After six long months of travelling, settling into the unhurried rhythm of life in the fishing village of Gigante was a much-needed moment of rest. The energy of the working fishing community, alongside grazing livestock, wandering pigs, and the echoing calls of distant howler monkeys, creates an atmosphere rich with authenticity and unmistakable charm.
Preserving the calm and unhurried feel of a sleepy community, Gigante offered our family an ideal refuge for rest and exploration. The sweeping curve of the bay, lined with working fishing boats, pulls the eye toward a bold, dramatic headland (The Giants Foot). When the tide retreats, rock pools and a small reef surface, transforming the shoreline into a rich landscape for marine life encounters and prime fishing ledges.
Our stay at Dale’s Cool Places couldn’t have been better suited to our family of five. The house spills straight from the front yard onto the beach, framing each day with spectacular sunsets right outside our door. Equipped with an outdoor firepit and indoor kitchen, it led us into a nightly ritual of home-cooked meals, crackling fires, and card games played under a star-filled sky.
An added bonus was the well-stocked, fair-priced shop on Dale’s property. It quickly became part of our daily rhythm and gave the kids some added freedom.
Gigante is wonderfully uncomplicated, offering only a small collection of restaurants, a few pulperías, a heladería, and two fish markets. We visited the fish market one morning (we were recommended the market next to the large Gigante sign) and bought a good-sized snapper for around $10. Boat trips are easy to organise from the village, and with Dale generously lending boards and kayaks, we found ourselves filling our days with simple, memorable time on the water.
I took the boys out for an early-morning fishing trip with some local fishermen through Guerros Tours. It was $50 an hour. The fishing was a little quiet, but we spotted whales and really enjoyed cruising the coastline from Gigante toward San Juan del Sur.
Playa Amarillo
At low tide, it’s possible to walk around the rocks to Playa Amarillo, but we preferred the ten-minute forest trail that winds from Gigante through the village. While a new highway is now in view in the distance, Amarillo itself is a long, wild, and beautifully undeveloped place with more consistent surf than Gigante. While it doesn’t match the legendary waves of Colorados, it provides more surfable waves, especially closer to the corner below Monkey Tree Hostel. Farther down the beach, other peaks can come alive in the right conditions, occasionally producing waves that can surprise and even rival Colorados’ barrels. The northern end holds more swell and, on higher tides, offers a greater number of surfable waves. If the swell is small (as it was for our stay), the waves can be great for the kids to practice their progression.
At lower tide, I would continue walking past the rocks at the northern end of Amarillo and over to Colorados, where the shift in atmosphere is impossible to miss. The wild, undeveloped shoreline of Amarillo gives way to luxury homes and a large resort. The waves here, however, are hollower and far more perfect. Crowds are common, especially with boats dropping surfers directly into the lineup, yet every so often you’ll score a session with just a few others, making it all worthwhile.
Eating in Playa Gigante
Playa Gigante offers a variety of casual and relaxed dining options, perfect for families, surfers, and travellers alike. Beachfront spots like Juntos Beach Bar and Gigante Bay serve tacos, burgers, and seafood right by the shore, while El Pozo and Blue Sol offer hearty local dishes and pizzas in the heart of the village.
One of our favourites was the Monday burger night at Giants Foot surf camp – a popular evening for the local expats and visitors. I honestly think they dish out some of the best-priced burgers. Don’t forget to play the flip or spin a coin for free beer at the bar!
Another popular beachside restaruant and bar is Juntos – great food and a fun mix of both locals and visitors. Wednesday nights are quiz night!
For something a bit more upscale or international, nearby Hacienda Iguana has The Salty Koala and Casa Ananas, serving fresh fish, pasta, and Asian-inspired dishes. Cafés like Cafe Cicada are great for breakfast or light bites, and most places highlight fresh, local ingredients—especially seafood—making meals here both convenient and delicious.
Getting to Gigante
With kids, a private shuttle or 4WD rental car from Managua is absolutely worth it. It takes around 3 hours to drive to Gigante from Managua (around $90 for a private transfer). There are shuttles or bus options that will require a change at Rivas and then onwards to Las Salinas – though this can take most of a day and isn’t ideal with luggage or kids.
Other beaches
Playa Redondo is a small, crescent-shaped beach just north of Playa Gigante. The surrounding area is lush and relatively undeveloped, giving it a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path feel, while a few local accommodations and small restaurants add just enough convenience without disrupting the relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for strolling along the shoreline and enjoying sunsets.
Playa Manzanillo is a super fun reef point accessed by boat, with the easiest departure spot being the beachfront village of Gigante. From there, it’s a quick 5–10 minute ride around the corner.
The wave is well known and often crowded when working. largely due to its long, rideable walls and multiple barrel sections. It performs best on a mid to high tide, with mid-sized swells offering the ideal conditions. Larger swells tend to max out and push wide into deeper water.
Panga Drops is one of the most consistent waves in Nicaragua, located within the gated community of Hacienda Iguana. On any given day, Pangas typically has more size than other breaks in the area. This deepwater reef produces multiple, shifting peaks and holds impressive swell.
It’s highly accessible on smaller swells, but once the surf reaches mid-size or above, Pangas demands true ocean awareness. The wave can be nearly twice the size of surrounding breaks and continues to hold its shape even on the biggest days. Breaking well offshore, getting caught inside is inevitable.
Often described as a softer version of Hawaii’s Sunset Beach, Pangas offers versatility—fun-sized days can be enjoyed on a favourite shortboard or longboard, while larger conditions call for a step-up or gun. Exposed to Nicaragua’s strong offshore winds, the wave frequently delivers dramatic, late drops.
Despite its quality and size, Pangas remains relatively uncrowded, as most of the attention within Hacienda Iguana is focused on scoring Colorado’s.
