Is Playa Matapalo good for swimming today?
Playa Matapalo has BeachFinder Score: 61/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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Playa Matapalo
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Quick answer
Quick answer: Playa Matapalo today
Playa Matapalo is a BeachFinder spot in CR, CR. Today, compare water temperature 30°C, wind 4 km/h · N, uv 7.7, waves 1.4 m, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 61/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
30°C
Wind
4 km/h · N
UV
7.7
Waves
1.4 m
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Nov 6, 03:30 PM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 61/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Nov 6, 03:30 PM
Water temp
30°C
Air temp
26°C
Feels like
32°C
UV index
7.7
Wind
4 km/h · N
Gust 21 km/h
Waves
1.4 m
Current
0 km/h · SW
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
...
Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
Playa Matapalo
Playa Matapalo extends along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Osa Peninsula region, about 50 kilometers south of Puerto Jiménez. The coastline here is characterized by a succession of black volcanic sand beaches, bordered by dense tropical jungle that descends to the tide line. The Pacific waters, relatively calm in the dry season, range from deep blue to gray-green depending on weather conditions and Atlantic swells that sometimes reach this coast. The beach itself remains undeveloped, retaining the raw, wild appearance characteristic of this still largely preserved region. In the immediate vicinity, Matapalo (1.8 km away) offers a slightly more accessible alternative, while Playa Linda (4.4 km) attracts more visitors seeking amenities. Matapalo is distinguished by its relative isolation: the black sand contrasts with volcanic rocks that emerge in places, and the dense coastal vegetation creates an atmosphere of rare intimacy on this stretch of the Costa Rican Pacific. Access requires determination, and the waves can be powerful, especially during the rainy season. The site has no formal facilities: no toilets, parking, or showers. Swimming is done without supervision, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility is not guaranteed. No Blue Flag status certifies water quality. This deliberate lack of amenities reflects the conservation philosophy that prevails in the Osa Peninsula, where beaches remain largely left to their natural state.
About this spot
Matapalo literally means "tree killer" in Spanish, a reference to the strangler fig (Ficus sp.) that dominates the surrounding canopy and gradually suffocates its hosts. This region of the Osa Peninsula, formed by Quaternary volcanic activity, is one of the wettest and most biologically rich areas of Costa Rica. The black sand comes directly from the erosion of ancient lava flows. Historically, these beaches served as anchorages for gold prospectors in the 19th century and smugglers in the 20th century, before becoming a refuge for marine biologists studying turtle nesting. Today, Matapalo remains a crucial site for sea turtle nesting, attracting researchers and conservationists each year.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at Playa Matapalo today?
30°C. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is Playa Matapalo today?
4 km/h · N. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at Playa Matapalo?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
Compare water temperature, air temperature, feels-like temperature, UV index, wind, waves and currents. Surf-focused data appears when a marine model covers the spot.
Amenities
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