What to Do
The main reason to head to Playa Maderas? The beach. With its signature shark-fin-shaped rock formations and protected jungle cove, it’s so gorgeous that it can be hard to tear yourself away. And the break is pretty fun too. Though it can get a little crowded, the beach has a friendly sand-rock bottom and a consistent swell that’s good for all levels.
Boards can be rented for about $5 from any of the surf shacks that dot the beach. Grab a lesson from one of those guys, or head a few meters up the road to Rebelde Surf School and ask for Juan Carlos, a local favorite.
There are a handful of bars on the beach for ceviche, cold beers, and fish nachos. There’s even a “secret” beach just to the north—it’s an easy walk at low tide along the sand (follow the path until you literally can’t go any further). If you have wheels, Playa Marsella, a wide beach just south of Maderas at the mouth of Quebrada el Baston, is just a few minutes’ drive away. You can’t surf there, but it’s usually pretty empty and a nice change of pace.
For those craving a little adventure, Lake Nicaragua and Isla de Ometepe are relatively close and offer surreal views, hiking, and something that sounds a bit crazy but awesome: volcano boarding. For a more mellow adrenaline rush, book a sunset catamaran trip with Nica Sail n’ Surf—it includes an open bar, a ceviche lunch, and swimming at a private white-sand beach that has water so clear and turquoise, you’ll swear you’re in the Caribbean.
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