Communities Around the Gulfo Dulce

The Southern Pacific Slopes of Costa Rica Have Much to Offer

Aug 30, 2009

Rainforest, wildlife, beaches, and rivers surround the Gulfo Dulce in Costa Rica. Each community offers travelers a unique experience.

Gorgeous sunsets, coconut palms and tropical flowers are among the sights to see in the tropics. The warm humid Golfito region of Costa Rica boasts some of the most diverse wildlife and best sports fishing in the world. Several communities in this area formed on the rim of the Gulfo Dulce each have claims to fame that tourists will want to investigate.

The Town of Golfito

This town was forged out of the rainforest by the operations of the United Fruit Company during the depression years of the United States. Buildings from that time are still very much in use. A small airport welcomes regional flights and the Duty-Free Depository brings many who want to shop without paying taxes on alcohol and manufactured goods. The port of Golfito in the Gulfo Dulce shelters large ships and calving humpback whales. At the small dock, or muelecito, board private boat taxis or the inexpensive public ferry (la lancha),to reach surrounding areas.

Playa Zancudo

The name means "mosquito beach," the pests can be a problem during some rainy months. On a finger of land between the Coto River and the Gulfo Dulce, which fills from the Pacific Ocean, Zancudo is home to the safest beach in Costa Rica. The water is shallow and clear on shore, the sand is black and the waves are gentle. Tide pools are perfect for small children and coconuts grow everywhere. On the river side, mangrove estuaries create sheltered ecosystems for caimen, poison dart frogs, jesus lizards and several types of birds. On the way to Zancudo from Golfito, if the tide is in, nesting blue herons, mating displays of frigate birds, and red-lored parrots may be seen, depending on the time of year. This is a great place to kayak. Playa Zancudo has several good restaurants and motels. Guests may be visited by white-faced capucchin monkeys. Listen for howler apes across the river in the early morning.

Barely ten miles down the road from Playa Zancudo, Pavones boasts the longest left-breaking wave in the world. This beach is a favorite for surfers.

Puerto Jimenez

Take a boat taxi accross the gulf from Zancudo or catch la lancha at 11:30 am on it's return trip from Golfito to visit the quaint community of Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. A regional airport here offers another option for transportation.

This beautiful area is situated along the edge of Corcovado National Park, where four species of monkeys and magnificent endangered Scarlett Macaws can be easily seen. Guided tours along the seven mile stretch take in a waterfall and a breath-taking beach.

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