Port Guide | Costa Rica | Worth a Wander
Golfito
Alexis Tonken | Editor
Published on 2025-10-07
Congratulations, you've just docked in Golfito, Costa Rica: once the bustling banana-exporting stronghold of North American fruit barons, now a delightfully unrushed coastal haven where nature casually shows off around every lush corner. This quirky maritime nook carved along the sublime shores of Golfo Dulce is your perfect antidote to cruise-induced cabin fever-think of it as the love child of biodiversity and laid-back charm. But first things first: swap out a few of those crisp cruise dollars for local colones-you'll need them for that roadside ceviche, a cold Imperial beer, or the unforeseen but inevitable coconut-based emergency snack. Once settled, hop onto a kayak or grab your binoculars; Golfito's wildlife is refreshingly indifferent to human schedules. And if dolphins, macaws, or monkeys don't stir your soul (seriously?), then at least take a leisurely wander through town, where faded colonial-era buildings whisper scandalous tales of a not-so-distant past, ripe with banana republic intrigue. Welcome to Golfito-small port, big stories, unbeatable adventures.
Costa Rica has 10 Travel Advisories
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Notes from the Editor
Golfito is known for its beautiful waterfront and proximity to the Golfo Dulce, a great spot for eco-tourism, wildlife watching, and water sports. Travelers should ensure they have local currency for small purchases.
Where do cruise ships dock in Golfito?
Port Name Golfito
Country Costa Rica
Region Central America
Ship Terminal Golfito Cruise Terminal
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The terminal is located about 2 miles from the city center, accessible by shuttle or taxi services.
What's the weather like in Golfito?
Best Season to Visit December to April (dry season)
Climate Tropical with a distinct wet and dry season.
Weather Notes The dry season typically features warm temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Rain can occur outside the dry season, particularly from May to November.
Temperature Range 75F to 90F (24C to 32C)
High Temp 92F
Low Temp 65F
Average Temp 78F
What do I need to know about Golfito?
Language Spanish
Currency Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 8,000
Timezone CST (UTC-6)
How do I get around Golfito?
Shuttles, taxis, and local buses are available for transit to and around Golfito.
What are The Best Things to do in Golfito?
Discover what you should do while you're in Golfito.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Visit the Banana Company Town Ruins
N/A
Explore the eerie remnants from Golfito's banana boom era, marking an essential chapter of Central America's history.
Distance from Terminal: 2.1 miles
Visit to Coto 47 Indigenous Territory
N/A
Exclusive cultural immersion opportunity to visit, engage, and learn from the region's indigenous peoples.
Distance from Terminal: 30 miles
Chocolate Making and Tasting at a Local Cacao Farm
Finca Kobo
Tour a local cacao farm, create your chocolate, and engage directly with producers.
Distance from Terminal: 10.5 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Mangrove Eco-Kayaking Adventure
Golfito Bay Mangroves
Paddle through the lush mangroves with abundant wildlife, a true Central American ecological experience.
Distance from Terminal: 1.9 miles
Ziplining through Rainforest Canopy
Parque Nacional Piedras Blancas
Experience an extraordinary canopy ziplining trip through dense, vibrant jungles of Golfito.
Distance from Terminal: 8.5 miles
Hiking Costa Rica's Lost Waterfalls
Parque Nacional Piedras Blancas
Guided hikes to hidden waterfalls surrounded by pristine jungle landscapes.
Distance from Terminal: 11 miles
Horseback Riding along Playa Cacao
Playa Cacao
A peaceful beach-side horseback ride, quintessentially Central American and relaxing.
Distance from Terminal: 1.8 miles
Golfito Bay Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Tour
Golfito Waterfront
Leisurely paddleboarding in calm waters, with potential dolphin sightings.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Sport Fishing in Golfo Dulce
Golfo Dulce Marina
World-famous sport fishing experiencing regional species like sailfish and marlin.
Distance from Terminal: 0.6 miles
Bird Watching at Wilson Botanical Gardens
San Vito
Observe the vibrant bird life including Central America-exclusive species in lush gardens.
Distance from Terminal: 45 miles
Surfing in Pavones
Pavones Beach
Surf at one of the longest left-hand breaks globally, a must-do for surf enthusiasts.
Distance from Terminal: 14.2 miles
Crocodile Watching Tour at Rio Coto
Rio Coto Estuary
Experience thrilling encounters with Central America's iconic crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Distance from Terminal: 4.8 miles
Overnight Trips
Beach Camping at Playa Zancudo
Playa Zancudo
Enjoy an overnight beach camp with star gazing and sunrise surfing in a secluded Central American coastal setting.
Distance from Terminal: 13 miles
Overnight Jungle Stay at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge
La Gamba
Disconnect and immerse yourself in nature deep within a remote Central American rainforest.
Distance from Terminal: 22 miles
A Little Extra
Local Craft Beer Tasting at La Mona Gorda
Calle Principal, Golfito
Taste uniquely brewed Central American beers in this intimate Golfito hotspot.
Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles
Shop Duty-Free at Deposito Libre Commercial Center
Deposito Libre, Golfito
Exclusive shopping district unique to Golfito, offering tax-free purchases.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Costa Rica Regional Tip
Maintaining modest attire in formal and semi-formal settings. When attending religious events, family gatherings, or professional meetings, dressing conservatively is expected and appreciated.