Maykol Espinoza’s Osa Peninsula
Lush tropical surroundings, and expansive beaches with tons of waves. Oh, and don’t worry about the wind, it will be offshore all day.
Jump off grid and into the jungle
One of the most remote places on earth, home to a biodiversity index second only to the Amazon, and host to one of the world’s longest left-hand waves, a trip to the Osa Peninsula is true magic.
With wildlife guru and renowned local surfer Mayköl Espinoza as your guide, we have crafted a week-long trip that will pull you off the grid and immerse you into the natural world like never before, both in the ocean and on land.
Raised in the rainforests of Costa Rica
There is no one who is more versed in the natural world of the Osa Peninsula like Mayköl Espinoza. Whether he’s pointing out the scarlet macaws in the canopies above, or motoring you across the bay to score the waves of your life, his depth of local knowledge connects his travelers to the ocean and land in a way unlike any other.
“Wow, what a blissed out place. Mayköl was absolutely tapped into all of the wildlife, and he also had a really great style in the water. You can tell how connected he is to this place, the culture and the nature. This felt like a luxury off-grid escape with great waves, to top it off.”
—Dom, United States
Your private adventure
Who’s it for
Osa has a time of year for everybody. With a range of different breaks this is suitable for beginner to advanced surfers.
When to go
There are fun waves year-round with peak swell during May – October. November – April can be super fun with smaller glassy conditions.
Make it yours
Every trip is different with Maykol taking you to the best breaks on the day to suit your skill level. Never a dull moment on this trip!
Maykols Picks
The insights Maykol has of the region is legendary, both in and out of the water.
Wildlife Spotting
This stunning and remote part of the world is home to an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and scarlet macaws.
Hiking
If you are keen to take a break from the surf, there are several nearby trails that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the jungle. Some popular hikes include the Corcovado National Park and the Piedras Blancas National Park.
Yoga and Wellness
The Osa Peninsula is known for its affinity for yoga, wellness and health. Throughout your stay you will have the opportunity to bliss out and embrace the off-grid lifestyle through yoga, meditation, breathwork and more.
Fishing
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but the Osa Peninsula is a fisherman’s haven – known for its variety of fishing both offshore and inshore, if you fancy casting a line you’ll have the opportunity to catch marlin, sailfish, tuna and more.
Where you'll stay
Thermal has curated the perfect places to stay on the Osa Peninsula, from a boutique hotel like Osa Clandestina to more private condos and villas. We’ll match your group with the right spot for your group. Below is an example.
Osa Clandestina
Osa Clandestina is an ecolodge located at Cabo Matapalo, where the depths of the Pacific Ocean and the warm waters of the Golfo Dulce merge along a pristine point.
The lodge sits on a verdant hillside, only a five minute walk from the beach. It offers casual elegance, surrounded by lush gardens and a hundred acres of our private rainforest reserve.
These are just a few of the special digs available. We need to know a bit about you to match the perfect spot for you.
Take a deeper look
What makes a Thermal adventure different?
Surfing with the best local guide and staying in the perfect place is a unique and powerful combo. Go with a local to uncrowded spots and explore a new region of the world embedded in the local community.
How well do I need to surf?
Playa Pan Dulce is great for beginners all year round. November – January is a sneaky shoulder season without many people and good for beginners and intermediates. Advanced surfers will want to focus on peak swells May – Oct.
What are the dates of the trip?
This is your private adventure, so the group size will be whoever is in your own party. And we work with you to book dates that best fit your schedule, budget, and preferred wave type.
What is included?
This adventure includes personalized surf guiding, accommodations, airport and beach transfers, and hosting for your entire trip which means you can focus on the waves.
What’s not included?
This adventure includes everything except flights, airport transfers, boards, and meals. That said, Maykol is an excellent guide who can clue you into where to find the best food and local hot spots to make your trip complete.
Where do I fly into?
Main international gateway:
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – San José, Costa Rica
Then take a domestic flight to:
Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) – the main access point to Osa
How will I get around while I’m there?
We’ll set up airport and beach transfers to get you from the airport to your accommodations and from your accommodations to the waves. Maykol will also be available to take you to any non-surf experiences that you would like to do.
Can I rent a board or do I have to bring my own?
You can rent a board there if you don’t want to bring your own.
What other non-surf experiences can I do there?
In the Osa Peninsula, you can surf remote breaks, hike through Corcovado National Park, spot wildlife like monkeys and jaguars, snorkel or dive at Caño Island, and explore lush rainforest waterfalls—all in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.