The Caribbean coast is known for having a rasta-mentality, but it also has a strong native culture. The air is hot all year round, the water warm, and the best time for waves is January to April. All the beaches are popular with the locals on the weekends.
The mural below shows the history of the Carribean coast. From proud fisherman who helped build the Panama Canal - the locals were then forced to sell their lands to large banana growers and exporters. With little rights, they had to then work their own farms for little in payment.
The Waves
There are quite a few spots to surf, but each is far enough apart that a car rental is needed. In the north you have Playa Bonita, a heavy shorebreak with unforgiving left and right reef breaks on either side of the beach. Just off the coast of Limon is Isla Uvita, a powerful left reef that holds the biggest of swells. Then there's miles of empty beach breaks called Westfalia. South of that is Cahuita offering Playa Negra, a dark sand beach break, and by the National Park another short left reef break. The best spot is 9 km. south in Puerto Viejo, Salsa Brava, the world class right reef break. And in the next town south is Playa Cocles, a pounding beach break. And beyond there to the south are more reefs and empty beaches to discover.
1/4 - The waves right now at Salsa Brava are around 3.5feet. The Beach Playa Cocles has been good and glassy about 3.5 to 4feet. Manzanillo reef has also had good waves... Good glassy peeks..
The best place to surf this week will have to be Playa Cocles, or Manzanillo... Playa Cocles has been pretty crowded lately because lots of people are around for vacation... It will probably be less crowded at the end of this next week.
Right now is good Salsa Brava season. Keep watching the swell. "Legalize Surf Contest" in Playa Cocles. January 30-31.
Getting There
From the airport, it's a drive through downtown and then another 2-3 hours to Limon through mountainous terrian for the first hour and then a straight shot to the coast. Add another hour to get to Cahuita or PuertoViejo, 70 km. south on the coast (if a bridge is not washed out). From there it's only 50 km. to Panama. Or travel north from Limon 5 km. to Playa Bonita and find a boat to take you farther to Tortuguero.
If you need transportation to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita, use this link.
ATEC was started to help preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Talamancan region, from Cahuita to Sixaola. They provide walks and tours of the area and are very knowledgable of the community.
Other recommended tours:
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK - Glass bottom boat ride
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK - full day hike w/lunch
Kikoldi and Bri-Bri Indian Reservation tour
Horseback ride to Cocles Waterfalls
Boat tour of Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Punta Uva Kayak Tour
Overnight trips to Bocas del Toro - Panama
