Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

Southern Pacific
Province of Puntarenas

 

Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

Golfo Dulce is located south of Puntarenas on the Osa Peninsula. The area contains 50% of the flora and fauna of the country and hugs pristine beaches, rivers and a tall evergreen forest, which is protected as the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. It's wetlands are a sanctuary for the scalloped hammerhead shark, creating 4,000 hectares of ‘no-take’ zone: the first shark sanctuary in Costa Rica. 

Things to do in Golfo Dulce

Snorkeling
Golfo Dulce warm and clear waters are an extraordinary habitat for marine life. Besides being a crucial birthing spot for migrating humpback whales, Golfo Dulce is home to several kinds of dolphins, sea turtles, rays, sharks and numerous tropical fish. 

Mangrove Kayaking
Explore the mangroves and look for all types of wildlife like monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, crocodiles, caimans, snakes,. Great for birdwatchers too.

Golfo Dulce tours to other destinations nearby

Corcovado National Park
Venture through primary rainforest, explore a breathtaking waterfall and soak in all of what Corcovado National Park and the beautiful surroundings have to offer. You will have the chance to see many diverse animal species, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods. It’s one of the most important national parks in Costa Rica and is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Golfito Town
Golfito is a town directly west of the Golfo Dulce that has turned to the Duty-Free Shopping Center as its economic strength. Before its economy was based on the vast palm oil plantations and before that on the banana plantations. For most tourists, it serves as a getaway to the surrounding destinations.

Zancudo Beach
Zancudo is a remote shoreline northwest of the Golfo Dulce. Zancudo attracts tourists with its pristine beaches and natural beauty; it is one of the less inhabited areas of Costa Rica.

Surfing at Pavones
Pavones is located south of the Golfo Dulce. The economy of the town is primarily based on local fishing; however there is also a large eco-tourism and surf-tourism draw. Pavones is a popular destination for hikers, and also contains the second longest point break on Earth which attracts countless surfers.

Location and Map

The easiest way to get to Golfo Dulce is by taking a 45-minute flight from San Jose to either Golfito or Puerto Jimenez. Sansa Airlines, Aerobell Airlines as well as various other private charters such as Aero Caribe CR have several flights a day departing from San Jose. You can also drive from San Jose to Golfito. It will take approximately 5 hours to get to Golfito. We recommend to take the coastal route via the Costanera/Route 34, passing by Jaco, Quepos and all the way south to Dominical and Uvita. Once in Golfito you can leave your car in a private garage and take a boat ride to your lodge.

Contact our Golfo Dulce Costa Rica Vacation Guides today by visiting our Costa Rica Trip Planner!