Salsa Brava
Salsa Brava translates to "angry sauce," and this Caribbean reef break lives up to its name - the heaviest wave in Costa Rica. When E-NE Caribbean swells hit during winter, Salsa Brava produces thick, powerful double-up barrels over sharp coral reef, with longer rights and occasional left tubes. The setting is tropical and beautiful, but the consequences of mistakes are real. The local Afro-Caribbean vibe of Puerto Viejo adds to the experience. This is Caribbean surfing at its most intense.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (55°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 100°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 150° - 225°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Salsa Brava?
Salsa Brava works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at Salsa Brava?
Offshore wind at Salsa Brava blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 150° to 225° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Salsa Brava?
Salsa Brava wants NE swell (20° to 100°) between 1.5m and 4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Salsa Brava?
The main season at Salsa Brava is Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Nov, Apr. Caribbean swell season Dec-Mar. N-NE groundswells.
How do I get to Salsa Brava?
Fly into SJO, then allow about 240 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Salsa Brava?
Salsa Brava is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Nov, Apr
Caribbean swell season Dec-Mar. N-NE groundswells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Playa Cocles
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Dumpees
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Tiger Tails
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Carnero Point
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