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Salsa Brava, a right reef in Puerto Viejo & the south, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo & the south · Costa Rica

Surfing Salsa Brava

A right reef in Puerto Viejo & the south, Costa Rica, for advanced and pro surfers.

Right Reef · Best Dec-Mar · Advanced / Pro · 3-12 ft

Salsa Brava · Photo: Aude, CC BY-SA 4.0

Salsa Brava is a right over sharp, shallow coral in Puerto Viejo, and the heaviest wave in Costa Rica. It holds any size of Caribbean swell, with a steep drop into the first peak and a fast, hollow wall that sometimes links to a second peak. A short left also breaks.

It needs the winter north-east to east swells, or a hurricane swell, and is best early in the morning before the wind picks up. Low tide is dangerous over the coral. From December to March it's consistent and crowded with locals and expats.

Further out, Long Shoal has steep takeoffs and fewer people, but it's a 3 km paddle or a boat ride. Bring a step-up board.

TypeRight Reef
LevelAdvanced / Pro
Size3-12 ft
Best monthsDec-Mar
Crowd4/5
ConditionsNE-E swell mid-winter, morning slack, mid to high tide

When to surf
Salsa Brava

Salsa Brava is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: NE-E swell mid-winter, morning slack, mid to high tide.

December to March: Prime

Main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire Salsa Brava and the reefs

April to June: Quiet

Flat spells between seasons; the Pacific is the better bet now

July to August: Good

A reliable mid-year mini-season, July the safer bet for swell

September to November: Quiet

Mostly flat and very wet, off-season on the Caribbean

The year across Limón

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
PrimeGoodQuiet

Where to stay near Salsa Brava

Pool with sea view at Samasati, above Puerto Viejo
Terrace with hammocks over the rainforest at SamasatiYoga at sunset at SamasatiCasita room at SamasatiCasita in the rainforest at SamasatiYoga class at SamasatiYoga on the deck at Samasati

Samasati Retreat

Rainforest hills above Puerto Viejo · yoga and wellness retreat

  • 20 minutes' drive to Puerto Viejo's breaks
  • Daily yoga, massages and wellness
  • All-inclusive packages or à la carte
  • Guest house rooms and private casitas
  • Pool with views of the Caribbean

A retreat in the rainforest on the Caribbean side, with views over the sea and wooden casitas spread through the garden. It suits surfers who want yoga, good food and real rest between sessions at Salsa Brava, Cocles and Punta Uva, 20 minutes down the hill.

Where you stayForSleeps
Guest House room
Private room, shared bathrooms, terrace with hammocks
Solo travellers and friends1–2
Couples bungalow
King or queen bed, private bathroom, sea or garden view
Couples1–3
Loft bungalow
Two singles plus a double in the loft, private bathroom
Friends and families1–4

Book a room on its own or an all-inclusive package with meals, yoga and tours. Check the website for current rates.

Getting there

Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Puerto Viejo & the south guide.

Puerto Viejo & the south surf guide

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