Making the most of Golfito
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Golfito is a port for smaller ships, which dock directly in the town centre.
Formerly a banana port, Golfito is within walking distance of downtown and a few minutes' drive from the airport. Taxi boats are the usual local transport around the bay's many beaches.
Taxis are readily available.
In southern Costa Rica, Golfito occupies a bay enclosed by the larger Golfo Dulce. Its small bay is often calm and popular with local fishing aficionados. The town lies on a strip between the bay and a range of hills, with protected rainforests, national parks and long beaches beyond and around it.
The green slopes of Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito surround the town and form a scenic setting for its crumbling buildings.
Beaches are Golfito's main draw. Pavones beach, south of Golfito near the entrance to Golfo Dulce, is well known among surfers.
Getting around
The protected wildlife area Refugio Nacioal Golfito offers hiking and sightseeing. Trails begin in town and can lead to several landings with ocean and dense-forest views; there are no public facilities in the wilderness area.
For travel beyond the towns, protection from mosquito bites is important: the CDC recommends lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirts and insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET.
Nearby places
For a day in Golfito, Playa Cacao may be the most appealing place to enjoy the old port. Take a water taxi from Golfito to reach the beach for around ¢1100 per person.
Food and shopping
The duty free center north of town is the best place for shopping. Foreigners must show a passport.
Money
The local currency is Colón(es), at about 575 Colones to 1 US Dollar. ATMs are widely available and normally dispense US Dollars and Colones.
Staying connected
Spanish is Costa Rica's main language, though English is widely used in areas frequented by international tourists.
Costa Rica's emergency number is 911.
Customer WiFi is fairly easy to find in cafés in tourist areas.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Sat 0900-1800/1900, with possible variations between areas.
Costa Rica is a Catholic country, and most holidays are church-related. Most businesses, including banks, close for official holidays. The country shuts down during Easter Holy Week, particularly Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday; by Holy Sunday some services may be available, but do not rely on this in remote parts of the country.
Most Ticos now take the entire Christmas holiday week through New Year as an unofficial break.