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Surf Spot: Playa Matapalo
Break Type: Reef rocky
Difficulty Level: All surfers
Best Swell Direction: North, West, Northwest
Ride Direction: Right
Tides: All tides

Description

Cabo Matapalo is a coastal town located at the outermost point of the Osa Peninsula, in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Considered as a paradisiacal haven, Matapalo is a sublime place encircled with tropical jungles and crystal clear ocean. Although travelers will find plenty of things to do here such as horseback riding, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, the town’s main pursuit is surfing. The beautiful beach of the village, Playa Matapalo, is renowned for its surf spots. Offering perfect weather condition and nice waves, Matapalo is quickly becoming a popular choice among surfers. Matapalo has three major surf points and each of them features a powerful right break with strong, consistent waves.

Playa Matapalo, also known as Hog Hole among the locals, boasts consistent waves for surfers of all levels. The best time to surf is at a mid tide when big swells rise from the west and southwest. The waves are fast, hollow, powerful and steep that breaks to the right over a reef bottom. During the mid tide, the waves are fast offering a very fun ride. The tide is facing the open ocean and easily picks up more swells. The length of waves is normally 50 to 150 meter but on a good day, it can reach up to 300 meters! Swells build up at less than 1 meter and can hold up to 10 feet. One of the best things about the beach is that it is mostly secluded even on weekdays. Watch out for rips, undertows and rocks.

Backwash Bay features a large and slow reef break present in the center of Backwash Bay. The waves are quite steep and not as consistent as the breaks in Matapalo, but the sectioned waves are great for long boarding sessions. Surfing is best when the tide is mid to low with swells from the west or southwest.

Pan Dulce, or sweet bread, is the smallest break. It is a long beach break that breaks to the right and often requires a larger swell. Best time is during the mid tide with a large swell from the south. It is a great area for beginners.

Surf Camps in Playa Matapalo

There are several surf camps, schools and shops located right on the beach. Many camps offer amazing surf packages along with accommodations and transport. There is Nomad Surfers Surf Camp which is a famous surf travel company with numerous branches. It offers tourists, particularly sport enthusiast, a wide variety of surf camps, resorts, charters and expeditions. Surfs schools like Pollo Surf School and Bodhi Surf School are make a good choice.

Surf Forecast

Surfing in Playa Matapalo

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The coastal village of Cabo Matapalo is located at the outermost point of the Osa Peninsula, in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Regarded as a heavenly sanctuary, Matapalo is a secluded place encompassed by tropical rain forests and a vast ocean. The area houses a cluster of glorious beaches, awesome surf spots and whole lot sublime greenery. It is located nearby the famous nature reserve, Corcovado National Park, facilitating visitors a chance to explore one of the most wonderful jungles of the country. Matapalo is home to various tropical birds, particularly macaws, and a large number of Howler monkeys. It is not uncommon to find a flock of colorful bird flying over your head and spotting a monkey or two playing around on the sand. The beach is a tourist oriented place with a quiet, laid back ambiance. There are various accommodations and restaurants right on the Playa Matapalo allowing easy access to the beach. Travelers will find plenty of things to do here such as surfing, horseback riding, swimming, scuba diving and so on. The weather of the area is very predictable and stays sunny and warm throughout the year. Have a picnic, catch the wave, take a stroll or watch the exotic sunset, Playa Matapalo is an amazing place for a vacation.

Where to Surf in Playa Matapalo

Playa Matapalo

Playa Matapalo features excellent waves for surfers of all levels. The best time for surfing is during the mid tide and west or southwest swell. The wave is powerful and steep that breaks right at mid tide. When the mid tide is coming, the waves provide a very fast and fun ride. The tide is facing the open ocean and easily picks up more swells.

Backwash

Backwash features a large and slow reef break present in the center of Backwash Bay. The waves are quite steep and not as consistent as the breaks in Matapalo, but the sectioned waves are great for long boarding sessions. Surfing is best when the tide is mid to low with swells from the west or southwest.

Pan Dulce

Pan Dulce is a long break that breaks to the right and often requires a larger swell. Best time is during the mid tide with a large swell from the south. It is a great area for beginners.

Other Things to Do

Playa Matapalo has no bars or any active nightlife. The place is mainly aimed at surfers and nature lovers who love the mystical sounds of tiny insects, birds and monkeys. Besides surfing and wildlife watching, tourists can enjoy sportfishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, tree climbing, nature walks, dolphin watching and horseback riding. There are a few charters and companies which organize fabulous ventures for clients within a reasonable price. Many accommodations also provide transportation to make the trips easier.

Accommodations in Playa Matapalo

There are various accommodations in Playa Matapalo. From five star resorts to cozy cabinas, the place has something for everyone. Hotel Riu Guanacaste is a luxury resort situated right in front of the ocean. The hotel is great for families with kids, large groups of friends and couples on a romantic vacation. Las Nubes Energy Resort is a fabulous place with incredible views of the waterfalls and the beach. It is perfect for those who wish to have a private time. Dos Palmas is a double story vacation rental with two units and a large terrace. The house is great if you are traveling in a large group or planning to stay for a long time.

A Surf Adventure in Matapalo Beach

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