El Transito is a crescent-shaped surf spot located in Nicaragua, not too far from Managua. It's easily accessible with one road coming straight in from the highway. This spot offers a decent experience for surfers of various skill levels, with a backdrop that's pretty nice to look at while you wait for a wave. The area sees its fair share of swells, making it a reliable choice for surfers throughout the year, especially during the prime season from April to September.
The waves here can be fun, especially when the conditions align. You'll typically find surfable waves from chest high (about 1 meter) to slightly overhead (about 2.5 meters). El Transito can handle a variety of swells, but it shines with S to SW swells. The best days often occur when the swells are about 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.4 meters) and the periods are around 16 seconds or shorter. Keep in mind that if the periods go over 16 seconds, the waves might start to shut down due to the small beach size. The tide plays a significant role too; it’s best to surf on medium to high tides, but it can break on most tide levels, especially at low and mid-tides. The breaks are mostly mellow beach waves, with the ability to offer some fun barrel sections, suitable for beginners and more experienced surfers alike. Winds are usually light to moderate from the E-NE, which keeps the surf clean.
If you're looking for variety, there are other surf spots nearby, like Puerto Sandino, which is known for its long lefts, and some hidden gems within walking distance. Just watch out for scattered patches of reef and make sure you're aware of where you're surfing. The crowds are often on the mellow side, mainly consisting of visiting surfers, so you can usually find your space in the lineup. Overall, El Transito can be an average wave on a normal day, but it definitely has its good moments.