I had a chance to do a trip in mid july with somewhat short notice.
I noticed that my usual spots in costa were booked.. so I avoided. El Sal.. similar places were all booked up. So I looked into Nicaragua... which had lots of options available.
flew avianca to Nica. did pay up cause I went with a refundable option as Nica requires a PCR test 72 hrs prior to landing in Nica but it has to be submitted to the airline 36 hrs prior. I think this is the reason few other airlines are even going there.
The PCR test did add some stress but all was well. I paid approx $650 round trip (also paid up for upgraded seat selection and bags). I brought 1 longboard and 2 shortboards all in a triple LB bag. Avianca's website says up to 3 boards for free but they hit me with a $175 fee. Flight was about 75% full... had the whole row to myself. No issues with the flight out other than MIA has few to 0 signs to help you find your ticket counter. Airport in Nica was super smooth and easy. Had a driver waiting for me with a sign with my name on it as soon as I walked out the terminal. I surfed 17 times in 8 days with perfect winds the entire time and very light crowds, often only 3 or 4 of us in the lineup. Camp was approx 175 per night which included 3 meals and all the clean water you can drink.. plus a daily boat trip if you want. Flying back: 24 hrs prior, Did a $50 quick test the surf camp provided with an tele nurse on a zoom like situation.. results emailed immediately. Driver picked me up and got me to airport 2 hrs prior.. perfect timing (roads in Nica are updated and great thnx to China I assume). Avianca hit me with the $175 board fee again. Flight home was easy at about 40% capacity. I have global entry so I got to bypass all the lines in customs, I walked up to the customs machine kiosk. The machine scanned my face and granted me entry without me ever pulling my passport out of my pocket (kind of creepy but easy). I then walked straight to my bags.. had to wait a bit longer for my boards.. got the boards.. loaded them onto a cart and strolled straight to my car.. Was the easiest surf air travel I've experienced.

Edited: 08/03/2021 at 12:10 PM by matt_t