The Caribbean

The Caribbean

For those surfing on the Caribbean coast, keep in mind that the surfing season doesn't last long, and most of the waves are produced by tropical storms off the Mexican coast. However, these storms produce some of the biggest waves in the country and should only be attempted by veteran riders. Puerto Viejo also known as Salsa Brava, is home to some of Costa Rica's biggest waves. A coral reef off the coast produces Hawaiian-style breaks that often carry over 20 surfers at a time. Located in the Limon province, Puerto Viejo is a vibrant seaside town with gorgeous waters and waves that tempt surfing pros. Westfalia extends south from Limon to Cahuita, offering breaks from the left and right. The best part of Westfalia is its reliability -- it offers consistently good surf, but be forewarned of the riptides and jellyfish. Portete beach is located very close to Limon, so you'll have easy access to the small bay. It's also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling if you're the only surfer in the family. Portete is also close to Playa Bonita, where you can test out some bigger waves.