Playa Maderas

Playa Maderas is a small bay backed by forested hills a short ride north of San Juan del Sur, and it has become the beach most visitors to the town end up at: a beach break with a reliable wave that works for improvers as well as experienced surfers, board rental and lessons on the sand, a few bars and hostels behind, and shuttle buses running from town several times a day. The setting is genuinely pretty, with headlands at both ends and the sun going down over the water, which fills the beach in the late afternoon. It gets crowded in the water at peak times. Beyond surfing there is not much: swimming is possible but currents run, and the beach has no village.

What you actually see

• The beach break - a wave that suits improvers and experienced surfers.
• Board rental and lessons - operators working directly on the sand.
• Sunset crowds - the late-afternoon gathering on the beach.
• Forested headlands - the hills enclosing the small bay.

When to go

March to October for the biggest swell; the wave works year round. Shuttles from San Juan del Sur run through the day. Afternoons are busiest, mornings much quieter in the water.

Honest expectations

The water gets crowded and the line-up can be competitive. The access track is rough and shuttles are the practical way in. Currents are strong and there are no lifeguards. Facilities are a handful of bars, and prices are high for Nicaragua.

Nearby

San Juan del Sur lies south; La Flor refuge is further down the coast.