Activities at Rancho Santana

Beaches

The beaches at Rancho Santana, with their dramatic landscapes, are magnificent. Each beach is unique and magical in its own way. All five beaches are available for use by our guests. They can enjoy the beautiful scenery which remains undisturbed as there are discreet parking areas near each one.

Whether it's snorkeling at Playa Escondida, swimming at Los Perros, spending the day at Playa Rosada, picnicking at PlayaDuna, or surfing Playa Santa Ana, these beaches are ideal for indulging your pleasures.

• Playa Santana is a favorite spot for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, and taking long walks.

• Playa Rosada attracts more advanced surfers at low tide, and has its own Clubhouse and pool steps from the beach. An ideal sunset spot.

• Playa Escondida is the best beach for snorkeling, or spending a quiet day reading.

• Playa Duna is the most secluded beach and is ideal for hiking and walks. It's more of a challenge to access, but the pay off is well worth it!

• Playa Los Perros is a beautiful white sand beach stretching about four miles on the South end of the Ranch.This is the best swimming beach since it has a large sand bar.

Clubhouse Swimming Pool & Lawn Games

The newly completed Clubhouse Pool is located right next to the Pacific and perfect for lounging or enjoying a drink. Many guests also enjoy a friendly game of horseshoes or bocce ball. Horseshoes or bocce ball are free for guests of Rancho Santana Vacation Rentals. Many guests enjoy the smaller pool at the Rosada Clubhouse. There is plenty of shade but no restaurant or bar at this traditionally shaped swimming pool.

Surfing, Fishing & Snorkeling

The southern Pacific coast of Nicaragua boasts some of the best surf breaks in Central America. The Papagayo wind praised by surfers from all over the world makes for great waves on this coast. Rancho Santana has four of the best spots right on the property!

The Ranch’s steady offshore breezes – blowing from nearby Lake Nicaragua and the Caribbean Sea – combine with perfectly angled coastline to turn Pacific swells into world-class surf conditions about 330 days per year. Long beaches and secluded coves with everything from A-framed beach breaks to classic point breaks offer surfing adventure for the novice and professional surfer alike. To catch really big waves, a tow-in session on one of the outer reefs is just a short pang ride away.

Our Front Desk can arrange surfing boat tours with outside providers. We use local guides that will give you the inside information on the surf spots in the area. Limited english is spoken by the local guides, however, they are very wired in as to the specifics of each break. The local guide will travel with you in your vehicle to the breaks. Rates are US$25 a day. Please inquire at Reception to make arrangements.

We have an array of surfboards available for rent from performance boards to soft-tops. We also have Boogey Boards (with or without fins). Surfboards are US$25 a day and Boogey Boards are US$15 a day. One day advance notice is appreciated. We have English & Spanish speaking surf instructors. Rates are US$40 per lesson including board rental. Our instructors specialize in beginners and getting them standing on the board catching their first wave! Please inquire at Reception to make arrangements.

Along with surfing, other sports and activities to enjoy in Rancho Santana’s warm Pacific water include sport fishing, diving, spear fishing, snorkeling and swimming. Coves are havens for lobster. The beaches and rocks are great fishing platforms for red snapper. For Wahoo and Mahi Mahi, take a ride on a panga skiff a few miles out from the shore. Our Front Desk can arrange boat trips with outside providers.

Horseback Riding & Nature Walks

Horse stables at Rancho Santana offer guests another option for exploring this nature reserve. Horseback riding along the beach is perfect for enjoying the sunrise or sunset. Our Front Desk can arrange horseback riding tours.

Walking at sunrise and sunset gives glimpses of monkeys gently swaying among the trees and taking in the cool ocean breezes. After sunset, they move back into lush green areas in the valleys. The Ranch is also a natural home theater for bird watchers.

Yoga, Glow Spa, Gym, Volleyball & Tennis

Yoga with its health benefits helps relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Classes are offered at the Clubhouse most Saturday mornings. If you prefer, our Front Desk can arrange a private class at your house (or the beach) with a certified instructor.

Treat yourself to pampering at Glow Spa located next to the Clubhouse. Unwind with a massage of your choice: relaxing, athletic or deep tissue. Facials, manicures and pedicures are also available at the Spa. Our Front Dest would be happy to schedule your appointments with Glow Spa.

For fitness enthusiasts, the gym next to the Clubhouse is always open.

We have a “sport court” that guests use for either volleyball or tennis. The “sport court” is located across the street from the Nursery & Vegetable Garden. At Reception we have volleyballs and rackets free for guests of Rancho Santana Vacation Rentals.

Tours / Excursions

Outside the ranch, there are many interesting things to explore. Here are some of the day trips you might want to consider:

Visit Granada: Granada with its rich Spanish colonial heritage is a perfect daytrip from the Ranch. Located south of the capital city of Managua, it sits along the coast of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. Hotels with beautiful courtyards boast some of the best restaurants in the city. Cafes with free Wi-Fi are also plentiful. Carriage rides from Central Park are perfect for sightseeing. Shopping at the Mercados where artisans display their wares is great for unique finds and bargains.

Visit Isla de Ometepe: Ometepe is the largest island on Lake Nicaragua, formed by two volcanoes majestically emerging from the lake. The still active Volcan Concepcion rises higher than the dormant Volcan Maderas which appeals to ecotourists with its crater lagoon and tropical rain forest. Ometepe appeals to travelers with volcano hiking for the more active while also touted as the “Oasis of Peace.” In keeping with the island’s low-impact ecotourism, lodging choices range from rustic hostels to more comfortable hotels and ecolodges. Boats and ferries to the island leave from San Jorge (Rivas).

See Laguna de Apoyo: Laguna de Apoyo is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Nicaragua. This clean, warm, blue lagoon inside the crater of Apoyo Volcano is ideal for swimming, kayaking, relaxing and lounging. Accomodations range from hostels to the high-end Norome Resort with a full service restaurant. Four small local restaurants conveniently located in front of the public beach also serve Nicaraguan fare. Located between Granada and Masaya, the Laguna is easily accessible by car or taxi.

Visit San Juan del Sur: San Juan del Sur on the Pacific Coast attracts surfers from all over the world. This lovely coastal town is also a popular vacation spot for fishing and offers a lively nightlife. There are plenty of hostels and hotels for every budget. The renowned Pelican Eyes resort with a stunning hillside location offers a panoramic view of the town and ocean. Sailing excursions along the southern Pacific coastline are great for enjoying ocean breezes and breathtaking sunsets.

Hike Mombacho Volcano: The volcano sits in a “cloud forest” – with unusual vegetation found only in moist tropical climates. Take a ride or walk to the top, and hike around the crater wall. Then enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the nearby colonial city of Granada.

Zip Line Canopy Tour:

There are several places to have this adventure – Mombocho, San Juan Del Sur, and Ometepe Island.