Playa Colorado
Tola, Rivas, Nicaragua
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: March–November
Playa Colorado is a beach on the Pacific coast of Rivas, south-east of Popoyo and Playa Santana. It is known for powerful, hollow beach break waves and for its regular offshore winds.
Easterly and north-easterly trade winds blow across Lake Nicaragua and the isthmus, and they are offshore here on many days, especially in the dry season from November to April. South and south-west swells arrive mostly from March to November and give fast, hollow waves over sand, with barrels on good days. The waves are punchy and suit intermediate and advanced surfers; low tide can be very hollow and close out. An offshore reef further out works on bigger swells and is reached by boat. Land access to the beach is mostly through a private gated area, so check access before you go; some surfers come by boat or walk along the coast from nearby beaches at low tide. The line-up is usually smaller than at Popoyo. The water is warm, but offshore winds can bring cooler upwelling water in the dry season.
Spots near Playa Colorado
- Playa Santana (9 km)
- Popoyo (11 km)
- Playa Maderas (20 km)
- Bahía Salinas (56 km)
- Ollie's Point – Potrero Grande (68 km)
- Witch's Rock – Playa Naranjo (80 km)
- Playa Grande – Tamarindo (121 km)
- Tamarindo (125 km)