Official Golfo Dulce tourism page describing the area as biodiverse and wildlife-rich.
Matapalo Rock
Advanced boat dive on the Osa Peninsula's Matapalo Rock.
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.
Where Is Matapalo Rock?
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
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.
Exposure Profile at Matapalo Rock
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
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
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Matapalo Rock
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
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
Independent article describing Matapalo Rock at the mouth of Golfo Dulce with rough current and wind.
Golfo Dulce dive-center page showing operator support and area trips from Golfito.
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