THE BEACHES OF THE OSA PENINSULA
REMOTE REFRESHING REJUVENATING
Discover a range of Osa Peninsula beaches, offering a diverse experience, from tranquil swimming spots along the inner Golfo Dulce to the untamed beauty of the Pacific coast. The Osa Peninsula presents an array of beach options to suit every preference, including opportunities for surfing the Osa Peninsula along its wild shores.
THE OSA PENINSULA BEACHES
A WALK ON THE WILDSIDE
Experience the unique allure of Osa Peninsula beaches – remote, pristine, and adorned with golden-brown sands, perfect for leisurely walks, surfing, swimming, and unwinding. Nature’s wonders await right from the beach, offering glimpses of breathtaking wildlife and, if you’re lucky, witnessing whales breaching offshore.
With a variety of options, there’s an Osa Peninsula beach perfectly suited to your preferences within this small yet captivating area.
Driest Month – March
Wettest Month – October
JUST THE FACTS
Osa Peninsula Beaches Tides and Surf
The tides on the Osa Peninsula follow the lunar cycle, shifting approximately 50.4 minutes later each day. Within a 24-hour and 50-minute period, two high tides and two low tides occur.
Interestingly, on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, tides are minimal, measuring just a few inches rather than feet. Conversely, the Pacific side experiences significant tide swings, with some areas witnessing fluctuations of up to 3 meters between low and high tide.
Moreover, many of the Osa Peninsula’s beaches serve as nesting sites for three species of sea turtles, adding to the region’s ecological significance.
Your encounter with tides can greatly influence your experience, depending on what you seek from Mother Nature’s offerings during your visit.
THE OSA SWIMMING CONDITIONS
Osa Peninsula Beaches
PLEASE CHECK WITH LOCALS AND/OR YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE SWIMMING CONDITIONS OF ANY BEACH YOU WANT TO SWIM AT ANY GIVEN TIME. DIFFERENT BEACHES HAVE DIFFERENT CHALLENGES.
POLLO SURF SCHOOL
SURF THE WILD SIDE
Surfing Adventures for All Levels in the Untamed Beauty of the Osa Peninsula!
The Outter Golfo Dulce Beaches
Puntarenitas – Directly across from Crocodile Bay pier you will find a beautiful beach featuring soft sand. Great for paddle boarding, beachcombing, fishing, or to simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Come and take a secluded walk for miles without ever seeing a single sole.
Playa Preciosa– Literally translates to the precious beach, which is a very fitting name for this magical beach which is but a 10-minute drive from Puerto Jimenez. For those who like long walks with breathtaking scenery, or boogie boarding, you have come to the right place!
Playa Tamales – Here you will find a popular local hang-out, which is on the route towards Mataplao, and is just 20 minutes from Puerto Jimenez. If you are into secluded walks, this Golfo Dulce facing beach is the right place for you.
SURFING THE OSA PENINSULA
OSA BEACHES
The Inner Golfo Dulce Beaches
Playa Blanca – Within the Golfo Dulce this beach is renowned to be the “main” beach of La Palma, which is the second largest town on the Osa Peninsula after Puerto Jimenez.
Playa Platanares – If you are into bird watching or kayaking, Playa Platanares is but 5km from Puerto Jiménez. Did we mention that the swimming conditions here are excellent?
Playa Puerto Jimenez – Come mingle with the locals at this popular beach bar serving everything from margaritas to fish tacos. An absolutely perfect spot for children as the calm shallow waters are safe and fun.
Surfing the Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is a dream destination for surfers seeking remote, powerful waves surrounded by lush rainforest and abundant wildlife. With warm waters, consistent swells, and uncrowded breaks, this region offers an unforgettable surf experience. The southern tip of the Osa, particularly around Playa Matapalo, boasts some of the best waves in the country, featuring three legendary breaks:
Playa Matapalo
Visit the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula to experience some of the best surfing in the region. This spot has three breaks, with the furthest out being the most challenging. The slim beach is lined with white-washed cobblestones and large boulders, while the lineup features ledges that add to the wave’s power. A solid West-Southwest swell is necessary, or it will go flat. Best tides: low to mid-tide (it can mush out at high tide). Surrounded by blue water, scarlet macaws, and monkeys in the rainforest, it’s truly a surfer’s paradise.
Pan Dulce
Meaning ‘sweet bread’, this is the third break at the tip of the Osa Peninsula. It requires a really big south swell to break, but when it does, the right-hander can run for over a good while. Best tides: just before or after low tide. At dead low tide, it’s too rocky, while at high tide, it mushes out.
Matapalo Backwash
Located at the tip of the Osa Peninsula, this peak is marked by a giant rock in the lineup. The waves need to be head high or bigger for it to work. Best tides: low to mid-tide. Due to its remote location, it’s never too crowded. Getting there requires a 30 minute drive from Puerto Jiménez.
Whether you’re searching for powerful waves, long rides, or an off-the-grid surf adventure, the Osa Peninsula delivers an unforgettable surfing experience.
Osa Peninsula Coastline and the Wild Pacific Coast
Cabo Matapalo – Where the rainforest literally meets the ocean is where you will find the first beach, which is just around the point, and that faces directly onto the Pacific Ocean. Even though this area is not recommended for swimming, it does have incredible rock pools to explore and to enjoy.
Playa Carate – This wild beach is one of the main turtle nesting regions on the Osa Peninsula and is an incredible example of the low lying rainforest touching the Pacific Ocean. From this beach, you can see up the coastline all the way to Corcovado National Park.
Playa Madrigal – This landmark is located within the Corcovado National Park, and accessible via the region of Carate. It is important to note that park visitors must be accompanied by a local tour guide in order to enter. This beach is famous for being the first beach where gold was found lying in the sand.
Playa Llorona – This beach is located within the Corcovado National Park, in the area known as La Sirena. It represents the wildness and seclusion of the area. It’s best to view the naturally wildness from the safety of the beach.
Annual Average Daily Temperature
Degrees from the Equator
Annual Average Precipitation mm
BEACHES OF THE OSA
A Walk on the Wild-side
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