The Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean side is more treacherous, with coral reefs, but also has the biggest surf in the country. Waves in the Caribbean are generated by the prevailing Easterly trade winds and by strong cold fronts that push down from the US in the winter. The trades blow year round and are strongest in the winter. The Caribbean waves are not the classic long period Pacific ground swells, but their power can be amazing. Huge surf may also be found from time to time in the summer from tropical storms and hurricanes moving throughout the Caribbean. Very clean conditions can be found on this coast too- particularly in the AM.

THE SURF REPORT

The earthquake of 1991 has totally re-arranged this coastline, raising parts of the shore by as much as 3-6ft. Many of the surf spots have been affected. Portete is no longer breaking at all. The reef is totally exposed. Chiquita bay is history as well; it was shallow before and is now too shallow to ride. Crime is at an all time high in some areas. Watch out for road blocks and banditos. Caution is greatly advised when traveling this side of Costa Rican coast.

Warning: Surfing is recommended against in the Tortuguero area north of Limon due to extremely shark infested waters.

1. Playa Bonita- Once a powerful left on coral reef to the north of Limon, now almost unrideable since earthquake of 1991. May be rideable at high tide. Around the point to the south from Portete. 2. Cocaine Point- New surf spot created by earthquake. On far side of same bay as Playa Bonita. 3. Roca Alta- Right hander over rock reef. Deep water wave. Holds some sizeable surf, located off the point at Playa Piuta near Limon, 1/2 mile south of the remains of Hotel Las Olas. Breaks more often since the earthquake, excellent, expert wave. 4. Isla Uvita- Left hander on island offshore of Limon. Good long rides. Said to have been improved by earthquake, even more hollow. 5. Cahuita- Beach break that works when other spots are not big enough, but rarely gets surfed. South of Limon on HWY 36 near Boca del Banano. Playa Cahuita offers both beach and reef breaks in the national park. 6. Puerto Viejo (Salsa Brava)- Right point, very round and can be very big- gnarliest right barrel in Costa Rica and probably the biggest. Breaks over Hawaiian-style coral reef. Reef came up enough from earthquake just enough to improve shape of smaller waves. First peak is almost too drastic, too shallow, and doubles up. Second peak is much more rideable. In season, more than 20+ guys in the line-up is common. 7. Bocas del Toro Islands- Islands off Costa Rica and Panama offer a variety of reef breaks and crystal clear water. Boat is necessary. 8. Long Shoal- Outside of Puerto Viejo. 2-3 main peaks when Puerto Viejo is well overhead. Two miles or so out. Needs big-wave boards, accessible only by boat. Experts only. 9. Cocles- A good beach break alternative when Puerto Viejo is not working. 10. Little Shoal- Really nice cloudbreak reef, two miles out from end of Cocles, outside rivermouth. Big and mellow. Starts working at 8ft. 11. Manzanillo- South of Chiquita is better quality beachbreak than Cocles. Less crowded with rights and lefts. About 12-15 miles south of Puerto Viejo.