Salsa Brava Guía

This gnarled Caribbean reefbreak in Costa Rica has been called Costa Rica's heaviest and best wave. Pound for pound, it's as intense as any coral reef double-up right (and left) tube in the world. There are two general takeoff areas at Salsa. First Peak is a very round bowl section that offers the occasional left tube, as well as occasionally allowing you to backdoor Second Peak (but you have to be going really fast and be a proficient tuberider). First Peak's takeoff zone is tight and generally reserved for experts. Second Peak is just north of First Peak and can shift around a little, allowing for a less condensed and frothing pack. You've still got to take off under the lip, though. In general, the waves aren't really facey -- you're either in the tube or on the shoulder.

A mile or so south of town is Playa Cocles, a consistent beachbreak, and a few miles south of that is Punta Uva, a semi-fickle right point. There are a few reefbreaks around the port town of Limon, 50 miles to the north.