Surfing

Surfer’s Paradise

Located in the heart of Puerto Viejo lies one of the greatest waves in the country the ‘Salsa Brava’ surf break, famous for its strength and power that comes from deep water onto a shallow, sharp coral reef. Probably the biggest and best right break in Costa Rica.

Salsa Brava when translated literally means “Angry Sauce” which at times definitely lives up to its name, the wave is for experienced riders only and don’t be surprised if you are constantly giving way to the locals and expats.

Just a couple of kilometers south of Salsa Brava you will find Cocles Surf Beach which has a more consistent break with rights and lefts breaking close to the beach, ideal for the intermediate surfer. Cocles is also the winner of the “Blue flag” awarded by the Costa Rican government for clean beaches. Lifeguards control the beach due to the strong currents and put flags out marking the safe areas to swim.

Playa Grande further south in Punta Uva is a great spot if you want to enjoy surfing with less of a crowd and enjoy the secluded beaches with kilometers of palm fringed beaches. However with big swells the surf becomes a little too messy so you have to go at smaller swells.

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge has a few good breaks but you will need to talk to the local surfers about how to get their and hopefully if you provide the transportation they will go with you as it involves a good trek and can be a little tricky getting out to the break.

Surf Schools

Puerto Viejo usually has excellent waves for beginners. On heavy surf days, our first choice is Black Beach (Playa Negra). The waves are usually small, slow-breaking, forgiving, and consistently break in the same spot. There is little current, making it easy and safe to teach and learn. It doesn’t get any better than that for beginners.

If the ocean at Black Beach is too quiet, we go to Playa Cocles. This spot usually has heavier surf, strong currents, and some amazingly talented surfers. But when the ocean calms down, the experienced surfers go away, often leaving nice beginner waves for us. It’s not always perfect - with surfing, we have to work with what nature brings us. But we almost always find something that will work. Private and semi private lessons are available or if your not sure surfing is for you, you can take an introduction to surfing to get a taste of why so many people in the world love to surf.

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