Plan a CruiseGolfito Cruise Port Guide
Golfito is a port for smaller cruise ships, with your vessel docking directly in the center of town. This former banana port is situated on a narrow strip of land, bordered by a calm bay and a series of hills, with protected rainforests and national parks providing a verdant backdrop. The Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito surrounds the town, offering picturesque views. The bay's calm waters are popular with local fishing enthusiasts, and the area is known for its beaches. Be aware that protection against mosquito bites is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore outside the immediate town area.
Getting Around from the Port
Your ship will dock centrally, making the downtown area easily accessible on foot. For exploring the numerous beaches around the bay, water taxis are the most common local transport option. Taxis are also plentiful if you prefer land-based travel. To reach Playa Cacao, a water taxi from Golfito costs approximately ¢1100 per person.
Attractions and Activities
Given your 8-10 hours in port, here are some practical options:
- Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Golfito: This protected wildlife area offers excellent hiking and sightseeing opportunities. Trails begin directly from town and lead to various viewpoints with scenic vistas of the ocean and dense forest. Note that there are no public facilities within the wilderness area. Remember to wear lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and use insect repellent with high concentrations of DEET, as recommended by the CDC, due to mosquitoes.
- Playa Cacao: For a relaxed beach experience close to Golfito, Playa Cacao is an appealing choice. You can catch a water taxi from Golfito to reach this spot, with the fare being around ¢1100 per person. It’s a great place to enjoy the bay's atmosphere.
- Fishing in Golfo Dulce: The calm waters of the bay are renowned among local fishing enthusiasts. Inquire locally about chartering a small boat for a fishing excursion.
- Pavones Beach (Surfing): Located south of Golfito near the entrance of Golfo Dulce, Pavones is famous among surfers. However, reaching this beach will require significant travel time, making it a more suitable option for dedicated surfers with ample time rather than a short port call.
Dining & Shopping
While specific restaurants aren't highlighted, cafes offering free WiFi are generally easy to find in tourist areas. For shopping, the main option is a duty-free center located north of town. Foreign visitors planning to shop there will need to present their passport. Local souvenirs are typically found in smaller shops around the downtown area. Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00 or 19:00, though these can vary.
Safety
Protection against mosquito bites is very important, particularly if you venture outside the main town. The CDC recommends wearing lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, along with using insect repellents containing high concentrations of DEET.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Colón (plural: Colones). The approximate exchange rate is 575 Colones to 1 US Dollar. ATMs are widely available and typically dispense both US Dollars and Colones. While credit cards are accepted in many places, having local currency or US Dollars for smaller purchases and water taxis is advisable. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911.