Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Backwash is a remote right-hand point/reef break in Backwash Bay near Puerto Jiménez, identified by a large rock in the lineup and exposed rocky reef conditions. The wave has a distinctive reflecting/backwash character that can produce steep, powerful sections when the swell is large enough to really work. Surf quality is described as good, with the break typically best around mid to low tide (mid-tide is also specifically emphasized). It is often characterized as a large, slow-feeling reef point, with sources also noting it can be faster and more hollow than nearby options when conditions are fully dialed. Ride opportunities are commonly reported as long, with one source giving a range of roughly 50 to 150 meters when the connected sections line up, and another suggesting a typical ride length around 100 meters. Wind and seasonality are strongly directional. Northwest winds are cited as the best wind direction, while one dataset also describes a broader seasonal/offshore-to-sea-breeze pattern with morning lighter offshores and afternoon sea breezes. September is repeatedly highlighted as a best month, and the main swell-driven surf period is described as running April through October. Safety is a major focus here: rocks, shallow reef areas (especially at low tide), and rip currents/rips are all reported hazards. Plan for the remote setting and bring the right protection; access is commonly described as a 4x4 trip from Puerto Jiménez (and boat access is also mentioned). Nearest medical support is in Puerto Jiménez (about 45–60 minutes by road), and there are no lifeguards at the spot.
- Distinctive reflecting/backwash wave at a remote right-hand reef point
- Works best on south to southwest swell with mid-tide (also good mid to low)
- September highlighted as best month; primary season described as April to October
- Remote, generally not usually crowded—described as a hidden-gem/less crowded break despite strong reputation.
- Distinctive right-hand reef/point break with long rides when it is working.
- Best wind direction is northwest and best swell is south/southwest, with a clear seasonality highlighted for September and for primary south-swell months.
- Remote access and access-road conditions can be limiting (4x4 / rugged road; rivers may be impassable in heavy rain).
- Rocks and rip currents are significant hazards, especially with larger south swells.
- Wind reliability is described as low and conditions depend strongly on swell and tide alignment.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Wind is described as best from the northwest; one source also notes a thermal/sea-breeze pattern with morning offshores transitioning later.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- September
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and jungle provide significant protection from north winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand described for the beach with rocks interspersed.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Steep sandy beach with rocks interspersed; entry can be tricky at high tide due to backwash effect.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch/entry difficulty is described as moderate, with tricky entry at high tide due to backwash.
Through the year
Generally quiet, but can get busy during holiday weeks and when swell is peak.
September to November (peak rainy season with heavy afternoon downpours).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A remote right-hand reef/point break in Backwash Bay with a distinctive reflecting/backwash wave that creates steep sections. It is described as large and slow, but also faster and more hollow than nearby options when fully working.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best described as mid to low tide; another source emphasizes mid-tide specifically.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as a quite exposed point break; rocks and reef setup can make conditions demanding.
- Wind Effect
- Wind from the northwest is cited as the best direction; conditions are described as more manageable when swell and tide line up.
- Bigger Swell
- Works best when waves are head-high or bigger to really come alive; heavier sections are expected with bigger swell/backwash.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality is described as good when the swell and tide align.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Region descriptions and multiple sources emphasize a powerful right-hand point/reef break when conditions line up.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — One source describes peeling; another describes hollow sections (reflecting/backwash character).
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Sources describe a slow feel when it is working (also described as faster/steeper than nearby breaks).
- Ride Length
- Long — Ride length is described as long when sections connect; one source mentions 50–150 meters and another gives a typical ~100 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- When the south swell is solid and sections connect, rides can be long and slow; one source reports 50 to 150 meters and another suggests a typical ~100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) in the full forecast view.
Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–7 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- S184°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 277 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.3 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–7 kts, peaking around 7 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.9–1.3 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Rips
- Rip currents
- Shallow reef
- Submerged boulders
- Marine life
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No spot-specific rescue availability is reported; regional sources note limited formal coastguard presence in Matapalo.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest clinic is in Puerto Jiménez, about 45–60 minutes away by road. National emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as mild localism within a small community.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup in this small community.
- Watch out for rips and rocks.
- Works best at mid-tide; low tide may expose too many rocks.
- The spot is remote—use appropriate transport planning and 4x4 access from Puerto Jiménez is commonly described.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto Jiménez
- Nearest Town
- Cabo Matapalo
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking available near the jungle path to the beach.
- Access
- Remote access by rugged unpaved road from Puerto Jiménez is reported, requiring crossing small rivers (which can be impassable during heavy rain). Boat access from Puerto Jiménez or via Pavones is also mentioned.
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several eco-lodges are located within walking distance in the Cabo Matapalo area.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on the beach; visitors should bring their own water and food from Puerto Jiménez.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce)?
The best overall months at Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) are September.
Which wind directions work at Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce)?
Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) suitable for?
Backwash 1 (Golfo Dulce) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.