Pulled right out of Nicaragua's surf scene, Puerto Sandino is known as one of the longest waves in the country and possibly in Central America. It stretches over a half-mile and is set near a large rivermouth. This spot is capable of delivering rides of up to 400 meters when the conditions align. However, reaching it isn’t a walk in the park; it’s highly exposed and can be challenging to catch when the wind picks up. It’s best accessed via boat, as paddling out from shore can be quite a trek, especially with strong currents.

The wave at Puerto Sandino generally breaks to the left over a mix of sand and reef. It can handle swell sizes from about 2 meters (6 feet) to 4.5 meters (15 feet), making it suitable mostly for intermediate surfers unless the conditions are mild. The best waves roll in during an incoming tide, particularly with light northeast winds which keep the surface clean. Swell direction plays a key role as well, with SSW being the optimal direction, although it works with S and W swells too. You can expect a mix of fast take-offs, barrel sections, and some bigger walls as you ride down the line.

Paddling here can be quite a workout, as the rides are long and the currents can be unpredictable. Surfboards of all kinds can work, from shortboards to fishes, but you might find yourself requiring a bit of stamina. The peak surf season runs from April to September, with spring and autumn also being decent times to catch some waves. Just keep an eye out for other surfers and boats—crowds can vary but usually stay mellow unless too many people show up at once.