Salsa Brava Beach — Photo courtesy of Sophia LaMonica

Discovered by intrepid surfers in the 1970s, Costa Rica's Salsa Brava roughly translates as "bully sauce," and indeed this peaceful-seeming playa can be as daunting and deceiving as it is delightful; strong rip currents sometimes sneak in unexpectedly, and only daring wave riders courageous enough to face  legendary and far out reef-breaking rides should test their mettle here.

Salsa Brava Beach — Photo courtesy of Sophia LaMonica

Salsa Brava is a narrow stretch of white sand interspersed with living coral reef and shaded in part by tropical trees of the jungle. It spans less than a few hundred meters in length between the old harbor at the center of Puerto Viejo to the north and an open-air restaurant bearing the same name to the south, where one may indulge in happy hour with fresh seafood while savoring a seaside view.

Costa Rica — Photo courtesy of flickr: m.prinke

Steps from the main road, Salsa Brava is easily reachable on foot, by bicycle, and via car, and there is a convenient landing for free parking. Photographers have fun zooming in on surfers from the shore, while snorkelers and swimmers are best advised to mind the tide and enjoy basking in the turquoise water with a decent dash of respect and and eye of caution for this decidedly saucy beach. Bonus: Sunsets at Salsa Brava are spectacular.