Casa Cantamar

The Space

Casa Cantamar is one of the few truly beachfront homes in the area available for vacation rental with a private swimming pool and rancho. It sits along what may be Nicaragua’s most beautiful stretch of sand, conveniently positioned between several premier surf breaks.

• Property type: Beachfront house
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
• Beach access: Directly on the beach
• Nearby surf breaks: Playa Colorado, Panga Drops, and Los Perros
• Rates are based on groups of up to 6 guests.

Casa Cantamar is a traditionally built, colonial-style home featuring local tile and high-quality hardwood finishes. Each of the three spacious bedrooms offers expansive ocean views, a queen bed, a twin bed, and a private full bathroom.

The two upstairs bedrooms have mahogany floors, while the downstairs bedroom features terracotta floors, ocean views, and private outdoor access. Sliding wooden doors open onto the decks and veranda, with views extending toward the ocean.

Additional amenities include:

• Air conditioning in the bedrooms
• Wi-Fi
• Safe for valuables
• Housekeeping
• Optional meal plan
• Private swimming pool
• Rancho

Housekeeping and Laundry

The housekeeping staff are the only people with access to the home’s washer and dryer and can handle any laundry during your stay.

• One complimentary laundry service is included for stays of 3–7 nights.
• Additional laundry requests cost $10 per load.

Power Outages

Occasional power outages are common in this area. Casa Cantamar has a battery backup system that powers most outlets, including the refrigerator and internet, as well as ceiling fans and lights during an outage.

The backup system does not power:

• Air conditioning
• Microwave
• Water heaters
• Laundry machines

Please limit the use of electrical items during an outage to conserve battery life. The system typically lasts approximately 4–6 hours, depending on usage.

Activities

Casa Cantamar is located within the Hacienda Iguana development, known for its world-class surf breaks. Four surf breaks are within walking distance:

• Playa Colorado
• Panga Drops
• Los Perros
• Playa Amarillo, located south of Playa Colorado and accessible on foot at low tide

Hacienda Iguana also features a beautifully designed and well-maintained 9-hole golf course, available to guests at an affordable rate.

We can arrange airport transfers and a variety of tours, activities, and excursions before or during your stay:

• Private and group yoga classes
• Surf lessons and guided surf trips
• Boat and fishing charters
• Massage and spa treatments
• Hot springs visits
• Horseback riding
• Local community tours

Food Supplies

The best place to purchase groceries is La Colonia in Rivas, located 100 meters south of the turnoff for Tola on the right, or west, side of the road. While in Rivas, it is also recommended that you refuel, as the nearest gas stations to the property are located there.

We highly recommend purchasing all, or as many as possible, of the groceries you will need for your stay. Alternatively, ask about booking the meal plan, a full-service catering option that eliminates the need to plan, shop, and prepare meals.

Dining Out

Several excellent dining options are available within the Hacienda Iguana development.

• Pili’s Kitchen is the most visited and only beachfront option. Located at the Beach Club in front of the Colorado Break, it serves fresh food, juices, smoothies, and a full bar.
• The Salty Koala, located in La Joya next to the Eco Casitas, offers Asian cuisine and craft cocktails.
• Casa Ananas, above the office, serves authentic Italian cuisine, pizza, and daily international specials.
• Downtown Iguana, next to the office and surf shop, offers seafood and authentic Nicaraguan cuisine at reasonable prices.
• Scoops and Spokes, across the street, serves homemade ice cream, coffee, baked goods, paninis, and fresh juices.
• Iguana Brewery offers sports bar food and locally brewed craft beer.

Other restaurants and dining spots in the surrounding area include:

• Gigante: El Pozo, Juntos, and Giant’s Foot Surf Camp, which hosts Burger Night every Monday
• Rancho Santana: The Club House, La Boquita tapas restaurant, and La Taquería
• Limón 1: Avila’s Taquería
• Limón 2: La Calabria brick-oven pizza
• Jiquelite–Playa Santana: Malibu Popoyo, Buena Onda, Costa Oeste, and Aloha Bungalows
• Popoyo: Mag Rock and Café con Leche
• Las Salinas: Todo con Amor restaurant
• Guasacate: Finca Wayuu, Dutchy’s Deli, and Viento Este

Shopping

NSR Surf Shop is located within Hacienda Iguana and offers:

• Souvenirs
• Surf accessories
• Clothing
• Beach towels
• Flip-flops
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuits
• Wetsuit vests and tops
• Rash guards

The shop also rents:

• Scooters
• Dirt bikes
• Surfboards
• Boogie boards
• Stand-up paddleboards

Other services and businesses within the Hacienda Iguana community include:

• Pure Spa
• Two small convenience stores with assorted groceries
• An on-site ATM
• Yoga
• Horseback riding
• In-home massage services

The Riviera commercial plaza is located within half a mile of the Hacienda Iguana entrance. It includes:

• BAC bank with an ATM
• A small grocery store carrying basic supplies
• Bagels and Bakes, a café offering coffee and freshly baked goods each day

Getting Around

Casa Cantamar is approximately a 2–2.5-hour drive from Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua and about 4 hours from Liberia Airport in Costa Rica.

Most major car rental agencies have offices at Managua Airport, and advance reservations are recommended.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is generally only necessary if you plan to visit beaches farther south, particularly in the San Juan del Sur area. Guests who prefer not to rent a vehicle can arrange airport transportation, daily sightseeing trips, and guided surf excursions.

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available, and vehicle or boat transportation to other surf breaks in the area can also be arranged. Alamo and National offer vehicle rentals from an office next to Hacienda Iguana.