Map location of Matapalo Rock
Dive Spot Guide

Matapalo Rock

Advanced boat dive on the Osa Peninsula's Matapalo Rock.

Scuba DivingBoatAdvanced
PinnacleReefWall
Remote boat-only rock and wall dive with a long run and tide-sensitive conditions.

About Matapalo Rock

Matapalo Rock is a remote offshore rock-and-wall dive on the Osa Peninsula, reached by a long boat ride from the dive shop. Reef and rock formations sit over the flats before the site drops into a wall, and the outgoing tide can make the current hard to manage. Treat it as an advanced, tide-sensitive boat day rather than a casual reef stop.

Research Estimate At Matapalo Rock

Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.

AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralMixed health
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CurrentVery strong current

Where Is Matapalo Rock?

Map location of Matapalo Rock
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.

Matapalo Rock Planning Details

Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.

Reported Depth

12m

Depth Note

Published depth metadata is inconsistent: the page labels a 9 m maximum depth, while the description says the site starts around 40 ft and drops to a wall. Treat the depth figure as approximate and the current as the main planning factor.

Typical Conditions

Exposed rock-and-wall site with tide-driven current and a long boat run.

Safety & Access At Matapalo Rock

Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.

Key Hazards

Strong current

Safety Notes

Advanced only. Do not commit to the site if the tide is already running hard or if the boat crew expects the current to build.

Access Restrictions

Boat-only access with roughly an hour of transit from the dive shop, so the day has to be timed around the tide window.

Legal Notes

Use a licensed local boat operator and follow Golfo Dulce access rules and marina procedures.

Local Intel For Matapalo Rock

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Scuba

Advanced boat dive with reef, rock, and wall structure. Plan the drop and exit around the tide window, not the clock alone.

Matapalo Rock Dive Conditions Planner

Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Matapalo Rock.

Current Snapshot
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Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
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Exposure Profile at Matapalo Rock

Directional shelter context for incoming swell.

Exposure Note

Hourly forecast data is not available yet.

Wildlife at Matapalo Rock

Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.

Recent Logged Visits At Matapalo Rock

Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.

No Dive Logs Yet

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Dive Spot Log Averages At Matapalo Rock

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.

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Matapalo Rock Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

Matapalo Rock Guide - Sources and Updates

Last Updated

Research Sources

golfodulce.cr · Official

Official Golfo Dulce tourism page describing the area as biodiverse and wildlife-rich.

ticotimes.net · Community

Independent article describing Matapalo Rock at the mouth of Golfo Dulce with rough current and wind.

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