Playa Matapalo (Backwash Bay)
Beach · Osa Peninsula
The wild southern tip of the Osa, where long right-hand point breaks peel along black rocks and old almond trees. Surfers come for Backwash Bay; everyone else comes for the monkeys, macaws and empty sand.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- afternoon
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 3 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 8.3806, -83.3059 — Google Maps
Tip
Watch the surfers from the rocks in the late afternoon, then pair it with King Louis Waterfall next door.
Be careful
Strong currents and rocky reef: this is a surf spot, not a swimming beach.
Getting there
The final stretch is a rocky 4×4 track; walking in from Pan Dulce is easier on your car.
Places nearby
- El Remanso LodgeStaysRainforest eco-lodge near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, with villas, a pool and adventure activities such as waterfall rappelling.
- Pollo Surf SchoolSurf, Boats & Diving · from $65Locally owned surf school at Playa Pan Dulce, Matapalo, teaching beginners and intermediates on a gentle right point break since 2002.
- Buena Esperanza (Martina's)Food & CoffeeLong-running local bar and restaurant on the Matapalo road known as Martina's; on Friday nights an artisan market sets up outside with music and dancing that draws surfers, locals and visitors.
- The Pearl of the Osa (Iguana Lodge beach restaurant)Food & CoffeeCasual beachfront restaurant and bar at Iguana Lodge on Playa Platanares: fish tacos, ceviche, tropical mahi-mahi and homemade coffee ice cream, with vegan and gluten-free options and macaws overhead.
- Osa Wild TravelFood & CoffeeLocally run Osa tour company founded by a tropical biologist; biologist guides lead Corcovado day trips and multi-day treks, mangrove kayaking and farm visits from Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay.
- Aventuras CaféFood & CoffeeFamily café near the Puerto Jiménez airstrip, opened in 2021 by the owners of a long-running kayak outfit: healthy breakfasts, tuna burgers, chicken fajitas on corn tortillas, fresh coffee and a coconut-yuca cake.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/505238674 · https://costaricaexperts.com/destinations/puerto-jimenez/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/505238674