About The Area

We are located in Southwestern Nicaragua in the province of Rivas. Our municipality is called Tola and is blessed with unbelievable natural beauty, some of the most laid back and friendly people on earth, perfect beaches and, of course, great and varied waves for surfing. The closest city is about an hour’s drive away (Rivas). Nicaragua is considered the safest country in Central America. Come and judge by yourself what all the talk about Nicaragua is about!

By plane: there are several airlines that fly from the US to Managua, Nicaragua. Among them are TACA, American Airlines, Delta, and the cheapo, Spirit Airlines. From the airport, we can organize a pick up for you by four-wheel drive. Our English speaking driver will wait for you at the airport and bring you right to our doorstep. The drive from Managua to Buena Onda Beach Resort takes about three hours. This is the quickest, most convenient and safe way to get to us. Rates for airport pick up is 120$ for 1-2, 140$ for 3-4, 160$ for up to 6 guests.

By rental car: Buena Onda Beach Resort is located in Southwestern Nicaragua, on a beach called Playa Santana. We are about a one hour drive north of the city of Rivas. From Rivas, you drive the paved road towards Tola and from there continue the journey on the well-serviced dirt road in direction of Las Salinas. Just follow the signs to Rancho Santana, which are our neighbours. Once you pass the main gate of Rancho Santana, keep going north. About half a mile further, you pass a little village called Limon #2. Keep going north, another half mile, until you see our sign on the main road. Enter our private access road and keep following it until you hit the beach: Welcome to Buena Onda Beach Resort.

By bus: Take the bus in Rivas that leaves for Las Salinas or El Astillero. Get off in Limon #2. From there it is about a half hour walk to Buena Onda Beach Resort. You can also give us a call once you are in Limon #2 and we will come pick you up.

By taxi: A taxi from Rivas to Buena Onda Beach Resort costs around 25 dollars. Don’t let the taxi drivers rip you off. If one does not want to do the trip for that price, ask another one.

Tipping is not customary in Nicaragua. However, Nicaraguan workers have generally very low incomes. Tips will be highly appreciated. In our case we will add a 10% tip charge to your food and beverage bill which will be evenly distributed to our kitchen, bar, security and maintenance staff.

Bring everything you need. We are in a remote area with the nearest city 1 hour away.

People here do not have anything in abundance. Anything you would like to bring down will be highly appreciated. Clothing you do not wear anymore, stickers for the groms or notepads and pens for the local school kids. Bring something you can spare and make new friends!

We are happy and thankful to have a well-stocked local clinic just a 5-minute car ride from our resort, the Roberto Clemente Clinic. The doctor and nurses are well trained and do a great job in first aid in case of regular medical issues (heat stroke, flu, upset stomach, stitching small cuts from surfboard fins etc.). For more serious issues requiring a full-service hospital, there is one of the best options in Latin America, the Vivina Pellas Hospital Metropolitano, in Managua about three hours away by car.

We are happy and thankful to have a well-stocked local clinic just a 5-minute car ride from our resort, the Roberto Clemente Clinic. The doctor and nurses are well trained and do a great job in first aid in case of regular medical issues (heat stroke, flu, upset stomach, stitching small cuts from surfboard fins etc.). For more serious issues requiring a full-service hospital, there is one of the best options in Latin America, the Vivina Pellas Hospital Metropolitano, in Managua about three hours away by car.

There are very few mosquitoes and bugs year-round. This is thanks to our constant off-shore breezes. However, once the breezes slow down there can be mosquitoes so we always recommend bringing a good repellent containing the active ingredient DEET, just in case.

We have two main seasons, dry and wet. Our dry season spans from November to April and is, as the name suggests, very dry with hardly any rain. The sky is blue and the off-shore winds can be very strong. The waves are generally in the 3-4ft. range. The wet season is also our surf season, it spans from May to October. Although called the wet season it does not always rain. It mostly rains at night or for short periods of time. The sky can be a little overcast which makes for temperatures that are very nice and less hot compared to the dry season. The wet season is very beautiful as everything gets very green and lush. Waves are in the 4-6ft. range with occasional larger swells.

Every season has its perks. The dry season makes for easy travelling as the roads are in great condition and the rivers do not flood, but it can be dusty and the waves are not as consistent. The wet season is beautifully green and the waves are great. It is up to you! October is the rainiest month of the year and we would not recommend planning your visit during this month.

Being a true tropical paradise, air temperature is between 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) year-round.

Water temperatures peak in the range 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) on around June and are at their lowest in February, in the range 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

Year-round warm sea water temperatures mean that a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year.

Standard US plugs, 110volt. Any device that works in the US works here and can be charged.

Conditions are really good most of the time so your preferred shortboard would do the job 90% of the time. Bring a step-up board for those bigger days. As conditions are usually super nice Nicaragua is also a great place to bring some alternative shapes to get a good feel for them as you will surf A LOT!

We have all types of waves. Beach breaks, point breaks, reef breaks and slabs. We have waves for the beginner and the travelling pro. You literally have all above mentioned within walking distance from Buena Onda. No driving is required unless you would like to explore even more.

Yes! We have all kinds of waves for beginners to pros. There is an empty beach within a short walk from us which is perfect for learning as it is beautiful, safe and most importantly, empty. We are not a surf school but are able to organize surf lessons by keen local kids to show you some tricks. Talk to us and we do the best we can.