What to Pack for a Surf Trip to Nicaragua?
Planning a surf trip to Nicaragua? Whether you're heading to San Juan del Sur for a few days or spending several weeks exploring the coast, packing for a surf trip is a little different from a regular beach holiday.
Nicaragua is warm, tropical and made for spending long days in the water, so you can keep your suitcase relatively light. The key is bringing the right surf essentials, sun protection and a few things for those relaxed evenings after the waves.
Here’s everything we recommend packing for your Nicaragua surf trip.
1. Your Swimwear
First things first: bring swimwear you can actually surf in.
A regular bikini or swimming shorts may work for a quick dip, but when you're surfing, you'll want something that stays comfortably in place while you paddle, duck dive and catch waves.
We recommend bringing at least two swimsuits or bikinis so you always have a dry one ready for your next session.
If you're taking surf lessons with Tribu, you can surf comfortably without worrying about your swimwear while you're in the water.
2. A Rash Guard
A rash guard is one of the most useful things you can pack for a surf trip to Nicaragua.
It can help protect your skin from:
Sun exposure
Rubbing from your surfboard
Chafing during longer sessions
Cooler or windy conditions
For Nicaragua's strong tropical sun, we'd recommend a long-sleeve rash guard with good UV protection.
And don't forget: even when it's cloudy, you can still get a lot of sun exposure.
3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The Nicaraguan sun is strong, especially when you're spending hours on the water.
Bring a good water-resistant, reef-conscious sunscreen and remember to reapply it throughout the day.
Don't forget the easily missed areas:
Ears
Back of your neck
Shoulders
Tops of your feet
Face and lips
A high-SPF lip balm is also worth packing.
4. A Hat or Cap
A lightweight hat or cap is perfect for walking around town, relaxing at the beach or protecting yourself from the sun between surf sessions.
A wide-brimmed hat gives you even more protection when you're not in the water.
5. Lightweight Clothing
Think light, breathable and comfortable.
Pack things like:
T-shirts
Tank tops
Shorts
Lightweight dresses
Loose trousers
Underwear
A light layer for the evening
You probably won't need a huge wardrobe. Nicaragua's warm climate means you'll spend most of your time in lightweight clothing.
6. A Dry Bag or Waterproof Bag
A small waterproof or dry bag can be incredibly useful on a surf trip.
Use it for your:
Phone
Wallet
Camera
Keys
Other small valuables
It's especially useful when you're heading to the beach and want to keep your belongings protected from sand and water.
7. Chargers & Power Bank
Bring your usual phone and camera chargers, plus a power bank if you plan to spend long days at the beach or traveling between surf spots.
A universal travel adapter can also be useful if you're traveling from outside the Americas.
8. Mosquito Repellent
Nicaragua is tropical, so mosquito repellent is definitely worth bringing.
A small bottle of DEET or another effective insect repellent can come in handy, particularly in the evenings and when you're traveling outside the more developed areas.
9. Some Cash
Cards are accepted in many places around San Juan del Sur, but it's still a good idea to carry some Nicaraguan córdobas and/or US dollars.
Cash can be useful for smaller restaurants, local shops, transport and places outside the main tourist areas.
Just don't carry more cash than you need for the day.
10. Your Camera or GoPro
Nicaragua is beautiful, so you'll probably want to capture more than just your surf sessions.
A GoPro or other waterproof camera is perfect for:
Surfing
Beach days
Waterfalls
Boat trips
Snorkeling
Sunset
Just remember to bring enough memory and charging capacity!