Ojo del Mar

Ojo del Mar is a small, rustic lodge between the beach and the rainforest at the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, near Cabo Matapalo. It's been running for close to 20 years. The cabins are open on the sides, so you sleep with the sound of the waves and wake up to howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. This isn't a resort; it's a place to slow right down.

The yoga

The yoga deck sits by the beach under tall palms and almond trees, looking out to sea. When we first wrote about it, the lodge offered regular Hatha classes for guests. Today its site puts the focus on its "sacred spaces" for practice, sound baths, and visiting retreat leaders who bring their own groups. Ask the lodge whether classes are running during your dates, or look for a hosted retreat if you want daily yoga. Our guide to choosing a yoga retreat in Costa Rica can help you compare.

Cabins and tents

Accommodation is a handful of elevated cabins built from bamboo and local wood, spread through a garden with paths and hammocks, plus a couple of small tents nearer the waves. Cabins have outdoor garden showers and mosquito nets, and most have their own bathroom. When we first wrote about it, there was no hot water and very limited electricity; it's an off-the-grid kind of place, so ask what's available now.

Meals

Meals are served in a large open dining area, and guests eat together in the evening. Recent photos from the lodge show fresh, mostly plant-based dishes. Check their website for what's included in each stay.

The area

Cabo Matapalo is known for its point breaks, including Pan Dulce and Backwash Bay, for quiet beaches, and wildlife that spills out of nearby Corcovado National Park. Puerto Jiménez, the nearest town, has a few restaurants, a bank and the airstrip. For other yoga stays on the peninsula, see Luna Lodge near Carate and our guide to where to do yoga in Costa Rica.

Getting there

The lodge is about 20 km (12 miles) south of Puerto Jiménez. You can fly from San José to Puerto Jiménez in under an hour, or drive about 6 to 7 hours from San José. From town, the road to Matapalo is gravel, with a few stream crossings, so a 4x4 is the safer choice, especially in the rainy season. Cell signal and Wi-Fi are spotty, so download maps before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Ojo del Mar?

On the beach near Cabo Matapalo, at the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, about 20 km south of Puerto Jiménez.

Does Ojo del Mar have yoga classes?

It has a beachside yoga deck and hosts visiting retreat groups and sound baths. Ask the lodge whether drop-in classes are running when you visit.

Is Ojo del Mar suitable for people who want luxury?

No. It's a simple, open-air lodge built for living close to nature, with outdoor showers and limited power. If you want air conditioning and a spa, look elsewhere on the peninsula.

How do I get to Ojo del Mar from San José?

Fly to Puerto Jiménez, then take a taxi or a 4x4 about 20 km south on a gravel road. Driving the whole way from San José takes 6 to 7 hours.

[Updated on: 4 November 2026]