5 Google Reviews to Convince You to Spend New Year's Eve in Nicaragua

New Year's Eve at home usually means overpriced tickets, a long wait for a drink and a group chat still arguing about plans on December 30. Ours means a week in Playa Maderas, Nicaragua: surf lessons on warm, easy waves, a private catamaran day, and an All White Party on the beach with fireworks at midnight.

Come solo, you won't leave solo. These five come straight from Google, written by people who rang in the new year with us.

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Walk in solo, find your people

"As the only Australian in the group, I walked in wondering if I'd find my people. I did, instantly. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and genuinely connected; not just to the team, but to everyone around me. … The activities (disco night, karaoke, the boat party, the NYE white party) weren't just fun; they became the backdrop for real human connection." – Google Review.

That's the whole idea. The week is built so you meet everyone fast: surf lessons, workouts, a boat day and theme nights, all with the same crew. By midnight on the 31st, you're counting down with people who feel like old friends.

The All White Party

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Couples welcome (and they make friends too)

"My husband and I went on the Nicaragua NYE trip and had an absolute blast. I knew when signing up that SYB guests are typically single travelers so I was a little unsure on how we would be received overall by the group. We're in our mid 30s, with no kids and running out of fellow childless friends to travel with - IYKYK. Everyone was SO NICE and we made friends right away and had an absolute blast. You could pack in your days with non stop activities or take it slow and chill in the pool. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The waves in Nica are a dream for beginner surfers." – Google Review.

Most of the group comes solo, but couples and friends fit right in. Do every activity or take a pool day, nobody's keeping score. And if you've never surfed, Playa Maderas is a great place to stand up for the first time.

Surf lessons on warm, easy waves

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Surf by day, celebrate by night

"This may have been the best week of my life, still swimming in the dream of it all. … SYB is so much more than a group travel trip, a yoga retreat or a NYE party, it’s truly one in its own category. I was taught to surf from amazing supportive instructors, got to practice yoga in the most perfect yoga shala overlooking the ocean, and celebrate friendships over lots of booze with some of the most amazing souls that I now consider family." – Google Review.

Mornings are for surf and yoga above the ocean. Nights are for the people you met that morning. On New Year's Eve it's the All White Party with a private DJ and fireworks, then a bonfire countdown and a midnight sprint into the ocean.

Yoga in the shala, Pacific included

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First trip, first time in Nicaragua, zero stress

"I jumped on the SYB NYE trip to Nicaragua, (my first SYB trip ever), and wow, it was nothing like a normal vacation! … The leaders, especially Mantas, were always checking in and making sure we were vibing, which made the whole thing feel so easy and welcoming. It was my first time in Nicaragua too, and honestly everything went smooth. No weird moments, no stress and just good times… except for getting several mosquitoes bites." – Google Review.

Everything is planned, our leaders check in on everyone all week, and the whole group stays together at Villas Playa Maderas. Your one job: pack bug spray.

Boat day on a private catamaran

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Booked two days before. Best decision of the year.

"Joining SYB trip was probably my best decision of 2022. I joined two days before it started and the trip over-delivered on so many levels. … Wig party, boat day, karaoke night – I really don’t know how it all fits just in one week!" – Google Review.

Booking late is allowed. If you're on the fence about New Year's Eve, consider this your sign. Pack something ridiculous for theme night.

Wig night. Obviously.

Ring in the new year with us

Our next New Year's Eve in Nicaragua runs December 27, 2026 to January 2, 2027 in Playa Maderas. Daily surf lessons, a private catamaran boat day, the All White Party with a private DJ and fireworks, and a bonfire countdown that ends in the ocean. See the Nicaragua New Year's Eve trip.

Want a different countdown? We run three New Year's Eve trips: Nicaragua, Bali and Belize.