A first-time couple
Book the Remanso session together. Have breakfast at the resort if the lesson time allows, leave on the pickup arranged by reception and keep lunch flexible until your return time is confirmed.
SURF RANCH · BEACH GUIDE
Playa Remanso vs. Playa Maderas
Picking a beach for your first lesson? Surf Ranch takes students to Remanso. For surfers who already catch their own waves, Maderas makes a different outing north of San Juan del Sur. Here’s how to plan each beach from the resort.
SOUTH OF TOWN · FIRST LESSON
Playa Remanso for a lesson with Surf Ranch
Choose Remanso if you want an instructor to organize your time in the water. Surf Ranch’s package sessions last 90 minutes per person. Your board for the lesson and the return ride between the resort and the beach are included. Reception confirms the session time around ocean conditions.
Planning three nights? The standard Surf & Stay package includes two lessons per person. A five-night package includes three, and seven nights includes four. A 90-minute lesson doesn’t include a board for the rest of the afternoon. Ask reception about options if you want more time on the water.
See surf packages and dates
NORTH OF TOWN · INDEPENDENT SURF
Playa Maderas for a separate surf outing
Maderas draws surfers to a sandy beach break framed by cliffs. Our town guide recommends it for intermediate and advanced surfers. If you’re already comfortable choosing waves independently, check the day’s conditions, watch a few sets from shore and decide whether it suits your group.
Travelling with someone who wants to stay on shore? Maderas has beach restaurants and room for a walk. Arrange a meeting spot on arrival so the surfers and the rest of the group can find each other before your return ride. Confirm any board rental directly before setting out.
ORIENT YOURSELF
Two beaches in opposite directions
Remanso lies south of San Juan del Sur and Maderas to the north. The map shows both beaches together. For the drive you’ll actually take, use the directions from Surf Ranch below.
Ask reception or your driver for current road conditions and a return pickup point before leaving. If you’re taking a taxi, confirm the price for the round trip and whether the driver will wait or come back. The surf package covers the lesson ride to Remanso. Arrange a Maderas trip and airport transfers separately.
CHOOSE YOUR DAY
One beach, one morning
A group with different levels
Put first-timers with the instructor at Remanso. Independent surfers can plan Maderas separately. Set a time to meet back at the resort and confirm transport for each group before everyone leaves.
A short weekend
Give the full day to the beach you most want to visit. Save the San Juan del Sur waterfront for arrival or departure day, so you don’t spend the afternoon travelling between north and south beaches.
One lesson and a non-surfing companion
Say one of you wants a first lesson and the other wants to photograph it from shore. For Remanso, tell reception who is taking the lesson and ask whether the companion can share the ride and at what price. Included transport is for the booked lesson. Confirm the meeting point and return pickup for both people.
For an independent visit to Maderas, agree on the ride back before splitting up on the beach. If you also need a board there, ask a local provider separately. A lesson board at Remanso is included for that session.