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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–29 °C
Water Temperature
23–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: none (rash guard recommended)
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet, but can get busy during holiday weeks and when swell is peak.

Storm/Rain Season

September to November (peak rainy season with heavy afternoon downpours).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.