Nicaragua winter leave

5 things to do at Hacienda Iguana that don't involve surfing
Kyle teeing off at Hacienda Iguana

Many surfers visit Hacienda Iguana on the Emerald Coast.

The reason?

The surf breaks at Playa Colorado and Panga Drops are world class and both can be accessed by foot from the development.

But I've lived in Nicaragua long enough to know that many visitors are not interested in surfing.

So is Hacienda Iguana still worth a visit?

Oh heck yes!

Here are 5 super fun things to do at Hacienda Iguana that don't involve surfing.


1. The 4-Man Golf Scramble

Every Wednesday at 3pm the Hacienda Iguana Golf & Beach Club hosts a 4-man golf scramble. Twenty dollars per person gets you entered into the tournament.  Your entry fee includes 9-holes of golf, a golf cart (with a cooler if you request it), food and a free beer after the 9th hole. The course is well manicured for Nicaragua's climate and has a few tricky holes which include water features and one uphill green. The feature hole is a par 5 on the 5th offering stunning views of the ocean and nearby sandy beach.

2. Yoga

Mark & Dave's beach front house in front of Panga Drops has legendary status around these parts. Surf enthusiasts dream about walking barefoot from their bedroom to the beach. But this article isn't about surfing.  It's about all the other things to do that don't involve actually paddling out on a surf board.  And yoga tops that list.  Every Monday and Wednesday, Kimmy hosts donation based yoga classes open to the community.  If 2 days a week isn't enough, you'll want to book a yoga retreat with India at Papaya Wellness Retreats.

bikes (1)

3. Rent Beach Cruisers at Scoops & Spokes

If exploring jungle wild life, surf beaches and nature trails on two wheels is more your style, then you'll be thrilled about Scoops & Spokes.  I mean honestly, what says vacation better than ice-cream and a good beach cruiser?  This creatively designed shop offers so much more than ice-cream.  It has a full expresso coffee bar, a cozy shaded outdoor sitting area for lounging and a selection of beach cruisers and mountain bikes. Contact Spokes Bike Rentals for more information on bike tours available in the area.

4. Schedule some time at the Satori Spa & Wellness Center

If you need help slowing down and getting in the right mindset for your vacation or your new Nicaragua inspired lifestyle, make this your first stop.  Their self-proclaimed philosophy is “to support you in achieving your beauty and wellness goals through an exceptional palette of spa therapies, beauty treatments and wellness offerings – all inspired by our oceanside surroundings.” The spa offers a selection of treatments and massages.  Opening hours are daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm and by appointment only on Sundays.

5. Hit the dirt road with NSR

If your idea of fun involves an open dirt road, you've landed in paradise. The NSR Surf Shop offers motorcycle rentals, ATV tours and a plethora of other excursions that involve getting dirty while exploring untamed nature. Whether you need surf supplies, help planning your vacation or a vacation rental home to book for your friends and family, NSR has you covered.  Their Iguana office is located near the golf course entrance, below Eloy's restaurant and across the street from Scoops and Spokes. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful with planning all types of activities in the region, not just surf trips.

In short: Don't let the fact that you don't surf stop you from visiting Hacienda Iguana.
iguanasurfrentals dot com