Exploring Nicaragua’s Coast with Kids: Waves, Wildlife & Wonder

Sunset ride

Our trip to Nicaragua began with the kind of anticipation that only a new adventure can bring. After landing in Managua, warm air and a slower rhythm greeted us instantly. Just outside the airport, our driver was waiting, ready to take us on the journey to Popoyo, where we would spend the week at Nicawaves, a surf camp we had been dreaming about.

When we finally arrived at Nicawaves, we were welcomed like old friends. Mike, the owner, and his team greeted us with easy smiles and a calm energy that set the tone for the week ahead. After settling into our room, we met Matteo, our guide for the trip. It didn’t take long to realize how lucky we were to have him. He knew everything—from the best surf spots at different tides to the small details about the area that made each day feel thoughtfully planned and effortless.

Each morning started the same way, yet somehow never got old. Before the sun was fully up, we’d hear the deep, echoing calls of howler monkeys just outside the camp. It was wild and a little surreal—nature’s alarm clock reminding us we were somewhere truly special. Those early sounds became one of our favorite parts of the trip, setting the mood before we grabbed our boards and headed out.

The surf spot nearby was perfect for our family. The kids and I had waves that felt manageable and fun, while Matt had enough challenge to keep things exciting. When we weren’t surfing, the adventures didn’t stop. We explored tide pools filled with tiny sea creatures, rode ATVs along dusty paths with ocean views, and went horseback riding on the beach with the waves rolling beside us. Afternoons often led us to local beach bars, where time slowed down even more and we could sit together, sandy and sun-tired, watching the horizon.

One of the highlights of the trip was our excursion to Mombacho Volcano. The landscape shifted dramatically as we climbed higher, eventually entering the cool, misty cloud forest. Zip-lining through the canopy was both thrilling and breathtaking, giving us a completely different perspective of Nicaragua’s natural beauty. Later, our guide led us around the volcano’s craters, where we could actually feel the heat rising from the ground and see steam escaping from within. It was powerful and humbling—one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.

By the end of the week, Nicawaves felt like home. The combination of adventure, connection, and simple daily rhythms brought us closer together in a way that’s hard to recreate anywhere else. Nicaragua gave us more than just a vacation—it gave us shared memories filled with sound, color, and feeling that we’ll carry with us for years to come....