Ometepe to Redwood Beach Resort

Hi Dave -
Two scenarios - Both assume you have a rental car. The bus information follows:
1. The drive from Managua to Jiquilillo is about 3 1/2 hours. You'll find directions for NIC 12 heading towards Jiquilillo on our website. The sign is clear for the left turn to the village. This option is called "The No Time Schedule" option: Arrive at your leisure in Jiquilillo at Rancho Tranquilo (upon entering Jiquilillo, take the first right where you see the sign for another hostel, Rancho Esperanza, pass this place and look for a sign on the left that says Rancho Tranquilo - it's a black gate. The phone number for Tina, the owner, is 8-968-2290, or 8-872-0700). This is the secured parking area, and they will take you to the launching site for the boat. Parking is c$100 a day. Travel up the Estero Padre Ramos, through the mangroves, for about 35 minutes, (beautiful scenic trip) and disembark at Salvatore's house (they know where it is). This is about 3 km from our place. Tide isn't an issue, so just let us know your expected arrival at Rancho Tranquilo and they will call us when you are underway and we'll meet you at Salvatore's.
Cost: about $95, it's more expensive, but it's an incredible trip - most of that cost is gas expense. If you do this, there is no pick-up charge from us because it saves us a lot of time/gas.
2. The "time schedule" option: On June 6th, high tide is at noon, which means that we can arrange for the boat at one of two times - 8 am or 4 pm. Assuming you have a rental car, you'll be more than likely to make the 4pm meet at the point. This is a quick, 5 minute boat ride across the mouth of the estero. All of the Rancho Tranquilo instructions above apply.
Cost: For the boat c$200-c$400 (depending on which captain is available - this is their rate, we don't add on to it) and then $15 for the pick up and 15 minute drive up the beach to our place. It's a nice way to see Venecia (the peninsula) and fast.

If you don't have a rental car. Go to the bus station in Managua and catch an express MicroBus to Chinandega. It should cost about c$40 per person. If you don't want to wait for the bus to fill up (they usually seat around 12), we recommend just paying the cost to rent out all of the seats. You'll travel comfortably, it's fun and you'll leave immediately. When you get to the Chinandega bus station, find a nice-looking cab and take the 45 minute drive to Jiquilillo. We've paid c$300 ($15) so it's worth it and much, much, (did I say much) more comfortable than a bus. Check in with Tina and Dennis, and the boat thing will be underway. You'll be taking the 4pm pick-up with this option, and Rancho Tranquilo will call us when you are on your way - then you can choose the full Estero boat or the Point drop-off.

Is it June yet?! See you then!
Truly,
Stacy