Mark and Dave's Place :::: Travel Information ::: Luxury Surf Resort

Nicaragua has gained popularity over the last few years for their great waves and its diversity both geographically and culturally.

In the 16th century the Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony - today it has a population approaching 6,000,000 and tourism is its second largest industry. Why do people want to visit Nicaragua? Because it has a little of everything ranging from surfers seeking barreling bliss to senior citizens on bus tours visiting active volcanoes.

Nicaragua has a range of microclimates, on the Pacific side, invierno (winter), or rainy season, runs May to November. It is at its rainiest in September and October. Verano (summer), or dry season, is November to April, the best time for hiking, camping and partying, and there is still plenty of good surf to be found! (December to March).

Nicaraguan culture has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, deeply influenced by European culture but enriched with Amerindian sounds and flavors. The Pacific coast around Mark and Dave's Place has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, deeply influenced by Europeans. Nicaragua was colonized by Spain and has a similar culture to other Spanish speaking Latin American countries. Consequently, Spanish is spoken by about 90% of the country's population.

If you are interested to learn more about Nicaragua in general terms please refer to the resources below. For more information about your trip to Mark and Dave's Place simply look to your right to get the facts!

Lonely Planet Guide to Nicaragua
CIA World Factbook: Nicaragua
Wikipedia: Nicaragua

The main advantage of our 2008 schedule is the ability to surf the same day that you arrive into Nicaragua! The following information will give you a rough idea about what to expect once you touch down in Nicaragua.

1. Once you arrive into Managua a representative will greet you in the customs area and transfer you to a waiting van or car depending on the size of your group (This is an add-on) If you'd like to rent a car you are more than welcome to do so.

2. On the way to the house you will travel back in time through a landscape of grass fields, active volcanos, and colonial cities that exist as though they have been trapped in time. If you are in one of our vans we make one quick stop in the city of Grenada to pick up lunch for the group, shop at the market for food and drinks for the week, and soak in a little of the local culture.

3. Back on the road we wind our way towards the ocean and eventually onto a 20 mile dirt road to the main gate at Hacienda Iguana.

4. Once inside the gate there is very little reason to leave. With some of the best surf at your doorstep, a private golf course only steps away, and a great restaurant/bar only a five minute walk up the road there is very little reason to leave or to get lost in a rental car!

5. Your daily routine will focus on the waves and activities available inside the compound; however, if you are interested in surfing another beach, going fishing, or doing anything else, our ground staff in Nicaragua will coordinate whatever you desire.

6. Once your trip is complete, you've got your last surf in and are ready to go - you will head back to the airport 2 1/2 hours away, catch your flight, and we'll see you again next year!

A quick look at answers to our most frequently asked questions:

1. What do I need to bring?
Please check out our "Essentials" checklist immediately on your left.

2. What are the waves like?
Most of our guests prefer to stay at the house and surf the waves on our beach exclusively, find out why we are in the best location possible by visiting our "Waves" section.

3. What health precautions should I take? Please consult your doctor before any international excursion. In general you will need to update your tetanus shot and hepatitis series shots as well. Remember to bring any prescription medication with you.

4. How much does it cost to rent Mark and Dave's Place for the week? We have a flat rate of $4200/week and are capable of handling up to 8 people, double the capacity of most rentals while delivering a vacation atmosphere instead of a stuffy house. More information here.

5. Can I check my e-mails and get online? Yes! Wireless Internet is available at the Hacienda Iguana Office - bring your laptop and plug in - electrical outlets are the same as the United States.

6. How much money do I need to take? If you decide to make your trip a'la carte we recommend $300 - $400 to be on the safe side... you can always take what you don't use home! Please contact us for additional options.

7 What happens when I arrive in Managua? Please visit our "Itinerary" rundown on your left.

8. How do I check on availability and reserve a week for my friends and I? Everything you need to know to reserve your next adventure can be found on our "Contact Information" page.

Here at Mark and Dave's, we offer spectacular scenery, unparalleled ocean views, and a myriad of surfing adventures. Our guests enjoy a restful retreat accentuated by a refreshing offshore breezes in one of the most beautiful regions in Nicaragua. Mark and Dave have created their house to be a hassle-free, safe surf experience at an affordable rate. Please enjoy this photo tour of everything Mark and Dave's Place has to offer.

Click Here to Make a Reservation!

Surfer Magazine ran a great piece on the Iguana Surf House in February 2008's issue:

Reliable Sources
When Second-Hand Information Pays Off
by Grant Ellis

After being behind the SURFER light table for more than four years now, deciding where and how to spend my allotted “out of office” time has become much more difficult than I ever imagined. With each new photo submission that comes in, the possibilities overwhelm me. Such is the curse with this job.

Click Here to View a Slideshow from that Trip...

The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. The following list is divided into two categories: In the Water and Out of the Water. It was created to give you ideas and help you keep track of items you may or may not need to bring on your next Nicaraguan surf adventure.

In the Water
1. Surfboards (2-3 boards in one boardbag)
2. Leashes (4)
3. Extra leash teathers
4. Fin Sets
5. Extra fin keys and screws
6. Long Sleeve Rash guard (optional)
7. Spring Suit (optional)
8. Boardshorts (3 pairs)
9. Wetsuit Top (optional but recommended)

Out of the Water
1. Airline Tickets plus copy
2. Cash - We recommend $400 to be on the safe side.
3. Comb or brush (optional)
4. Contact Lens Kit
5. Deodorant
6. Ding Repair/Sun Cure Resin
7. Drivers License plus copy
8. Eyeglasses
9. Long Sleeve T-Shirt
10. Moisturizer (optional)
11. Mosquito Repellant with DHT
12. Multi-board travel bag
13. Nail Clippers (optional)
14. Pain Medicine (optional)
15. Pants (1)
16. Passport plus copy
17. Sandals
18. Shaving Kit
19. Shoes
20. Socks
21. Sun Hat (optional)
22. Sunglasses
23. Sunscreen
24. Surf Towel
25. Toothbrush and toothpaste
26. Travel backpack
27. Waterproof jacket
28. Wax
29. First Aid Kit