Map
Manzanillo
Today's Surf Conditions at Manzanillo
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Manzanillo, perched along the rugged coastline of Rivas Province, is a fickle gem that demands the right alignment of elements to truly deliver. Access is an adventure in itself—arrive by boat or stay at the exclusive five-star resort, as this private development keeps the outside world at arm's length. Once you’re in, you’re greeted by dramatic cliff backdrops that set a striking stage, but don’t expect solitude. When the swell pulses, the lineup packs with eager surfers, though the long paddle back out naturally thins the crowd. It’s a spot that tempts the average surfer, yet the effort to return rewards those who earn their waves. The surf here can be as capricious as it is powerful. When the stars align—a southwest swell in the 4-to-10-foot range (1.2 to 3 meters) and a mid tide—Manzanillo serves up serious, grinding lefts over an uneven reef. Northeast winds are your best friend, cleaning up the faces for waist-high cruisers to double-overhead bombs. The takeoff demands respect: a sharp reef lurks below, and the shifting ocean currents can catch you off guard if you turn your back. This is not a spot for the faint of heart, yet beginners and intermediates can find their rhythm if they stay aware—watch for rocks, urchins, and the pulse of the sea. Spring and summer, particularly from April through August, bring the most consistent swell windows, so pack a shortboard and come ready to earn your turns.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (April - October)
From April through October, Manzanillo comes into its own as the trade winds ease and the Pacific sends consistent, long-period swell from the SSW and SW. This is when the percentage of clean, offshore wind days climbs to its annual peak, particularly in September and October when the wind shifts lighter and more variable. Average wave periods range from 12 to 14 seconds, bringing powerful, well-shaped waves that wrap into the southwest-facing bay. The combination of favorable swell direction and improved wind conditions makes this the prime window for quality surf.
Fair Surf Season (March & November)
March and November serve as transitional months, where the swell direction begins to shift and wind patterns are less stable. March sees the first hints of long-period south swell mixing in with the dominant easterly trade wind swell, while November retains some south swell before the trade winds fully re-establish. However, the percentage of ideal wind days is moderate, and the consistency of quality surf is lower than the peak season. Still, with a bit of patience, you can score some fun sessions.
Low Surf Season (December - February)
December through February marks the low point of the year for Manzanillo. The trade winds howl out of the east-northeast, often exceeding 30 kph, creating choppy, wind-blown conditions. Swell is short-period and predominantly from the east and northeast - directions that don't favorably wrap into the southwest-facing beach. While the average wave height sits around 1.3-1.4m, the quality is poor, with few windows of clean, rideable surf. This is the time for a surf trip elsewhere or for taking a break.
Detailed Surf Information for Manzanillo
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Manzanillo with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
