Golfito Awakens As Marina Breaks Ground

The coastal town of Golfito sits in a small, deepwater bay within the larger bay called the Golfo Dulce ("Sweet Golf"). Originally founded in 1938, Golfito was a product of an expansion effort of the United Fruit Company. The land surrounding Golfito became one of the largest major banana growing regions in the world, causing Golfito to become the largest port in Southern Costa Rica. So big was Golfito's banana business, this waterside town was home to thriving white collar worker community in the 1950s, having it's own community pool and 18 hole golf course.

The town changed dramatically when the United Fruit Company pulled out in the 1970s due to financial problems. To help stimulate the local economy, the Costa Rican Government created the Golfito duty free zone, where $500 worth of merchandise could be purchased without taxes, two times per year. The real stimulus to the local economy came in the mid 1980s when tourism begin ramping up and resorts were built in Playa Cacao.

Golfito is currently in the process of transforming itself into destination point for world class sport-fishing destination, cruise ships, nightlife, and entertainment. The fishing in Golfito is said to be on a par with that of Cabo San Lucas, at half the cost. Many of the lodges and hotels have their own sport fishing fleets and experienced boat captains. Frequent ferry boats cross the Golfo Dulce from Golfito to Puerto Jimenez, which is the primary access point for the Corcovado National Park and Drakes Bay.

In July 2007, construction began on the Golfito Marina project. The marina complex will consist of 217 slips, 80 luxury condominiums, art galleries, resturaunts, stores, and a local history museum. This $740 million dollar investment in the region has spurred unprecedented growth. Over 38,000 square meters(380,000sqft) of new construction was permitted in Golfito this year, a 75% growth from the previous year.

The calm deepwater bay, and permitted waterside construction create an inviting environment unlike any other in Costa Rica. With the influx of investment money, driven by anticipation of the new marina, renovation of the coastal highways, and the new international airport in Palmar, Golfito may be the hottest destination in Costa Rica today.