too crowded!
Playa Amarillo
The next bay south of Playa Colorados is the beginner/intermediate friendly wave of Playa Amarillo. Sandy bottom left and right peaks, likes the mid tide.
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You can access by walking 30/40mins around the rocks to the south of Playa Colorados at low tide. You can also access by driving over to Gigante and park at the beach in front of the break. Grab some fresh fish or lobster for dinner while your in Gigante!
Manzanillo
Manzanillo is located south of Hacienda Iguana in front of the private luxury resort community Guacalito de Isla. The wave is left point over rock reef. Super fun wave with barrel sections and lip smackable walls.
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Manzanillo doesn't need much swell to turn on fire, if it is too big it will wash fat and wide. You need to surf it through the mid tide, do not surf it too low!
You can access by boat or you can drive in for $50 day fee to surf and also use that fee as credit for food and drink at the beach club! Be on good behavior and remember you are a guest of the resort.
Playa Rosada
Playa Rosada is a left reef break located inside the private gated community of Rancho Santana. Bottom structure is sharp volcanic rock peppered with urchins, surf it at low tide only.
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Paddle out from the bay, don't jump off the rocks. Awesome spot to surf while friends and family chill at the pool dining on spanish tapas, sipping on sangria at the awesome restaurant La Boquita.
Playa Santana
Playa Santana is a wedgy beach break with multiple peaks down the beach. The wave has barrels and good transition shape to generate speed and rip turns. It likes smaller swells, maxing when its big and mid to high tide is favourable.
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It can get really crowded with rippers from the local community Limon 2. Early morning high tides and cold water will help to thin out the crowds. If you drive your car over its best park at the restaurant/bar to look after your car and buy some food/drinks after your surf.
If there are heavy rains look out of the chocolate river water flowing directly into the lineup.
Magnific Rock
Magnific Rock is located on a hilltop looking over Popoyo 30 mins drive north of Hacienda Iguana. Here you will find the surf break called "Beginners Bay", as you would expect is is a great beginner/intermediate crumbling left point break with a large channel.
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There is also a right that breaks on the other side of the bay. Bring your longboards, soft tops and some wide fun shapes. Try to aim for a sunset session and admire the 360deg views of the area, extremely photogenic.
Popoyo
Popoyo is a left/right A frame peak over rock/sand reef with long walls and barrel sections. The left is generally the better ride of the two. Can handle large swells and various angles and is a magnet with small swell season.
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Breaks at all tides however low can be a touch boney at times depending on the moon cycle. It's a popular spot with a bunched takeoff spot, take your time be respectful and you'll be rewarded with super fun long rides.
You can chill at the restaurant bar overlooking the wave, awesome spectator view of the wave.
Popoyo Outer Reef
Deep water left barreling slab, it's a no joke big wave spot. Holds huge swells, only starts working at 10ft and reserved only for a select group of humans with big cojones!
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It is a long swim out, recommended to take a boat or ski. Learn where to sit and take off by watching from the channel, talk to some locals about how to approach the wave, do not surf it anywhere near low tide and make sure to have the correct equipment.
