Golfito on the eastern side of Golfo Dulce is an almost landlocked bay surrounded by densely forested hills and known for it’s prodigious rainfall. In the mid twentieth century Golfito was a major banana growing region and the town was developed by United Brands to pick, package and export the fruit. Since the decline in the banana industry Golfito is best known for its duty free shopping centre – handy if you need a case of rum!  

The La Mustache anchorage is located on the left hand side of the entrance channel opposite the Golfito Village Marina. It is a well sheltered spot but the wakes of vessels and ferries passing into the commercial port may make this spot a little rolly.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

Anchor off the beach at Playa Cacao in 6m on sand. Dinghy ashore to the beach to visit the local restaurants or go 0.5NM across the bay to the dinghy dock at the Golfito Village Marina to go into town. Samoa del Sur Hotel has a dinghy dock which is free for cruisers who patronize their bar/restaurant.

Facilities

Golfito is a large town sprawled along the east side of the bay. The centre of town is at the north end where the Port Captain, Customs, the hospital and the Duty Free shopping mall are located. There is a supermarket on the main road close to the marina.

Anchoring is possible anywhere within the tranquil bay of Golfito. Fish Hook anchorage lies about 1.5NM from the marina entrance and is completely sheltered from wind and swell. The only meteorological inconvenience are the torrential downpours which are frequent during the wet season.

Golfito is known for it’s duty free shopping. The Duty Free shopping mall in the town stocks mostly electrical and white goods as well as perfume and alcohol. The Duty Free Zone at the Panama border post 8km away is far more extensive with grocery and clothes shops as well as alcohol, perfume and a host of other goodies.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

Anchor off the Fish Hook Marina in 9.2m on muddy sand, keeping clear of the moorings and local boats. Currents in the bay run 2-3 kts so make sure your anchor is well set.

Dinghies can be tied up at Land and Sea (beside the green houseboat) for a small fee which includes wifi, garbage disposal and use of the clubhouse. Potable water, showers and a laundry service are also available. Fish Hook Marina and Banana Bay also permit anchored boats access to their dinghy dock for a slightly higher fee.

Facilities

Golfito is a funky little place centred around the original company town built by United Brands for their workers at the north end of the bay. The modern town is strung out along the main road and can supply everything a cruiser needs: marinas, supermarkets, banks, a hospital, plenty of  restaurants and much more.

It is the southern port of entry for clearing in or out and Golfito Bay is the only approved drop-off zone for yacht transport ships on the West Coast of South and Central America.

Fuel can be obtained from the fuel dock close to the municipal dock or from Golfito Village Marina.

Cabo Matapalo lies at the southernmost tip of Osa Peninsula at the entrance to Golfo Dulce. The anchorage which lies on the east coast 2NM north of the point is exposed to swell and weather from almost every direction and is not recommended except in the calmest conditions.

The pristine beaches, rivers and dense jungle of Cabo Matapalo are remote even by Costa Rican standards. With 200 inches of rainfall a year the Reserva Forestal Golfo Dulce is home to some of the tallest ancient trees on earth as well as some of the strangest creatures. There are also three major surf breaks in Matapalo which draw surfers to this remote spot.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

This roadstead anchorage lies in a small cove between two rocky headlands. Stay in the centre of the bay on entering to avoid reefs which extend from either shore and anchor in 10m on sand. The bay is rocky and holding may be poor. Use utmost caution taking the dinghy ashore if swell is breaking on the beach.

Facilities

None. There are several guest houses hidden away in the jungle behind the beach.