Chasing waves in Central America: A surf journey across four countries

Nearly three months later, I have put together this blog post to share my Central American adventure. I’ve returned with a boardbag of stories, experiences, and memories – from tranquil lineups in Nicaragua to the bustling, lively point breaks of El Salvador, from breathtaking sunsets over volcanoes to quiet moments watching the ocean stretch endlessly in front of me. 

Along the way, I discovered vibrant local cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments that went far beyond the waves – a journey of surf, culture, and connection that I hope will inspire your next great adventure.

The first stop on my trip was Nicaragua – a country I had heard about, but never really pictured myself visiting until I saw those photos of the waves. 

From the moment I landed in Managua, adventure began. A smiling Lapoint driver greeted me at the airport, and as we drove north, my first impression of Nicaragua started to sink in: a land that felt raw and alive, with colorful roadside villages, endless green fields, and volcanoes rising dramatically on the horizon – a constant reminder that this is truly the land of fire and lakes. 

A few hours later, we turned off the highway onto a long, dusty road – and there it was: the camp, like a hidden gem nestled between mango trees and swaying palm leaves.

With the ocean stretching around us and volcanoes looming in the distance, it felt like one of those mornings that were complete – the kind you wish you could press pause on.

Even though it was the rainy season, the sun dominated most of the day, with spectacular thunderstorms rolling in only in the evenings. From the camp deck, we watched lightning dance over the ocean like nature’s very own fireworks. 

With the waves, the food, the vibe, and the people, Lapoint Surf Camp Nicaragua quickly captured my heart. It’s a place where time slows down, waves seem endless, and strangers turn into family – the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer before moving on.

But my favorite moment? Taking the chicken buses. Navigating the chaotic bus station was a mix of stress and excitement, and once on board, the bus sped through the streets, people hopping on and off, giving me an unforgettable glimpse into everyday Nicaraguan life. I also hiked up Telica, a highly active volcano, just in time for sunset, and felt the raw power of nature beneath the glowing sky.

Life moved at a much faster, bustling rhythm than at the beach, full of energy and constant motion, yet it gave me a deeper understanding of what makes Nicaragua so special: a place where raw nature, warm people, and endless adventure seamlessly come together.

As much as leaving Nicaragua was bittersweet, I knew this was only the beginning of my Central America surf adventure, with El Salvador just across the border waiting. Nicaragua had set a high bar, both in surf and culture, and I couldn’t wait to see how Lapoint Surf Camp El Salvador would compare.

Getting from Nicaragua to El Salvador turned out to be an adventure in itself. By land, you can either take a long bus ride through Honduras or hop on a speedboat from Potosí, just north of the camp, to La Unión, El Salvador. I chose the boat and I can’t recommend it enough. Three hours across the open ocean, with warm wind on my face, we passed breathtaking coastlines of Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. It felt less like a border crossing and more like the opening chapter of a new surf mission.

After a smooth immigration check, I was picked up by a shuttle heading north. My first week in El Salvador was spent discovering more perfect waves in La Libertad and El Zonte – areas built around the waves and the surf industry. Definitely not the remote feeling I had at the beach in Nicaragua, but buzzing with energy and life, with more surf schools, more people in the water, and a busier, more dynamic surf scene.

Arriving at Lapoint Surf Camp El Salvador, I felt perfectly placed to dive into this lively scene and the next chapter of my adventure.

For me, my time in El Salvador revolved entirely around surfing: as many sessions and waves as possible each day. I didn’t get to explore the country or its rich local culture as much as I might have wanted, but honestly, the waves alone are reason enough to visit. 

Looking back, I wish I had booked more than one week at the camp, because my surfing improved so much that an extra week or two would have made a remarkable difference in my technique.

For me, it’s impossible to pick a favourite between the camp in Nicaragua and in El Salvador, because both delivered an absolute surf adventure – just in very different ways. 

Nicaragua felt remote and untouched, with peaceful beach breaks rolling along quiet shores. The camp was serene and welcoming, just a short walk from the waves, and the slower pace made it easy to soak in the surroundings. 

I loved starting the mornings on nearly empty beaches, enjoying waves that let me really find my rhythm, swapping surf stories with fellow guests, and returning to camp to relax in the calm, nature-filled setting. With no cafes or bars nearby, the focus was entirely on surfing and total relaxation – exactly what I needed.

El Salvador, in contrast, had a completely different energy. The point breaks were fast, powerful, and world-class, drawing more surfers into the lineups, and the surf scene around the camp was busier and buzzing with life. The camp itself was still relaxed and welcoming, just a short walk from the waves, but the pace of life felt faster, more social, and electric. 

For those wanting a lively vibe, the nearby town of El Tunco offered streets filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops – the perfect place to unwind after a day in the water. Feeling my surfing improve daily, sharing laughs with other surfers, and catching challenging waves made every day feel thrilling.

Both camps were excellent in their own ways: Nicaragua for its peaceful immersion in nature and perfect relaxation, El Salvador for its energy, challenge, and vibrant surf lifestyle. From sunrise to sunset, each offered incredible surf, good food, and inspiring communities. 

I realise that I can not choose a favourite between the two – both camps gave me unforgettable experiences, and both left me eager to return.

But for now, Guatemala was calling as the next destination of my Central American surfing adventure.

Guatemala: Between volcanoes and empty lineups

Leaving behind El Salvador’s perfect rights, I wasn’t sure what to expect in Guatemala – a country known more for its volcanoes and coffee than for surfing. 

The journey from El Salvador to Guatemala was straightforward. I booked a shuttle from El Tunco in El Salvador to Antigua in Guatemala, stopping for an immigration stamp along the way. Once in Antigua, I checked the surf forecast and, with no waves in sight, decided to spend a few days immersing myself in the city. 

And wow (!!) the colorful streets, incredible coffee, and rich local culture were absolutely unforgettable. Antigua quickly became a highlight of the trip, proving that sometimes the journey between waves can be just as rewarding as the surf itself.

When the swell died down completely, I turned inland again, this time embracing Guatemala’s culture and natural wonders. Volcano hikes offered breathtaking panoramic views, bustling local markets revealed the country’s vibrant spirit, and traditional meals gave my taste buds a treat at every turn. Guatemala reminded me that a surf trip isn’t always just about waves – it’s also about slowing down and appreciating everything around you.

The surf didn’t match El Salvador’s perfection, but Guatemala stole my heart in other ways – so much that I stayed far longer than planned. But 10 days without perfect waves will make any surfer restless, and I knew that surfing in Mexico would fix that.

With just three weeks left on my Central America surf adventure, I knew the trip needed a grand finale – and Mexico, with its legendary waves, vibrant culture, and breathtaking coastline, was the perfect last stop.

The journey: colectivo, taxi, boat, then another colectivo was classic Mexico: unpredictable, lively, and full of character. And the payoff was worth it. A long white-sand beach, simple stays right in front of the waves, tiny beach restaurants, and, best of all, a pristine right-hand point break with only a handful of surfers in the lineup.

I stayed ten days. Two surf sessions a day, tacos whenever I wasn’t in the water, and sunsets that pulled everything quiet. Each evening, I reflected on the journey – four countries, endless waves, new friendships, and countless unforgettable moments. Mexico was the perfect culmination: the waves were perfect, the vibe was relaxed, and I felt exactly where I wanted to be. 

It was the kind of ending you hope for and rarely get.

Surfing was the heartbeat of the trip, but it was the people, the culture, and the moments in between that made it unforgettable. From sunset beers at Lapoint Surf Camp Nicaragua to sunrise surf sessions in El Salvador, every day was full of discovery, laughter, and small surprises that made each moment special.

Nicaragua gave me space; empty lineups, thunderstorms over the ocean, and nights stretching with new friends. El Salvador sharpened my surfing skills and confidence. Guatemala slowed the pace with coffee, volcanoes, and a reminder that perfect waves aren’t the only reward, and Mexico tied it all together; a quiet surftown, warm sand, and the simple joy of being exactly where I wanted to be.

Central America reminded me that surfing isn’t just about waves – it’s about the adventure of getting there, the friends you meet, and the places you discover along the way. Surf brought me here, but it was everything in between; the sunsets, the boat rides, the border stamps, the shared meals that made it unforgettable. 

And one thing is certain: this was not my last surf adventure in this part of the world.

I truly recommend putting Central America and these Lapoint Surf Camps at the top of your list if you’re planning your next surf adventure. Whether you’re chasing epic waves, connecting with fellow surfers, or enjoying unforgettable sunsets, these camps deliver it all. 

Best of all, you can combine two amazing countries in one trip, making your Central America surf experience even more epic.