World Class Surfing in Nicaragua
Nicaragua possesses a couple of unique characteristics that make it a world-class surf destination. In the south and central parts of the country Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua cover a surface of more than 10,000 square kilometers, creating a huge, flat area where wind can constantly blow across from the Caribbean… And almost year-round it does…and blows OFFSHORE! As a consequence, the southern and central Pacific sides of Nicaragua receives almost constant offshore winds, and unlike virtually all other Pacific destinations the wind does not change during the day and water is clean and good for surfing sometimes all day long. This wind is known as the Papagayo Wind and it is praised by surfers who come from all over the world to experience the local waves. Because of these winds the warm surface water is mixed with colder water from below, adding nutrients and causing a whole chain of reactions including increased algae growth, improved feeding grounds for smaller fish and ultimately resulting in the presence of marlin and sailfish, all due to the Papagayo wind. There are certain locations where the Papagayo is combined with a good wave, making several sites very interesting for surfers.
One of those happens to sit right in front of The Ranch. Freight Trains, which is being called “the best wave in Central America”, located in the mouth of the estuary that separates The Ranch from Puerto Sandino, breaks left over a shallow sandbar, and works consistently on almost every swell direction and size. The combination of the Papagayo winds and the consistency of Freight Trains means that you and your friends/clients can surf all day and in almost all conditions.
The Ranch would without question be Nicaragua’s premier surf camp with the right vision and investment. With one of Central America’s best left-handers right out your front door, 12km of excellent beach breaks and river mouths to the north, and another 10+ reef, beach and river mouth breaks to the south, The Ranch sits at the doorstep of Nicaragua’s best surfing.
Exceptional Fishing in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a wonderful country to visit if you are a keen fisherman and would like to attempt a variety of fishing techniques in the exotic waters found here. Not only will you have an opportunity to catch a variety of fish in all shapes and sizes, but you will also have a picturesque landscape with volcanoes and tropical rain forests as a background. While you are in this beautiful country take a little time to visit the many wildlife reserves available to you. Some examples include the Cano Negro, Rio Frio and the Isla del Petasso.
You may wonder how Nicaragua differs as a fishing destination from other equally wonderful areas. The biggest difference is that the waters of Nicaragua have only recently begun to be fished for recreational purposes. This means that there has been very little sporting pressure on natural fish populations in the area so fishermen can basically view it as virgin territory. It is only once a year from the 13th to 14th of September that the waters come alive with fishermen of all shapes and sizes. This is when the Sabalo and Robalo Fishing Tournament is held. During the rest of the year the waters are relatively devoid of sporting fishermen.
You may want to start off with deep sea fishing, which takes you into the Pacific Ocean where you will find fish, such as Marlin, roosterfish and billfish, in sizes you thought impossible. In order to ensure the longevity of sport fishing, participants are required to release all billfish and roosterfish they may catch.
There are also other opportunities on the Pacific coast which take fishermen slightly inland to the massive estuary systems around Padre Ramos, Corinto and Puerto Sandino, where you will find fish like the roosterfish, which can weigh up to 30lbs, Sierra mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Bonito, Snook, Hound fish, Snapper, Grouper, Rainbow bass and Machacas.
If you want to catch fish like the Sailfish, small Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado, then visit Nicaragua during its prime fishing months from May to October and you will be well satisfied with your catch like so many others.
Surf Tours Nicaragua’s and Sport Fishing Nicaragua‘s original owner, also the owner of The Ranch, had intended to establish The Ranch as Nicaragua’s premier surf camp and fishing lodge until he made the decision to return to the USA. The potential is still there, and you can make it happen!
