Golfito

Golfito

Costa Rica

Venture into pristine rainforests to spot sloths, macaws, and exotic wildlife in one of Central America's most biodiverse regions.

Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Language Spanish
Time Zone CST (UTC-6)
Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $3,790-$5,030 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to pristine rainforests, wildlife sanctuaries, and remote Pacific coastal adventures in southern Costa Rica.

Cruises that visit Golfito

Build Your Day in Golfito

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Golfito Duty-Free Deposit Interesting duty free shopping not far from the border to Panama. Women's clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 2k Open
Golfito deposit Naturman Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open
Corcovado National Park Corcovado was one of our highlights during our visit in Costa Rica. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Marina Bahia Golfito Lots to do in walking distance. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Casa Roland Golfito The food was excellent, both dinner and breakfast. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Restaurante Buenos Días Extensive menu, great service, and very reasonable prices. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Depósito Libre de Golfito It has improved a lot good prices and a lot of options Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open
Fish Hook Marina & Lodge Excellent food, great temperature, good portions and great service! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Golfito Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 6 PM
Banana Bay Marina Good service, good food .bonita vista American restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Restaurante Playa Cacao Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Bar Y Restaurant Los Pilones Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Live performances Bar & grill · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Black Point Ocean Grill Restaurante Great Bayside place with great food and staff Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Opens soon · 12 PM
La Cuadra De Golfito (Mirador Maritimo) Corporate office · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Chicken Bros • Golfito Good chicken, the price is cheap and the portion are good. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM
Supermercado Pearson A little better selection than others nearby, but mostly the basics again. Supermarket · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open
Comercios Costarricenses Small but a relatively good selection of the basics. Supermarket · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open
Bar La Pista Open air bar next to the airport with good food, cold beer and fast service! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 2:30 AM
Restaurante "La Pista" Good preflight margaritas! Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
Playa Cacao Awesome beach to just relax and swim. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge We were truly immersed in nature and the beach was magical. Resort hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Rest. Bar. Camanance de Arena The service and atmosphere was great and the chicken cordon blue was great. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Coconut Cafe Golfito Coffee, sushi, crepes and more. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Opens soon · 12 PM
La cuchara de DAYA y PAPITO finally good local family tasting food for a good price! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Siete Mares Bar and Restaurante Food was decent but quite expensive. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Mirador Golfo Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Cevicheria El Carrito Rojo Food is good but not incredible. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Golfito Bay Bay · ★ 4.5 · 0k
La Puesta del Sol No delivery Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
Soda SayRa Plenty on the plate. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Soda la Cholita Good local food, very friendly and helpful service. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
Rio León Tours The Golfo Dulce is one of a kind, a must see when you visit Costa Rica. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Mirador Las Torres donde Jovita Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Cielo Lodge Daily activities were a nice mix of exercise, education, and relaxation. Hotel · ★ 4.9 · 0k
La Papota 1978 Very serine and calm place by the golfito bay Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Zamia Wildlife Refuge Short hike to the top of Zamia overlooking the Golfo Dulce. Mountain cabin · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Garden Grill Dine-in·Takeout Family restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Fri
Restaurante Café Mar ... place to eat with some of the best fish ceviche I have had to eat! Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Bahía Golfito Observation deck · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Restaurante Dragón Golfito Food was tasty and quick. Asian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Camping Playa Cacao Camping Playa Cacao is on the water, most easily accessible by boat! Campground · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Restaurante la Playa The best bathroom I’ve ever seen in any restaurant in Costa Rica! Restaurant · ★ 3.3 · 0k
Macana’sPlace it’s Costa Rica on a plate. Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Costa Rica Peche Passion It's definitely the place to go to for a fishing trip in Costa Rica. Fishing camp · ★ 5 · 0k
Bar "La Bomba" Live music·Food at bar Bar · ★ 3.7 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Gadú Café Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Espresso bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Opens soon · 12 PM
Soda PMT Absolutely authentic, delicious and reasonably priced. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Golfito Tours Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Rancho Margarita Dancing Bar & grill · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Local 30 - FREE SHOP 30 Store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open
Souvenier Shop It si a Unique place in Golfito. Souvenir store · ★ 3.8 · 0k
Bar y Salón Los Potrillos Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Duty free shopping Prices were great, I even negotiated for a better price. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open
Nube de Azucar cafetería Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Hi Tea Golfito Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Changing Tide Tours Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Twins Local 7 Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open
Playa del Golfo Park · ★ 5 · 0k
Isla Golfito (pajaros o pelícano ) Wildlife park · ★ 5 · 0k
TOYS GOLFITO Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open
Vivero Bar Golfito Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
El Papu Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Soda y Cafetería Del Rio Delicious food, great price Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Golfito

About Golfito

Golfito serves as a charming port of call on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, where two boutique cruise lines—Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS—offer intimate expedition voyages. With 13 upcoming cruises primarily featuring 7-night itineraries, this port appeals to travelers seeking authentic Central American experiences rather than mega-ship tourism. Golfito's position makes it an ideal launching point for exploring some of the region's most pristine destinations, including the biodiverse Darién National Park, the San Blas Islands, and Panama City, with peak cruising seasons running from November through March.

Passengers docking in Golfito can expect a refreshingly authentic slice of Costa Rican life, where the laid-back atmosphere and lush tropical surroundings create a welcome contrast to busier cruise ports. The town itself offers opportunities to experience local culture and natural beauty, while shore excursions typically focus on wildlife encounters and adventure activities that showcase why this corner of Costa Rica remains a favorite among nature-loving cruisers.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Golfito's Historic Banana Port

Discover Golfito's fascinating past as a major United Fruit Company hub by wandering the charming wooden buildings and colonial architecture that line the waterfront. Visit the small but informative local museum to learn how this port shaped Costa Rica's history, then stroll through the historic downtown district where vintage structures tell stories of the region's golden era.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Restaurants

Indulge in authentic Costa Rican cuisine at harborside eateries serving the day's fresh catch, from succulent ceviche to grilled mahi-mahi. Local restaurants offer traditional dishes like rice and beans paired with tropical fruits and refreshing agua dulce, providing an authentic taste of southern Costa Rican coastal flavors without venturing far from port.

3

Hike Through Pristine Rainforest Canopy

Experience Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity on guided rainforest trails near Golfito, where you'll spot sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, and exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. The lush jungle environment showcases the region's remarkable ecological importance and offers unforgettable encounters with nature just minutes from the cruise port.

4

Shop the Duty-Free Merchant Zone

Browse the bustling Zona Americana, Golfito's famous duty-free shopping district, for electronics, perfumes, liquor, and local crafts at excellent prices. This vibrant marketplace captures the authentic energy of a working Costa Rican port town while offering genuine bargains on international brands and regional artisan products.

5

Visit Nearby Golfo Dulce Marine Reserve

Take a boat excursion into the stunning Golfo Dulce, a pristine gulf teeming with dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish perfect for snorkeling and wildlife watching. This protected marine sanctuary showcases some of Central America's most untouched coastal beauty and offers thrilling encounters with marine life in crystal-clear waters.

Cruise Lines at Golfito

Cruises Departing From Golfito

Cruises Visiting Golfito

Ship Schedule at Golfito

Golfito Location

Other Cruise Ports in Costa Rica

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Golfito, Costa Rica?

Two cruise lines operate from Golfito: Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. Both offer ocean cruises with 13 upcoming departures available. These operators specialize in exploration-focused itineraries visiting the region's natural and cultural highlights.

When is the best time to cruise from Golfito?

The peak cruise season from Golfito runs from January through March, with November also being an excellent time to visit. These months offer the best weather conditions for exploring the Costa Rican coast and nearby destinations like the San Blas Islands and Panama City.

How much do cruises from Golfito cost?

Cruise fares from Golfito range from $3,790 to $5,030 per person. Prices vary depending on the cruise line, itinerary length, cabin type, and travel dates. Peak season months typically command higher prices than shoulder seasons.

What are the top destinations from Golfito cruises?

Popular destinations on Golfito itineraries include Darién National Park, Puerto Caldera, Panama City, the San Blas Islands, Port Elizabeth, and Bequia. These ports offer opportunities to experience pristine rainforests, indigenous cultures, and Caribbean island beauty.

Is Golfito port a tender port or dock port?

Golfito is primarily a port of call rather than a homeport, and ships typically tender passengers to shore. Taxis and local transportation are readily available at the port to take you into town or to nearby attractions. It's advisable to arrange excursions through your cruise line or book transportation in advance.

What can I see and do during a day in Golfito?

During a port day in Golfito, you can explore the town's local markets and colonial architecture, visit nearby Golfo Dulce for wildlife viewing, or take excursions to Darién National Park to see rainforest ecosystems and indigenous communities. Many passengers also enjoy fishing, snorkeling, or relaxing on nearby beaches.

What type of cruises depart from Golfito?

Golfito offers ocean cruises that focus on exploration and discovery of Central America and the Caribbean. These voyages are designed for travelers interested in natural history, cultural immersion, and adventure in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.