The name Golfito translates to little or small Gulf. This is the best way to describe Golfito as it is a small port town located along a protected gulf. This small gulf is part of a larger gulf, the Golfo Dulce. This is a remote area, located all the way down near the southern-most tip of Costa Rica. Though remote, Golfito does have a fairly good infrastructure in place. The roads are paved and modern services are available such as hospital, banks and of course the docks.
Golfito is known as a rootin tootin wild west type of town. Anybody that visits this area should use the caution when out and about, especially after dark. The main reason for this general lawlessness is the proximity to the border and Golfito being the largest populated port town in the region.
On the plus side, Golfito is probably the best sport fishing destination in Costa Rica. Many record billfish have been taken by boats from this town.
Piedras Blancas National Park is located just north of Golfito. This is an impressive park with many species of wildlife. Many compare it to the famous Corcovado National Park (located on the opposite side of the gulf), which a writer for National Geographic magazine named as the most biologically diverse place on the planet.
The South Pacific is a region of vast contrasts in weather. Temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Most of Golfito was built by the United Fruit Company who utilized the port as their primary center for exports.
| San Jose | 361 km |
| Liberia | 443 km |
| La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano | 431 km |
| Monteverde | 377 km |
| Rincon de la Vieja | 430 km |
| Papagayo Gulf | 442 km |
| Flamingo Beach | 504 km |
| Tamarindo | 515 km |
| Samara | 471 km |
| Malpais-Santa Teresa | 369 km |
| Jaco | 260 km |
| Manuel Antonio | 197 km |
| Dominical | 146 km |
| Drake Bay | 125 km |
| San Gerardo de Dota | 215 km |
| Turrialba | 330 km |
| Tortuguero | 434 km |
| Puerto Viejo | 495 km |
| Sarapiqui | 441 km |
| Piedras Blancas | 46 km |
| Golfito Wildlife Refuge | 6 km |
| La Amistad | 95 km |
| Marino Ballena | 98 km |
| Terraba Sierpe | 90 km |
Latitude: N 8° 35' 60"
Longitude: W 83° 10' 1.2"
Golfito is known as a rootin tootin wild west type of town. Anybody that visits this area should use the caution when out and about, especially after dark. The main reason for this general lawlessness is the proximity to the border and Golfito being the largest populated port town in the region.
On the plus side, Golfito is probably the best sport fishing destination in Costa Rica. Many record billfish have been taken by boats from this town.
Piedras Blancas National Park is located just north of Golfito. This is an impressive park with many species of wildlife. Many compare it to the famous Corcovado National Park (located on the opposite side of the gulf), which a writer for National Geographic magazine named as the most biologically diverse place on the planet.
Unsure of what to do? Let us make you a free custom trip plan!