Visit Maderas Beach - San Juan del Sur - Nicaragua

Maderas Beach, a jewel of the Nicaraguan Pacific, has earned its reputation as one of the most famous beaches in the region. While it is known for its prominence among surfers, who consider it the destination par excellence for this exciting sport in Central America, it also captivates tourists looking to enjoy the tropical sunset, relax on the beach or dive into the crystal-clear waters of its beautiful bay.

There is no doubt that Maderas Beach offers something special for every type of traveler. Surfers will find here a perfect combination of challenging and exciting waves that will provide them with an unforgettable experience on the board.

Meanwhile, those who are just looking for quiet moments can delight in the heavenly spectacle of the sunset while relaxing on the shore or wading into the refreshing sea.

If you are planning a getaway and want to discover one of Nicaragua's most prized tourism treasures, Maderas Beach awaits you with open arms. Whether you consider yourself an experienced surfer or simply long for a well-deserved rest in a paradisiacal setting, this beach offers a range of possibilities to make the most of your days off.

Get ready to be seduced by the magic of Maderas Beach!

What is Maderas Beach like?

Maderas Beach stretches as a wide strip of sand, sheltered by lush jungle and nestled against an imposing cliff formation at its north end.

On both its left and right sides, Maderas Beach borders other well-known beaches: Playa Majagual and Playa Marsella.

As you go into the water, you will notice that the beach slopes gently into the ocean, which provides a pleasant feeling of descent. It also has a small strip of shallow water, making it a safe environment for those traveling with children.

Beyond the calm water area, the rest of the beach remains lively. At Maderas Beach, winds blow almost 300 days a year, making it an ideal destination for surfers. These winds generate waves of different sizes and strengths, providing optimal surfing conditions.

Both beginners and experienced surfers take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the quality of the waves and test their skills in this challenging environment.

During low tide, visitors to the beach can also enjoy a wide variety of activities offered by local businesses, keeping them active and entertained throughout their stay.

What to do in Maderas Beach?

Maderas Beach, known for being a year-round surfing paradise, offers a wide range of activities to enjoy an unforgettable experience:

Surfing:

Without a doubt, surfing is the star activity at Maderas Beach. Its challenging and exciting waves attract surfers from all over in search of adventure and adrenaline.

Scuba Diving:

During low tide, scuba diving enthusiasts will find a perfect setting to explore the wonders of the underwater world around Maderas Beach. The clarity of the water allows for spectacular discoveries of marine life and coral reefs.

Sport fishing:

Fishing enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy an exciting day of sport fishing in the waters near Maderas Beach. Whether in search of the perfect catch or simply to revel in the tranquility of the sea, this activity promises moments of fun and relaxation.

Kayaking:

Exploring the Maderas Beach coastline by kayak is an ideal option for those who wish to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature while enjoying active exercise. Paddling along the coast, admiring the impressive cliffs and the beauty of the landscape, is an unforgettable experience.

Hiking and horseback riding:

For nature lovers, Maderas Beach offers the opportunity to go hiking on the nearby trails, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and explore the surrounding lush jungle.

In addition, horseback riding along the beach is a perfect way to connect with the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the sea breeze.

Other Activities

In addition to these activities, visitors to Maderas Beach can take advantage of boat cruises and catamaran sails, which include stops at secluded beaches for sunbathing and a refreshing swim.

Because Maderas Beach is not crowded even in high season, it is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. It is also perfect for couples looking for romance and new and unusual experiences in a paradisiacal setting - come and discover all that Maderas Beach has to offer!

When is the best time to visit Maderas Beach?

An excellent choice to visit Nicaragua is during the months of October through January, when the rains have given way to cooler, sunny weather, and the winds are ideal. In this season, you will enjoy pleasant temperatures and sunny days, perfect for exploring all the wonders the country has to offer.

It is important to keep in mind that during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, Nicaragua receives a large number of tourists, which can affect the prices of products and services throughout the country. This high season can mean higher costs for almost every experience you wish to enjoy during your visit.

Another wonderful time to visit Maderas Beach is during the months of March, April, May, and June, when summer is at its peak. The warm weather makes this destination a perfect retreat to cool off and enjoy the beach in all its splendor. The pleasant temperatures and sea breeze invite you to dive into the waters and relax under the tropical sun.

Whether you opt for the cool season or the warm summer, Maderas Beach awaits you with its unique charm and the possibility of enjoying unforgettable experiences.

What is Maderas Beach famous for?

Considered one of the best beaches in Nicaragua, Maderas Beach has been popular with surfers for years. The secret to the quality of the waves at Maderas Beach, however, has come out and this place now attracts digital nomads, remote workers, backpackers and those simply looking for a relaxing place to hang out.

The reason Maderas Beach became so well known in the first place remains the beauty of the site.

This beach has been very famous in surfing circles for decades, and with consistent waves almost every day of the year, Maderas Beach has even hosted several international surfing competitions.

Should you stay at Maderas Beach or San Juan del Sur?

If you're considering staying in San Juan del Sur or Maderas Beach hostels, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

San Juan del Sur is an important coastal city with a large flow of tourists. During the night, you can enjoy its lively nightlife with multiple bars and nightclubs for visitors. However, it is important to keep in mind that lodging prices in San Juan del Sur tend to be higher due to the high demand for tourist services. In addition, in high season, room availability is not guaranteed.

On the other hand, Maderas Beach offers a quieter and more serene environment. By staying in this area, you will be immersed in a solitary environment and in direct contact with nature. It is important to keep in mind that, being a more secluded place, you will have to adapt to the lodging conditions and take into account that there are no stores or markets nearby, which can increase costs and limit the available options.

The choice of where to stay in Maderas Beach is crucial, as you will spend a lot of time enjoying the beach during the day and at night. In the evenings, it can be a bit of a hassle to get to and from other places in Maderas Beach, and the nightlife offerings are limited.

In short, budget travelers can save money by staying in San Juan del Sur, as it offers a wider variety of lodging, dining and shopping options, with a wide range of prices.

However, Maderas Beach's unique setting and ambiance make it worth paying a little extra for the experience of being by the waves, surrounded by nature and people with a similar travel style to your own.

Below is a table that summarizes the benefits:

Benefits of Staying in	San Juan del Sur	Playa Maderas
Variety of accommodation options	✔️	✔️
Vibrant nightlife	✔️	❌
Higher accommodation prices	✔️	❌
Tranquility and contact with nature	❌	✔️
Limited availability in high season	❌	✔️
Greater variety of restaurants and shops	✔️	❌
Money-saving for budget travelers	✔️	❌
Unique atmosphere and environment	❌	✔️

Where to stay when visiting Maderas Beach?

One of the advantages of choosing Maderas Beach over San Juan del Sur is the incredible variety of lodging options available. From treetop lodges for backpackers, to cozy rustic cottages and luxurious villas, to yoga lodges and beautiful wooden houses in the middle of the jungle, Maderas Beach has something for everyone.

In addition, due to the area's growing popularity as a destination for remote workers and digital nomads, Internet connections are usually excellent in most accommodations.

It is important to keep in mind that the supply of lodging in Maderas Beach is spread out over a relatively large area. If being within a 10-minute walk of the beach and waves is paramount to you, be sure to check before making your reservation.

Also, it is imperative to book early, as the high demand and spread of accommodations in the Pacific hills make it impossible to arrive and search for last-minute options.

Below are some of the best places to stay in Maderas Beach, including a selection of hotels, hostels, apartments, private rooms, and homes:

• Albergue Clandestino Maderas | This amazing treetop hostel is located a 10-minute walk from Maderas Beach and offers dorms, private rooms, a guest kitchen, beautiful common rooms and incredible views of nature.

• Selina Maderas: The Selina Maderas is located just steps from the famous Maderas Beach surf break and a 20-minute drive from the lively town of San Juan del Sur.

• Hush Maderas | This adults-only boutique eco-lodge is one of the few hotels on this part of the coast, and is just a five-minute walk from Maderas Beach. With an infinity pool, 180-degree ocean views, a yoga studio and a stunning rooftop terrace.

• Buena Vista Surf Club | Buena Vista Surf Club is located in Maderas Beach and offers adults-only accommodations with a garden and terrace. The hotel is a few steps from Maderas and less than 1 km from Marsella.

• Casa Agora Surf House & Casita is another popular hotel option in Maderas.

• Casa Paraiso - 3rd Floor | La Casa Paraiso is located in San Juan del Sur, a few steps from Maderas, and offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.

• Casa del Arte master suite | La Casa del Arte master suite offers accommodation in Maderas Beach, 700 meters from Maderas.

 

Tips when visiting Maderas Beach

Navigation

Google Maps is not the most reliable option for exploring Maderas Beach, as it can often take you through dead ends or private properties.

Also, most of the roads that lead you to the different locations are made up of dusty roads and dark trails, which are sometimes difficult to see due to dense vegetation.

Often, the quickest way to get around on foot is to walk along the beach or backtrack to take the marked paths, rather than assuming that everything beyond a hill is connected.

If you plan to go out to eat or drink at night, it is advisable to bring a flashlight to ensure safe passage.

To explore Maderas Beach efficiently, it is helpful to have other local references, such as directions from residents or tour guides who know the area well and can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information.

ATMs

There are no ATMs, and most stores and accommodations charge 5-6% more for card payments, so carry plenty of cash. Otherwise, go to SJDS to withdraw money.

To buy fresh fruit and vegetables, there is a truck that comes by twice a week. This is a fairly common system in rural Nicaragua, and you can hear its loudspeaker as you approach, so just listen or ask at your lodging.

There are also a couple of small shops within walking distance of Selina.

Drink

In addition to the groceries you think you'll need if you plan to do some cooking, bring a bottle or two of Flor de Caña, as there are no stores nearby and costs are higher/choices are limited.

How to get to Maderas Beach?

It is possible to get to the beach from the city of San Juan del Sur for 20 minutes by bus, cab, rented vehicle. The trip from Managua to the beach takes approximately 3 hours.

It is also possible to reach Maderas Beach by boat or yacht from San Juan del Sur, which can be even more convenient than by car: due to poor road conditions.

Maderas Beach from Managua was 151 km away and from San Juan del Sur it is only 9 km away. To the north is the road that connects several beaches in the north of the municipality of San Juan del Sur among them Playa El Remanso, Playa Majagual, Playa Marsella, Playa Mathilda and continues to the rest of the beaches of San Juan del Sur.

The road is paved 30 percent and 70 percent of the way to Maderas Beach is dirt road. A very important information that you should take into account is that during the winter it is preferable to travel in a high clearance vehicle or 4x4 to be able to reach the beach.

Are you ready to visit Maderas Beach in San Juan del Sur?

A unique and exciting experience that will captivate all your senses awaits you at Maderas Beach. From the perfect waves for surfing to the lush jungle that surrounds the beach, this place invites you to immerse yourself in a natural paradise that will leave you breathless.

If you love surfing, you won't find a better place in all of Central America to glide over the waves. The constant sea breeze and favorable winds create the perfect conditions to enjoy an unforgettable session in the water. But Maderas Beach is not only for expert surfers, it is also ideal for those who want to learn and experience the thrill of riding a wave for the first time.

But there's much more to Maderas Beach than just surfing. Explore the trails that wind through the lush jungle and discover the diversity of flora and fauna that inhabit this natural environment. Take exciting kayaking excursions, dive into the crystal clear waters for snorkeling or sport fishing, or simply relax on the sand while watching the spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

The magic of Maderas Beach lies in its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. With lodging options to suit every budget and a friendly community that will make you feel at home, this paradisiacal corner invites you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in an authentic and rejuvenating experience.

Don't miss the opportunity to discover Maderas Beach, where adrenaline meets natural beauty in perfect harmony, get ready to live unforgettable moments and return home with memories that will stay with you forever! We are waiting for you at Maderas Beach, paradise on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua!