Rancho Santana

Rancho Santana is located on the beautiful Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua in an area otherwise known as the Emerald Coast. Sitting beachfront on 2,700 acres of land, Rancho Santana caters to almost all types of surf travelers, be it avid surfers, those on business leisure, family vacations, digital nomads, long-term residents, or any combination thereof. The resort doubles as a residential community and provides all of the luxuries and amenities one might want or need while at the same time providing ample opportunity for outdoor adventures.

Rancho Santana is centrally located to some of the best waves in Nicaragua if not all of Central America. Playa Santana is a wedgy beach break right out front of the resort that can be an incredibly fun wave. Within a few minutes of driving or going by boat, you can be at world-class waves like Playa Colorado or Popoyo. Panga Drops is another classic in the area.

There are waves for surfers of all levels, preferences, and abilities. Playa Los Perros, a gentle beach break with a sandy bottom, serves as a perfect spot for novice and beginner surfers to practice and take lessons. The Beach & Surf Club at Rancho Santana offers lessons, coaching, experienced surf guides, and board rentals. With the consistency of waves in Nicaragua and the endless offshore winds, there’s no shortage of opportunities for surfing. The only hindrance will be how much paddling your arms can handle.

There are several different options for accommodations at Rancho Santana. All of them are beautifully constructed and well furnished. They also feature A.C., wi-fi, and a backup generator in case of a power outage. Your options are The Inn at Rancho Santana, Ocean View homes, Puerta del Mar Villas, and the Garden-View Casitas.

Dining options at Rancho Santana are diverse and interesting. La Finca y El Mar serves dishes featuring ingredients straight from the sea and local farms. El Café offers sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies. La Taqueria serves fresh beach fare including Baja-style tacos, quesadillas, ceviches and more. La Boquita at The Pool House at Playa Rosada serves wood fire pizzas, tapas, craft beer made in Nicaragua, and cocktails featuring the famed Flor de Cana rum. If you feel like eating at home, La Tienda has groceries, beer, and ready-made food that you can order using their online grocery service.

The quality and consistency of waves in the area make it hard to imagine doing anything other than surfing. However, Rancho Santana has plenty of non-surfing activities to choose from. Their on-site horse stable provides horseback riding for all levels of riders. FunLimón offers yoga & fitness. There are wildlife tours and other excursions to all of the natural wonders in the area. You can even get a round of golf in at the 9-hole course in nearby Hacienda Iguana.

Rancho Santana is definitely family-friendly. It’s a great option for anyone who would like a Nicaragua surf vacation without forgoing life’s comforts.

To get there, you fly into Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, From there it’s just a 2-hour drive to Rancho Santana. The resort will help you arrange an airport shuttle to and from the airport if needs be.