Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

Playa Hermosa

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

A strip of black sand lapped by the frothing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Playa Hermosa is one of San Juan del Sur’s surfing hot spots. It's a little out of the way in Camino Ostional, which means you’ll often find it much less crowded than the other beaches in the center of town.

Playa Hermosa boasts up to seven breaks that draw surfers ranging from beginner to advanced. Surf lessons are the most popular way to experience this volcanic beach, with instructors helping you learn from scratch or hone existing skills. Some ATV tours also stop by and let you get off the beaten path, tackling rugged terrain that leads to lesser-known parts of the beach.

  • Three surf lodges on Playa Hermosa offer accommodations and lessons.

  • You can rent boards from surf stores on the beach; surf classes typically include all equipment.

  • Some travelers report safety concerns on this beach, so be mindful of your belongings.

  • There’s a restaurant on the beach that serves classic Nicaraguan dishes; bring cash.

Playa Hermosa is in Camino Ostional, a small beach resort that’s 4 miles (7 kilometers) from the center of San Juan del Sur. The easiest way to reach it is by taking a cab from the town, which typically only costs a few dollars.

Playa Hermosa is open daily at all hours; it’s particularly pretty during sunset, but be wary after nightfall. The best time to visit this part of Nicaragua is from December through March, when the weather is dry and sunny. You can enjoy year-round surf swell.

Playa Hermosa isn’t the only beautiful beach in San Juan del Sur. The main beach in the town center is San Juan del Sur beach, over which a Christ statue similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro towers. Playa Maderas is the town’s most famous surf spot, hosting surf competitions throughout the year.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP