Puerto Viejo Costa Rica Surf Guides

Diversity is abundant in this small town.  A mix of Latinos and Africans, Greek cabano owners, Italian run restaurants, Japanese, European, and American tourists create a unique international vibe.  Make sure that your wallet is full before you visit one of the more expensive places to dine on Costa Rican beaches, though the food is often savory.  There are plenty of budget hotels and hostels.  Camp or rent a hammock at Rockin’ J’s, the mosaic filled backpacker hot spot on the beach.  If you are ready to go a little wild, Johnny’s reggae dance hall pops off every weekend.  Hundreds of people pack the dance floor and the tables situated right next to the ocean. 
           
In contrast to the predominantly mellow lifestyle, the waves of the Caribbean can be fast and dangerous.  The center stage of Puerto Viejo features notoriously wild and challenging Salsa Brava.  Its boxy barrel hammers thunderously on a sharp shallow reef.  There are multiple fickle beach breaks within 15 kilometers of Salsa Brava.  Playa Negra is more of a beginner’s spot and going north you can find waves at Playa Cocles, Chiquita, and Grande.  A right reef break 15 minutes walking from Manzanillo is worth checking out.  Not surprisingly, the lone surf store is named Salsa Brava surf shop.
           
A fun way to cruise the town is on one of many bicycles.  Puerto Viejo’s potential activities are spread out across ideal biking distances.  We pedaled around town and to all of the different beaches to experience the local vivacity.  Puerto Viejo’s strongest man contest, held at the old port, included the coconut toss, sand bag pull, the log toss, and a free Guinness, and brought the community together for some laughs.  Close to Cocles beach is a cliff that we climbed right over rock smashing waves.  A trained eye will help you spot sleeping sloths curled up in fig branches.