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Rich in biodiversity, eco-friendly activities, and friendly faces, Costa Rica has long been a popular travel destination. A gateway into the Pacific and away from the well-trodden circuits, it has been rising in popularity for superyacht cruising. On the southern tip of opposite the Osa Peninsula and across the Golfo Dulce sits Golfito and the recently opened Golfito Marina Village is facilitating this still mostly untouched and underdeveloped southern area for yacht exploration.
Adventure dosed with adrenaline
From swinging across treetops, kayaking through mangroves, horse riding and hiking through the rainforests to exploring the multitude of cascading waterfalls and surfing at some of the world’s longest breaks, there is no shortage of adventure to be had here. Getting off the beaten track is easy with plenty of rainforest walks and waterfalls just a stone’s throw away from the marina itself. Playas del Coco is home to the Zamia wildlife refuge that also has some of the greatest trails with panoramic views across the whole bay. For organised hikes, head across the bay to Jimenez – the entrance to the Corcovado National Park. To hit the surf, the marina can organise rental cars to Playa Pavones.
A biodiverse haven
Identified by National Geographic as one of the most biologically diverse places in the world, Golfito has an abundance of wildlife and nature. Costa Rica is renowned for its stringent protection of its natural environment; backing onto Golfito is its National Refuge, spanning out into the Piedras Blancas National Park to the north, whilst opposite the bay is the Corcovado National Park. Taking a walk through the rainforest you will be exposed to wide array of flora and fauna as well as various monkeys and sloths and beatuiful birds.
A Real Catch
Some of the best sports fishing in Costa Rica can be found in the Golfo Dulce. As a prime marlin and sailfish hotspot, Golfito and surrounding areas have a selection of sports fishing lodges, such as The Zancudo Lodge who will customise any range of sports fishing adventure to suit. There are also plenty of boats ready for chartering which can easily be arranged through Banana Bay Marina’s sports fishing tour agency.
Pura Vida; The Good Life
This is a Costa Rican mantra that is true to the country, and their way of life is to live in the moment. The lush environment of Golfito allows both adventure and serenity and there are various eco-lodges in the surrounding rainforest if you want to get away from the marina.
To stay in a luxurious paradise scout out Lapa Rios Ecolodge, recognised as a National Geographic Unique Lodge it is set amid the lush rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, whilst overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy wake up calls to howler monkeys, luxurious and sustainable accommodation along with never-ending activities and delicious locally sourced food.
To the Dock
There aren’t many locations that superyachts can’t reach in this region, however, there are always logistical considerations in less developed and more remote destinations. Golfito Marina’s facilities have started to open up this cruising destination to the industry as superyachts start to consider the area as a good stopover location on the way to the Pacific. Although areas of the marina are still under construction, the friendly marina staff will do their best to cater to your yacht’s every need. There is eager anticipation for the upcoming yacht club to be completed along with new restaurants, bars as well as a range of luxury accommodation facilities onsite.
