Surf experts rank Nicaragua's Pacific surf as the best in Central America - and Rancho Santana is in the heart of the action, sporting some of the best waves in this hemisphere from May through October.
At Rancho Santana, surfers enjoy breaks ranging from hollow, A-frame breaks, to classic point breaks, to ruler-edged tubes and outer reef breaks - nearly every day of the year! - thanks to the offshore winds that are accelerated across Nicaragua by the absence of mountains in the southwest region and by the presence of Lake Nicaragua to the east. As the NE winds sweep across the country toward the Pacific, they blow straight into the oncoming swells, creating clean hollow lines and almond shaped barrels. And the wind blows all day long, affording surfers with multi-session surf days.
Deep water swells range from 3 feet to 5 feet with bigger swells of 6 feet to 8 feet occurring regularly, and sometimes up to 15 foot swells, especially during season. And because Nicaragua is still surfing's best kept secret, surfers at Rancho Santana enjoy these big, persistent waves all to themselves.
Two of the beaches at Rancho Santana - Santana Beach and Playa Rosada - are ranked as top surf spots in southwestern Nicaragua. Santana Beach features an A-frame beach break. Here the wave bounces off the rock sending perfect left wedges. If you're up for a little more excitement, Playa Rosada offers a challenging left point break. This break can be insane at times and is not a ride for beginners.
To the south of Playa Los Perros surfers have access to two renowned breaks. Panga Drops is a sand reef point that breaks right and left several hundred yards from the beach. This rolling wave, with its almond shaped curl, is fun for intermediate and beginner surfers because it's slower and more forgiving. When the swell is very small, Panga Drops will produce a ride-able wave where other breaks cannot. In contrast, it also can hold large swells, but they can be difficult to catch because the peak tends to shift around. Be prepared to do a lot of paddling - and watch out for that occasional clean-up set.
Rancho Santana staff can arrange board rentals for residents and guests as needed. Also, surf lessons are available for beginners or for those more experienced surfers who want to clean up their moves.
Now's the time to book your travel plans to Rancho Santana to ensure your dates can be accommodated. Our on site property rental offices can assist with your accommodations in our hotel, a furnished casita or help you choose from several furnished houses directly on the ocean.
