Costa Rica's Tropical Fjord
Golfo Dulce
Golfo Dulce is one of only four tropical fjords in the world, (alongside Golfo de Cariaco in Venezuela, Darwin Bay in the Galápagos Islands, and Kaoe Bay in Indonesia), located between the Osa Peninsula and the mainland of Costa Rica. This unique body of water is known for its calm, deep waters, which provide an ideal environment for a diverse range of marine life, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists. The fjord is bordered by lush rainforests and mangroves that teem with wildlife, including scarlet macaws, capuchin monkeys, and coatis, creating a perfect blend of land and sea ecosystems.
The waters of Golfo Dulce are known for being a birthing site for humpback whales, which migrate here between July and October, and again from December to February. Dolphins, including bottlenose and spotted species, can also be seen year-round, swimming alongside boats or feeding in the bay. The calm, nutrient-rich waters support an abundance of fish. Furthermore, the region is known for its bioluminescence phenomenon.
Golfo Dulce is a pristine destination that showcases Costa Rica’s natural beauty in one of the world’s rare tropical fjords.
What to do in Golfo Dulce?
- – Explore the serene mangroves and its wildlife by kayak.
- – Go whale watching during migration seasons.
- – Snorkel in the clear waters to witness marine life.
- – Go for an artisanal fishing experience with a local fisherman.
Tips:
- – Just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We highly recommend going snorkeling at sunset and night for a bioluminescence tour!
How to get to Golfo Dulce:
- Puerto Jiménez & Golfito are easily accessible by both plane and land.
- By Plane: Puerto Jiménez and Golfito have small airports with daily domestic flights operated by airlines like Sansa. The flight takes about 50 minutes.
- By Land: A 6-7 hour drive from San José via Route 2 and Route 245 offers scenic views, though a 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
