Overview
Ranch is a lava reef spread across a wide, cliff-fringed bay, with two passes producing four separate waves. On the north side of the bay there's a nice left that's fun when the swell is small and easterly. Across the pass sits the main event: a long, heavy right that throws a couple of barrel sections as it peels over shallow reef, with rides running up to 100 yards depending on the swell. That same peak also has a left off its south side, which comes to life when there's more north in the swell and the right starts closing out in sections.
Past the second pass, a right breaks off "Finger Rock" on the south side of the bay, a tall obelisk whose siblings were knocked over in Hurricane Gilbert, and peels into the channel. It was first ridden in the '60s and is a genuine big-wave spot. Warm, clear Caribbean water rounds out the setting.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from north-northeast through east to south-southeast, and is usable from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft. Spring, autumn, and winter are the seasons to watch, and when it lines up the waves are decent.
Wind and Tide
Look for west-northwest offshore wind, with a workable wind window running from west to north-northwest. The reef can work through most of the tide, though a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate and expert surfers on a shortboard, and the outer right in particular is big-wave territory better left to those who know what they're doing. The paddle is easy most of the time but gets challenging on hurricane swells, and the reef is shallow enough to keep an eye on. Expect a quiet lineup that can feel a little reserved.
Access
Parking is right there at the spot.
