Playa Tamales
Beach · Osa Peninsula · hidden gem
One of the least developed beaches on the gulf side of the Osa, on the 'horn' of the peninsula between Puerto Jiménez and Cabo Matapalo, looking across the Golfo Dulce. A farmhouse with a small shaded campground by the entrance is about the only sign of people.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 8.45525, -83.27775 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Bring
- food, water, shade
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Pair it with Playa Sombrero a little further south on the same road; bring everything you need for the day.
Be careful
No lifeguards; watch for rip currents when there's swell.
Getting there
Off the gravel road (Route 245) between Puerto Jiménez and Cabo Matapalo, south of Punta Tigre.
Places nearby
- 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.
- 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.
- El Remanso LodgeStaysRainforest eco-lodge near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, with villas, a pool and adventure activities such as waterfall rappelling.
- 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.
- 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.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/505240373 · Wikidata Q23735083 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/505240373 · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23735083 · https://costa-rica-guide.com/stories/sendero-de-oro/golfo-dulce/