Golfito Costa Rica — Travel information and destination guide with details about the Golfo Dulce.

Golfito is located on the eastern side of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica and is sheltered from the open sea by islands and peninsulas. In 1938, the United Fruit Company recognized that Golfito was the perfect harbor and developed it into a major shipping port. Golfito served as a banana-exporting port until 1985. However, United Fruit decided to close down in 1985. A combination of declining markets, rising taxes and worker unrest forced the closure. A depression set in leaving the town searching for work. There are only 12,000 people living in Golfito today.

Golfito is a little rough-around-the-edges and has nearly been reclaimed by the surrounding jungle. Golfito serves as a transportation hub to other travel destinations in Costa Rica. Travelers might need to spend the night here in order to move onwards. It's unlikely that visitors will want to stay. Please note that on weekends Golfito's hotels can be full because the rules associated with tax-free shopping. The government has tried to revitalize the economy by permitting tax free shopping.

On the southern side of Golfito, travelers will find the business and bar district. There's a dock where ferries depart for Puerto Jimenez. The Zona Americana is where the duty-free zone is located, as well as the airport.

• Sport fishing is good year-round but sailfish fishing season is from November to May. There are several outfitters and they claim that Golfo Dulce offers the best fishing in the world.

Golfito Costa Rica — Things to do

National Refuge of Fauna Silvestre Golfito

Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito is a small 2,810-hectare (6,900-acre) reserve that encompasses the hills around Golfito. It was originally created to protect the watershed of Golfito and has succeeded at keeping the water clean and flowing.

This watershed has preserved several species of plants and trees:

• Cycads which are called "living fossils" a primitive plan abundant before the time of dinosaurs.
• Heliconias
• Orchids
• Tree ferns
• Kapok tree
• Butternut tree
• Cow tree

Golfito Costa Rica — Hiking

A steep hiking trail begins in Golfito opposite the Samoa del Sur hotel and leads visitors to the radio towers.

A second hike is along the dirt road heading toward Gamba. This road begins a couple of kilometers northwest of the duty-free area and crosses through part of the refuge.

Golfito Costa Rica — Hotels

Golfito has a red light district and it's wise to find accommodations outside of this district.

• La Purruja Lodge is set in a secluded location and offers nature and birding tours throughout the area.
• Samoa del Sur is a French-run hotel that is well-kept and stylish. It offers a pool.

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