5 Surfing Spots in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a famous surf destination. There are great surfing beaches in the area around Dominical for both beginners and seasoned experts. 

Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer great waves. One of the best destinations, and until recently ”undiscovered” is the Matapalo area. Although now known in the surfing world, the Matapalo waves are still not very crowded due to the limited access, lack of places to stay and distance from San Jose.

Surfing at Cabo Matapalo is a unique surfing experience. The ocean is clean and warm. The view of land is incredible, with scarlet macaws flying by and howler monkey calls echoing out of the forest. Because the breaks are inside the gulf, glassy conditions almost always persist. The good waves combined with lush vistas of the rainforest make this one of the most beautiful places you can surf .

Matapalo - A powerful right-hand wave that breaks best at midtide.  Can be extremely challenging on big swells. Due to the fact that it faces open ocean, it receives more waves, more consistently than the other spots.

Backwash - A fun right that breaks in the middle of Backwash Bay. Although it doesn’t break as many days per year as Matapalo, it is the spot of choice when it is at its best (from midtide to lowtide).

Pan Dulce - A long right point break. Pan Dulce is rideable only on the larger swells that wrap into the gulf. If you are lucky to catch it good, you can expect rides up to 500 meters long.

Pavones - Across the Gulfo Dulce, this beach is accessible from Bosque del Cabo by boat. Pavones is a well-known, world-class wave with lefts up to a kilometer long.

Carate - A beach break located 45 minutes (by car) from Bosque del Cabo. Receives the north and west swells that normally don’t break in the Matapalo area.

Are you tired yet?

In-Shore Fishing

The waters around Cabo Matapalo, the gulf beaches, and the Pacific coast are full of tuna, snapper, wahoo, jack, sierra, and roosterfish.

Your guide will take you out for a day of in-shore fishing in the coastal waters situated below the cliffs where Bosque del Cabo is located.

We will be happy to prepare your catch for dinner!

Sport Fishing

The Golfo Dulce and Pacific Ocean are teeming with fish. People come from all over the world to sport fish in Costa Rica, many world records have been set in the surrounding waters.

Some of the most popular and commonly caught fish include marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, tuna, and snapper. Experienced guides will take you out for the day in open, fully equipped sport fishing boats.

We will be happy to prepare your catch for dinner!

Boat Tours

The experience of seeing this region from a boat is truly breath-taking. The Golfo Dulce is a large gulf teeming with marine life, such as dolphins, rays, sea turtles, eels, the occasional whale, and a variety of sea birds.

In addition, there are several rivers and sections of mangroves that are amazingly rich areas of biodiversity and natural beauty.

A knowledgeable local guide will take you on a 3-31\2 hour boat tour of the gulf in an open skiff. The guide will show you areas of interest along the coast of the gulf, in the mangroves near Puerto Jimenez, and up the Rio Tigre.

You will snack on seasonal tropical fruits and beverages, as well as have the chance to stop and swim whenever the mood strikes you. This trip is a relaxing and informative way to view the stunning beauty of the gulf area.

Sea Kayaking in Costa Rica

Experience the excitement and challenge of kayaking in the ocean. This trip starts in the morning with a great hike through the rainforest to nearby Backwash Bay, where the kayaks will be put into the surf.

Your guide will take you on a journey through the Golfo Dulce, around Cabo Matapalo and back. You will see the marine life which abounds in the mouth of the gulf, as well as the stark beauty of the coastline, where dense rainforests meets the Pacific Ocean.

It is common to see sea turtles (Ridley’s and leatherbacks), dolphins, and various sea birds. No experience necessary, trip lasts 2-3 hours. You will be picked up from Backwash Beach.

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