Although Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast has been the preferred surfing place for local and international surfers, the Atlantic Coast does not shy away from the Pacific’s popularity.

Although Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast offers 12 mapped surfing beaches versus the Pacific’s 80, the beauty and exotic surroundings makes the trip well worth while.

One of the best surfing spots in the Caribbean is the Salsa Brava surf spot in Puerto Viejo.  Experienced and professional surfers will find this spot quite challenging, a shallow coral bottom and right breaking waves welcome surfers from all around.  The best months to head out to Salsa Brava are from December through April where powerful hollow and fast waves break.  Every year, during the month of February, an international competition is held at Salsa Brava attracting well known surfers both locally as well as internationally.

Manzanillo offers amazing beaches surrounded by wild pristine jungle which unfolds on the beach.  The beach’s access makes the trip an adventure alone.  You will need to drive all the way up to the Gandoca National Park in Manzanillo and then follow the path up to the park for about a kilometer and a half.  Once you’ve reached the end of the trail, you will need to make your way through the jungle next to the beach.  Once you see picture perfect waves breaking right before your eyes, you know you have arrived.

Manzanillo is for experienced surfers; the wave type is reef-coral and breaks from the rights.  Booties are recommended due to the razor sharp coral and rock bottom.  Water is crystal clear and the sense of being at the end of the world makes this spot a true adventure.