Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Matapalo (Hog Hole) is a remote right-hand reef/point break on the Osa Peninsula area, reached from Puerto Jiménez by 4x4 along a dirt road. Multiple sources describe the spot as exposed and powerful, with several distinct right-hand breaks that vary in user-friendliness—inside sections may be more manageable while outer sections are more intense. Surf quality is presented as excellent to good, with wave shapes described as fast and hollow/powerful. Long, high-performance rides are a defining feature on solid south/southwest swell, with ride-length notes commonly landing in the ~150–300 meter range depending on tide and how well the lineup forms. The spot is described as most active during the green season (May to October), and one guide notes very high consistency (about 150 days per year). Wind guidance is mixed across sources: the spot is described as working with offshore-friendly winds from the north/northwest at times, and other notes emphasize afternoon sea-breeze development with cleaner conditions earlier in the day (dawn through about 10:00 AM). Regardless of wind, the reef is close to shore, and conditions can change quickly as tide and swell rise. For safety, expect reef and rock hazards throughout—sharp rocks, submerged reef ledges, and underwater boulders are specifically mentioned. Strong rip currents and sweep are reported on larger swells, and the spot’s isolation means you should plan for self-sufficiency. Recommendations from sources include going early for cleaner conditions and preferring mid-to-high tide to avoid the sharpest reef parts. Bring your own gear (including extra leashes/wax) because there are no on-beach shops, and plan medical access via Puerto Jiménez.
- Long right-hand reef/point rides on south to southwest swell
- Best May to October green-season window
- Remote, uncrowded lineup compared with more accessible areas
- Very consistent, long-section right-hand surf with world-class potential.
- Warm water conditions year-round are described.
- Minimal to uncrowded due to difficult access/remote setting.
- Reef and sharp rock hazards near/at the shoreline (including submerged boulders reported for outer breaks).
- Remote access with at least one river crossing that can be troublesome in the rainy season.
- Strong currents/rip are reported, especially on larger swells.
- No lifeguards and limited/no spot-level rescue availability reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- N, NNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Sources describe offshore-friendly winds at times (including offshore from the north/northwest) and afternoon sea-breeze development.
- Reliability
- very consistent during the green season (150 surf-days/year described), but another source rates wind reliability as low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — One source notes light gustiness.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and dense jungle canopy can block winds from certain landward directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed sand and reef/rocky ledges.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Huge — Multiple notes describe big and powerful surf, including massive south swells.
- Launch
- Launch/access is from the beach, transitioning from sand to a very rocky reef; some breaks require special access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Another source rates it as moderate; overall access/approach is remote and hazard-heavy.
Through the year
Minimal to uncrowded even when the waves are working; peak holidays can see more visitors.
September to October (wettest/most challenging access); some notes extend heavier rains into September to November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A remote, exposed right-hand surf zone with several distinct reef breaks along the Matapalo/Cabo Matapalo coastline. It is presented as one of the most powerful right-hand waves in the Osa/Peninsula area and is best suited to experienced surfers comfortable with reef/rock hazards.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, N, NW, SSE, S
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Several sources emphasize mid tide movement; mid-to-high is recommended to avoid the sharpest reef parts.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed; reef and rocks are right at/near the break.
- Wind Effect
- Best described as working with offshore-friendly winds from the north/northwest at times; other notes describe E wind with clean conditions improving around dawn.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles massive south swells; on bigger days it becomes even more intense/powerful over reef.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Also described as good in other notes.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Also described as powerful/fast with a mixed shape in other notes.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Good days can connect multiple sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length is described around 150–300 meters depending on swell and lineup; some sources mention longer connections on bigger, well-lined-up swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) in the full forecast view.
Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–6 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- S184°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 246 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.3 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Saturday, October 24 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
- Reef
- Coral
- Sharp rocks
- Submerged reef ledges
- Underwater boulders
- Strong rip currents
- Powerful surf on big swells
- Isolation
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — One source states no rescue availability at the spot; regional context describes limited formal coastguard presence across the area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical clinic is in Puerto Jiménez, about 45–60 minutes away via a rough dirt road. National emergency number is 911 (regional).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Described as none/mild; one source notes mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers at the peak. Remote location requires self-sufficiency.
- Remote access; bring self-sufficiency supplies.
- No formal rescue at/near the beach in one source.
- Get out early for the cleanest conditions.
- Mid-to-high tide is better for avoiding the sharpest parts of the reef.
- Outer-break sections are described as having underwater boulders.
- Bring all your own gear (including extra leashes and wax); there are no shops at the beach.
- Road access can become more difficult in the rainy season due to at least one tricky river crossing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto Jiménez
- Nearest Town
- Cabo Matapalo
- Parking
- Limited parking is described in small dirt pull-offs near the beach entrance (one source).
- Access
- Access is described as remote via a 4x4 vehicle from Puerto Jiménez; the dirt road can include river crossings that may become difficult in the rainy season. Some notes also mention special access by paddle or boat.
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several eco-lodges/luxury villas in the surrounding jungle are described, plus lodging access via the Puerto Jiménez base.
- Food & Drink
- No restaurants directly on the beach are reported; some small lodges nearby may offer meals, and some surf-day experiences mention a local restaurant off the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rental is mentioned at a lodge in the area; another source reports no rentals directly at the spot.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage described as offered mainly by private eco-lodges for their guests (not at the beach).
- Gear Repair
- Basic board repair described as available in Puerto Jiménez (not at the beach).
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 Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez)?
The best overall months at Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez)?
Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) works with E winds. Offshore directions are N, NNW, NW.
What skill level is Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) suitable for?
Matapalo (Hog Hole) (Puerto Jiménez) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.