Golfito

Located in the Southern Pacific Coast  of Costa Rica, about 340 miles away from the capital in San Jose, Golfito is a sleepy little port town, lined along the coast of  the small gulf inside of the larger Golfo Dulce (hence its name “Little Gulf), that provides a calm, safe anchorage deep enough for the largest of vessels, and surrounded by the verdant slopes of a National Wildlife Refuge.

The United Fruit Company, who built and established Golfito as a banana port in the late 1930’s, noticed these ideal natural conditions. The Company operated a large shipping export business until the 1980’s. During those years of their operation you could see ships from the Great White Fleet anchored off shore waiting their turn to load hundreds of tons of Bananas onto their ships to export to the USA and other countries.

After the banana company left, the little town was left in oblivion for many years, with those left behind struggling to find the means to survive. Commercial fishing and a duty free shopping center were the main means of survival, but the little town’s privileged geography and raw natural beauty are lately making it a very attractive destination for yacht owners, sport fishermen and nature lovers from all over the world.

Several tiny Marinas now line its calm shores, and a new Marina Village is being built, hoping to bring a leap in the area’s tourism development and as a result, in the property values.

Golfito has a domestic flights airport and a public hospital.

Golfo Dulce

The Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) is one of the two large gulfs on the pacific coast of Costa Rica, located at the very Southern part of the country. It is surrounded by the Osa Peninsula, a landmass that encompasses two of the country’s most important natural reserves. On one side is the Corcovado National Park (over 105,000 acres), a place described by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on earth. On the other side there is the Piedras Blancas National Park (over 34,000 acres of protected evergreen forests that border with the calm waters of the gulf).

Several coastal towns are found along this enchanting gulf, namely Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Zancudo and Pavones , all of them contrasting against the spectacular natural background that surrounds them, and perfect for adventure seekers that want to stay away from the beaten paths.

Deep sea fishing here, which is second to none, is available from Golfito and Puerto Jiménez. To the southeast of the gulf is where you will find two great surfing locales. The palm shaded beaches of Zancudo and Pavones supply great surfing for anybody looking to hit the waves.

Tourism infrastructure has been growing steadily in the recent years; Fishing Lodges, cabins and deluxe accommodations are available along these towns, slowly becoming more and more important to the local economy. 

Still, It is very primal and wild down there so it is not for everyone, but for those who love adventure this may be the perfect place to live or invest.

Pavones

The small fishing / surfing village of Pavones is not for everyone, but if you’re a surfer is may be your dream destination. Also located in the Southern most part of Costa Rica, about 1 1/2 hour drive from Golfito through a primitive dirt road,.it is a remote, rustic and still wild place to live. Home to the world famous Pavones wave, considered to be one of the longest left surf brakes in the world that attracts surfer enthusiasts from all over the world. Most Conversations around Pavones rarely diverge from talk of incoming swells, tide conditions, and rides of the day. Most of the town converges upon the local watering hole to scoff at small waves during the day and get their drink on at night.  There are a few home-style eateries around Pavones where fresh fish, poultry and vegetables are always available.

Surrounded by jungle and teeming with wildlife, this is a great place to call home for the nature-loving surfer and there are a lot of opportunities to purchase homes, cabinas, and large tracks of jungle or farmland available in this area.