Caribbean Coast Surf Breaks

Most of the Caribbean's surf breaks are found south of Limón, including one of the biggest in all of Costa Rica, Salsa Brava.  

Sure, there is an ocean with waves in Tortuguero, but it is not particularlly known for its surfable waves and it would be difficult to carry your board to Tortuguero as it is reachable only by boat or plane. As a general rule, North and South Caribbean surf breaks are divided by Límon.

Northern Caribbean Surf Breaks:

There are beach-breaking waves north of Limón. Accessible via Tortuguero channels or by private plane. You can rent a boat to take you through the channels near Puerto Moin, 15 km (9.3 mi.) north of playa Bonita.

Playa Bonita:
Located three miles north of Limón. This is a pretty well-known spot - expert skills are not required, necessarily, but it wouldn't hurt to know which end of the board is the front; might keep the sand out of your mouth. Some pretty powerful waves here.

 
Isla Uvita:
Isla means "island" which this is. It'll take you half an hour by boat to get out here, but it's worth it. Some pretty good surfing, no crowds. Check the boat schedule before you commit. Sometimes it runs, sometimes it doesn't.

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South Caribbean Surf Breaks:

•  Westfalia
•  Portete
•  Cahuita
•  Puerto Viejo
•  Playa Cocles
•  Punta Uva
•  Manzanillo

 
Westfalia:
This is south of Limon. Nice beaches, waves will take you left or right, your choice.

 
Portete:
You find some fair action here, beach break from the point. 

Black Beach, Cahuita:
Good surfing on a strong beach break. Isolated, no crowds. Good surfing summer and winter. Food and accommodations nearby.

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Puerto Viejo (aka Salsa Brava - Hot Sauce):
This place will get your attention. The water here starts deep and runs quickly onto a shallow reef. You know what happens. There's no place for the water to but up - and up. It forms the biggest waves in Costa Rica. So, if you're venturing out for your first meeting between you, a board and the sea - take care. This one might land you on your head. Salsa is approximately a 3-1/2 hour drive from San José. There are food and accommodations nearby.

Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brava surf break is a Hawaiian-style surf break but with east coast distance between swells.  The reef at the Salsa can be dangerous as the reef is shallow.  You have to either know what you are doing or have good instructions from the locals.  Lefts need to be taken carefully. When you can see the water drain off the reef and see the water level go below the reef, you know how serious it is.

The Salsa Brava is “like surfing the backdoor pike in Hawaii—the surf gets the thickness and power here, but with solid 16’ faces and a 5’ thick lip.  It’s un-surfable if it reaches 25- 30’ because the water is too shallow at the take off zone.  You know how good the waves are when there are 40 local guys in the water and every one of them rocks.”  (Quoted from Jason Craig)

 
Playa Cocles:
This is another good surf spot located about ten minutes south of Puerto Viejo along the road that goes to Manzanillo.  Strong under currents make it danderous for swimming without a board.

 
Punta Uva:
South of Puerto Viejo about ten minutes before arriving in Manzanillo.  Known for clean surf.   

 
Manzanillo:
A very fast beach break located 20 km (12.4 mi.) from Puerto Viejo, Limon. The lodging is-catch-as-catch-can and the food about what you'd expect. Located close to an unpaved road, and easy to get to.