Golfito

Golfito is a small port town located at Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Zone, it stretches out along the Golfo Dulce Bay and the evergreen-protected tropical rainforest. 

 in town you can find a Hospital, one regional airport, some restaurants, hotels and a large  Dutty Free Zone.

The Protected area attracts a numerous variety of birds such as the scarlet macaw, great curassow, red lored parrot, chestnut-mandibled toucan, parakeets, tanagers, trogons, woodpeckers, falcons, and hummingbirds. 

On the mammal’s list, you can spot agoutis, collared peccaries, pacas, raccoons, 3 types of monkeys, squirrels, and coatis. At Golfo Dulce Bay, you can also spot dolphins and Humpback whales.

Golfito

Table of Contents

Where is Golfito?

Golfito is a small port town located at Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Zone, it stretches out along the Golfo Dulce Bay and the evergreen protected tropical rainforest. 

The Protected area attracts a numerous variety of birds such as the scarlet macaw, great curassow, red lored parrot, chestnut-mandibled toucan, parakeets, tanagers, trogons, woodpeckers, falcons, and hummingbirds. 

On the mammal’s list, you can spot agoutis, collared peccaries, pacas, raccoons, 3 types of monkeys, squirrels, and coatis. At the Golfo Dulce Bay, you can also spot dolphins and Humpback whales.

Golfito History

in 1938 Golfito was the main port of Costa Rica when the United Fruit Company had established a strong presence in Costa Rica and moved its headquarters and banana export operations to this port.

The United Fruit Company constructed a classic company town similar to those found in the United States during that period.

After the United Fruit Company closed its banana operations, the Costa Rican government opened a duty-free shopping center (Deposito Libre de Golfito) in an effort to bring the city back to life.

Today is a popular destination for Costa Ricans who are looking for a bargain on large appliances and electronics and slowly recovering partly due to tourism.

Things to do in Golfito

Golfito offers a wide range of activities and things to do such as: 

Boat tours in the Golfo Dulce to spot dolphins all year round, and humpback whales from mid-July to October.

Golfito is one of the best sportfishing destinations in the Pacific, particularly if you are looking for sailfish, blue marlin, or yellowfin tuna.

You will enjoy one of the best sportfishing destinations with world-renowned sportfishing captains such as Bobby Mcguinness who attract top fishermen from all over the world.

You can also enjoy hiking tours inside the ever-green Golfito rainforest to enjoy a stunning diversity of flora and fauna.

and visit the Piedras Blancas National Park, considered by many to be one of the best bird-watching zones in the country.

If you want to know more about things to do in Golfito, check our Golfito Tour Page.

Where to stay?

Golfito offers a great variety of places to stay, if you’re looking for a nice Hotel with a large Swimming Pool and close to the Airport we recommend you to stay at Casa Roland Resort, and if you’re looking for a more personal experience on a budget check our favorite (and only) Guest House in town center, located 5 minutes away from the Airport: Golfito Maison D’Hôtes.

If you’re looking to rent a car you can check rates and availability at Costa Rica Car Rental