Surf Nicaragua from SoCal: Part 2 of 4 — Where to Stay
- Willie Daniels
- Nov 10
- 5 min read
Written By: Willie Daniels
*So you know — nothing in this article was sponsored. No free hotels, gear or food — everything here comes straight from personal experience and chats with locals along the way. This article is written from the perspective of Surfing Nicaragua from SoCal.
Café Con Leche Easy Living, Epic Surf
Our first pick, Café Con Leche, is a down-to-earth surf lodge that captures everything we love about Nicaragua — authenticity, community, and unbeatable wave access. Owned by Manny, a full-on surfer who built the place with his brother, Café Con Leche sits right on the water with a natural, organic landscape and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Manny’s hospitality starts before you even arrive. If you call ahead, he’ll arrange a private airport transfer from Managua for around $100 per group — boards and all. Rooms run about $80 a night and include a legit breakfast (think homemade French toast, breakfast burritos, and strong coffee — not the usual continental cop-out).
The rooms have a rustic-modern design, with options for groups or couples. The atmosphere is casual — the staff hangs out, the beers stay cold, and the ocean is always just steps away. Walk out the back gate, past the pool, and you’ll find a punchy, fast-breaking wave that instantly feels familiar to Southern California surfers — think the barrel-style peaks of Oceanside’s “The Rock” or “Seaside” on a clean south swell. It’s quick, hollow, and consistent, breaking over a mix of sand and rock that keeps things interesting at all tides.
There are plenty of room options—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a little privacy.
A short three-minute walk north takes you to Beginners Bay, a soft, rolling wave that’s perfect for longboarders or anyone easing into surfing. The vibe here is pure Encinitas — mellow, forgiving, and fun — much like Cardiff’s “Turtles” or “Barney’s” on a calm morning. It’s the ideal spot to dial in your turns or share waves with kids and friends just learning to surf.
A local surf school set right on Beginners Bay can have first-timers standing up in a day. The water stays around 87 degrees, the lineup vibe is mellow, and the crowd is refreshingly light.
"The water stays around 87 degrees, the lineup vibe is mellow..."
Back at Café Con Leche, rinse off at the outdoor showers, grab a Victoria or Toña, and watch the sun melt into the Pacific from the pool. Saturday nights are BBQ nights, and they’re well-known throughout the community — a favorite gathering spot for both locals and travelers. You’ll want to reserve your spot early, as spaces fill up fast. Once the grills get going, the air fills with the smell of tomahawk steaks, shrimp plates, and good conversation.
The attention to detail here is what makes this place special — foot washes at the entrance, honest billing down to the penny, and an owner who treats guests like family. For the best experience, try to snag the bottom-floor room connected to the lobby — it’s got easy patio access and a perfect early-surf escape route. A/C is an optional $10 upgrade, and absolutely worth it after a hot session.
The staff at Cafe Con Leche is fun and friendly.
You don’t need a car here — Café Con Leche serves food, drinks, and even handles surfboard rentals for $15 a day. Their board selection runs from grovelers to longboards, and you can call ahead to reserve. If you want to explore, local favorites like 99 Surf Lodge, Oasis Bar & Grill, and Dogtown Surf Shop are all nearby. (We’ll spotlight 99 Surf Lodge, Oasis Bar & Grill and Dogtown in Part 3 of this series.)
And for those traveling with family or non-surfers, Café Con Leche is just as inviting off the waves. With a swimming pool, ping pong table, and hammocks scattered throughout the property, there’s always a way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the tropical setting together.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, surf-all-day, laugh-all-night kind of trip, Café Con Leche won’t disappoint.
Magnific Rock Surf Resort & Yoga Retreat
Just up the hill from Café Con Leche sits Magnific Rock, a surf resort and yoga retreat with a completely different vibe — more elevated, literally and figuratively. Perched on a cliff overlooking Beginners Bay, it offers panoramic views all the way to Popoyo, a world-class reef break known for its consistent, year-round surf.
The beauty of Magnific Rock is in its balance — it’s close enough to walk to the same two surf breaks (via a stairway down to the sand — think Carlsbad Campground stairs, just not as steep), but far enough removed to feel private and peaceful.
Rooms here run between $100–$120 a night, and while breakfast isn’t included, what you’re really paying for is the luxury feel — modern rooms, clean design, and private patios perfect for watching the sunset with a cold drink. Most rooms feature both a queen bed and a bunk, making them ideal for small groups or surf buddies splitting costs.
Board rentals are available for $20 per 24 hours, and you can easily squeeze in two full surf days per rental. The selection leans more toward mid-lengths and longboards, so plan accordingly if you prefer shortboards.
Magnific Rock’s restaurant and yoga deck are showstoppers — when they’re open. We stayed during the shoulder season, just before the rains, and found many amenities temporarily closed. So definitely call ahead to confirm what’s operating during your travel window.
If you’re traveling with a mixed group — maybe some surfers, some family, or friends who appreciate a touch of luxury — Magnific Rock is the perfect compromise. It’s stylish without feeling out of place, and it shares the same incredible surf access that makes this area so special.
Final Thoughts - Surfing Nicaragua from SoCal
Whether you’re chasing barrels or just looking for a mellow spot to soak in the tropical surf vibe, Café Con Leche and Magnific Rock are two great options that let you wake up steps from the waves.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll dive into local surf shops and hidden gems that make this stretch of Nicaragua’s coast unforgettable.
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