SURF RANCH · NICARAGUA
Seven beaches to consider from Surf Ranch
Remanso for a first surf lesson
Our town map lists Playa Remanso at about 5 km from Surf Ranch. This is the beach we use for lessons. USD 60 plus tax per person covers the ride to Remanso, a board and instruction. Choose this option if your priority is time with an instructor rather than arranging equipment and transport separately. Ask reception about the timing for your dates.
Hermosa for a beach afternoon
Our map lists Playa Hermosa at about 8 km from the resort and describes it as a bay for swimming and snorkeling. Treat that as an idea for an outing rather than a promise about the water on a particular day. Look at conditions before anyone goes in and keep an adult with children. For a group that wants more time on the sand than on a board, compare Hermosa with the organized lesson at Remanso.
Maderas for independent surfers
The resort’s town map gives about 10 km to Playa Maderas. Our surf guide recommends it for intermediate and advanced surfers. A companion can spend the outing walking the beach or visiting a beach restaurant. Arrange the ride back before you leave the resort. The transport included in a Surf Ranch lesson goes to Remanso, so plan Maderas as a separate trip.
Yankee for experienced surfers
Our surf guide describes El Yankee as a powerful beach break for advanced surfers and lists an approximate drive of 8 minutes. It does not publish a road distance from the resort. Do not use the drive time as a measure of how easy the waves will be. Check the route and current conditions before setting out.
Marsella, Majagual and Gigante
Playa Marsella, Playa Majagual and Playa Gigante are three separate destinations to consider when planning another outing. Our resort map does not give a driving distance or a surf or swimming recommendation for these three. Use the directions for the specific beach rather than a distance from town. For Marsella, check the return pickup before leaving. For Majagual, confirm the access point with your driver. For Gigante, check the entire round trip before deciding whether it fits a morning or needs a day of its own.
Why stay at Surf Ranch?
Stay inland if your group wants to alternate a surf outing with pool time, skateboarding or lunch together at the resort. A condo or villa sleeps up to four. Direct bookings include breakfast. Plan one beach per outing and give the family a meeting time back at the resort. Surf Ranch does not run shuttles to or from San Juan del Sur town.
Directions from the resort
Frequently asked questions
Is beach transport included with a room?
A direct room booking includes breakfast. The USD 60 plus tax surf lesson includes the ride to Playa Remanso, board and lesson. Arrange other beach trips separately.
01 · THE TOWN BEACH
San Juan del Sur bay
The horseshoe bay belongs on a different day plan from the surf breaks. Its beach meets the town waterfront, so you can walk the malecón, look out over the fishing boats and choose a place for dinner without moving the group to a second beach.
Choose it for a short stop after arriving, a sunset walk before dinner, or a family outing where you want to keep lunch close. If your main goal is a surf lesson, choose a beach with your instructor before arranging your ride.
04 · ONE BEACH DAY
Choose the beach that fits your group
Families who want an easy lunch
Start with the town bay if restaurants and a short walk matter most. For a longer beach outing, agree where the kids can take a shade break and arrange pickup before leaving. Check local water conditions and supervise children at every beach.
Plan a family stayA first surf lesson
Start with your instructor’s recommendation. Compare Remanso and Maderas if some people already surf and others are trying their first session. Ask for the meeting pin and confirm that the ride has space for boards.
Compare the two surf beachesA beach day without a car
Make a single beach the anchor of the day. A taxi or beach shuttle can work, but the quote and return depend on the provider. Confirm the fare for the full group, how late you can stay and what to do if the plans change.
Plan your rideSurf Ranch is inland between San Juan del Sur and Remanso. Decide which beach day you want, then compare rooms and available lesson packages for your dates.
Nicaragua’s national tourism map · San Juan del Sur