Full-day boat trip
Matapalo AdventureA day across Golfo Dulce
Cross Golfo Dulce by panga to Matapalo for right-hand point breaks, dolphins and humpbacks on the way, a waterfall on the rocks and turquoise coves to snorkel.
The trip
The biggest day on the menu. You leave Pavones by boat at first light, cross Golfo Dulce — one of only a handful of tropical fjords in the world — and spend the day on the Osa side at Matapalo, where the points break right instead of left. Between the surf stops it turns into a wildlife trip: dolphins on the bow, humpbacks in season, a waterfall that lands on black rock, and water clear enough that the snorkeling stop is the part most people talk about afterwards.
Price
$400 per boat
5 person minimum — about $80 per person
- Duration
- Full day
- Schedule
- Early start from Pavones, back in the afternoon
- Minimum
- 5 people
- Includes
- Private panga and captain · Crossing to Matapalo · Waterfall and snorkeling stops · Wildlife watching in the gulf
- Operator
- Matapalo Adventure
Surfboards welcome. Whales are seasonal — roughly July to October and December to March.
Check availabilityHow the day goes
01
The crossing
An open panga, a local captain and glassy gulf water. The crossing takes the better part of an hour and sets the tone for the day.
02
Humpbacks
Golfo Dulce is a nursery for humpbacks from both hemispheres. In season the captain cuts the motor and you drift.
03
Dolphins on the bow
Spinner and bottlenose pods run with the boat, close enough that you look straight down on them.
04
The waterfall
Fresh water off the jungle cliff straight into the sea. You swim in from the boat.
05
Snorkeling the coves
Shallow turquoise water tucked under the trees — reef fish, rays and the occasional turtle.
06
Rights, for once
Matapalo's points break right. After a season of Pavones lefts, that alone is worth the boat ride.
A day in photos
Shot on the boat
Photos from the trip, shared by the captains and guests.
How booking works
Message us your dates and how many of you there are. We line up the boat and captain, and you pay locally on the day.
Operated by local Golfo Dulce boat captains. Prices in USD and subject to change with fuel and conditions.