Golfito, Costa Rica

Golfito, Costa Rica: Lush, Tropical Jungle Along Costa Rica's Southern Coast

Central & South Pacific Beach Towns   Regions

Golfito is a rarely visited town that sits on Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast. With the beach at its doorstep, and lush, green mountains arriving nearly to the shore, Golfito boasts an ever dramatic landscape. Known to locals as the best place in the country for low cost shopping the government has declared it a duty-free zone international travelers tend to come for an entirely different reason to enjoy what is considered to be Costa Rica's best sport fishing. 

Real Estate

 There is an exciting variety of real estate options available in the Golfito area. There has been a growing interest in refurbishing the wooden homes built in the early to mid 21st century for the banana company employees. Old mansions are being updated to modern standards, and the merger of old and new architectural and design elements is stunning. Traditional, Costa Rican homes are also available, along with a variety of vacation rentals in many different styles and budgets. Highly desirable lots offer investors the opportunity to build luxury homes from the ground up, with ocean views and a lush jungle setting as their backdrop. Investing in Costa Rica is entirely unique when one chooses Golfito. This quiet town is poised for resurgence.

Climate and Location

Golfito is located in the southwestern most corner of Costa Rica. Tucked behind the famous Osa Peninsula, it's just north of the border with Panama. There is an airstrip near the popular duty-free shopping zone, with local operators offering daily flights to and from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport. Charter flights are another excellent option to consider. Those who prefer to travel via highway should plan on a journey of approximately 6 hours. 

Community and Lifestyle

Golfito earned its reputation as a hard working banana processing center in the early 20th century. When that business ended in the 1980s, the government stepped in to ensure the local economy would thrive, creating a tax free shopping complex with bargain pricing on everything from clothing to appliances to liquor. Ticos (that's what native Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves) flock here throughout the year and especially for holiday shopping in December for a fun weekend shopping trip at the edge of the jungle.

There's a certain old world charm and worn out look to Golfito that reminds visitors of its past glory days. Its atmosphere is changing as in the know investors turn to Golfito real estate for unique building and remodeling opportunities in this remote area of Costa Rica. Someone in this position can very easily spend their days relaxing or exploring this tropical environment and their evenings enjoying a meal while swapping fishing stories with adventurous travelers or fellow expatriates who have chosen retirement in Costa Rica.

Activities 

The area surrounding Golfito is known as El Golfo Dulce, or "the Sweet Gulf" in English. Quiet beaches, peaceful mangroves, upscale lodges tucked away along the shores it's not hard to see why those who are looking for a relaxing retreat away from the stresses of modern day life find this area so irresistible.

There are plenty of activities, besides all that shopping, to keep individuals and families who visit or move here busy. There is an abundance of local waterfalls and hiking trails to visit, ranging from well manicured trails to wildly overgrown paths. Adventure seekers can take up horseback riding, try out ziplining, or make fishing a part of their weekly or daily routine. Golfito is a popular stop along the journey for yachting enthusiasts who hop along the Pacific Coast. Between yacht travelers, visiting sport fishermen, and locals, there is never a shortage of boating enthusiasts in town. Traveling between local spots via water taxi is the norm here.

Across the bay from Golfito, the Osa Peninsula has been named one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Also nearby, the Piedras Blancas National Park consists of untouched tropical forest and secondary forest. Directly behind the town of Golfito, arriving directly to the coast, the Golfito Wildlife Reserve is home to all the wildlife this area is known for, but without all the crowds you'll find at the major national parks. Costa Rica is home to four species of monkeys and five species of big cat; all can be spotted here.

There are a handful of beachfront open-air restaurants and bars in Golfito, and, naturally, the dress code and atmosphere is always casual. A few local hotels have small casinos, so you can always test your luck during a night out on the town. The Casa Roland Marina Resort has tennis courts, squash courts, and a lovely pool. They also have a spa to ensure you get plenty of pampering in addition to all of those action-packed adventures.

Schools and Education

Golfito offers a variety of schooling options for children of all ages. Even college age students may choose to pursue a bachelors degree from the acclaimed University of Costa Rica, which has a branch in Golfito. The Costa Rican government invests heavily in its public school system, which is vital to Costa Rica's continued success. One school in Golfito recently made headlines after the president ordered that it be reconstructed from recycled materials, a testament to this Central American country's commitment to environmental conservation and responsibility.

Development Parcel For Sale in Río Claro

Development Parcel — Land Listing

Río Claro, Guaycara, Golfito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

This development parcel is located in Río Claro, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, in Golfito county. This property with view is situated in the cloud forest of Costa Rica. The land area of this development parcel is a total of 12.70 hectare (31.38...

  • Total Lot Size : 12.70 ha (31.38 acre)
  • $2,600,000

Hill House Gulf View | Property in Cañaza

Development Parcel — Land Listing

Cañaza, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Perched atop the lush hills overlooking the serene Gulf of Golfito, the "Hill House Gulf View" property in Cañaza, Costa Rica, offers a truly extraordinary setting for those seeking a tranquil retreat or an exceptional tourism development...

  • Total Lot Size : 4,901.09 m² (52,754.68 sq ft)
  • $265,000

Vacational Home with Amazing Pool: Vacational Home with Amazing Pool

House — Residential Sale

Sandalo, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

This charming oasis is nestled in a secluded neighborhood accessible via a private road, boasting a serene ambiance and a refreshing pool. Situated a mere 15 minutes from Puerto Jimenez town, it offers convenient access to both amenities...

  • 3
  • 2
  • Total Lot Size : 840.00 m² (9,041.65 sq ft)
  • $199,000

Beautiful Gardened Costarican Casita: Beautiful Gardened Costarican Casita For Sale in Osa

House — Residential Sale

Sandalo, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Step into your paradise nestled in the heart of Sandalo! This delightful two-bedroom Rican cottage exudes peace and tranquility within a gated property surrounded by vibrant gardens. Picture yourself waking up to the tunes of macaws...

  • 2
  • 1
  • Total Lot Size : 432.00 m² (4,649.99 sq ft)
  • $67,115