Golfo Dulce Costa Rica Travel Guide: Best Activities + Hidden Gems
Golfo Dulce, located on the Pacific side of the country, is known for it’s nature, incredible wildlife, and biodiversity. Golfo Dulce, which translates to “Sweet Gulf”, is also the capital of this region of Costa Rica. I visited in the rainy season (mid August), but I called it the “green season” because everything was so lush and beautiful! The rainy season is actually the best time to visit Golfo Dulce because the nature and wildlife are thriving during this time.
Since Shanna wasn’t able to come on this trip with me, I did this one solo and I think this region of Costa Rica is perfect for solo travelers. I felt very safe, and there were tons of activities and unique things to do. It would also be perfect with friends or a partner as well since there is a mix of relaxation and adventure. Basically you can come to Golfo Dulce anytime and have the the most amazing trip!
How to Get to Golfo Dulce
I flew into San Jose from NYC, and stayed the night near the hotel in Alajuela. The next day I took the regional airline Sansa to Golfito or Puerto Jimenez. Sansa is a charter airline, but very smooth and easy to book. Also the views were insane! Once in the Golfo Dulce, I would recommend renting a car to get around.
Since I visited different areas of Golfo Dulce, I’m going to separate the hotels & activities I did by region!
Puerto Jimenez
Where to Stay in Puerto Jimenez
I stayed at El Remanso Lodge , which is a unique stay in the heart of the rainforest. While staying on the property, I was also able to do a activities like a wildlife and nature tour, as well as zip lining, canyoning and water repelling — booked right through the hotel! El Remanso is the perfect blend of tranquility and luxury — a secluded escape where you’re immersed in untouched nature without sacrificing comfort.
I also visited other accommodations in Puerto Jimenez on my trip including Lapa Rios Lodge and Botanika Osa Peninsula. Every accommodation in the area has so many different things to offer and they are all working together to help promote tourism to the Golfo Dulce region! It’s very common to visit other hotels or lodges for different activities or restaurants. One thing to know: many hotels in this area are tucked deep in the rainforest, far from town. That means most travelers dine at their own lodge or at nearby accommodations rather than heading out to restaurants.
Best Things to do in Puerto Jimenez
Zip lining at El Remanso Lodge
Jeep Wildlife & Nature Tour
La Perica Sloth Garden
Playa Matapalo
La Perica Sloth Garden
King Louis Waterfall
Playa Matapalo
Lapa Rios Waterfall
Zip lining
Canyoning
Water Repelling
Jeep Wildlife & Nature Tour
Night Wildlife Tour
Uvita
Where to Stay in Uvita
In Uvita I stayed at Oxygen Jungle Villas which is an adults-only resort and spa in the rainforest. On the property there are private waterfalls and breathtaking ocean views! I couldn’t get enough of the infinity pool which was the perfect spot to unwind while soaking in the stunning rainforest scenery.
Best Things to Do in Uvita
Nauyaca Waterfall
Scala
Nauyaca Waterfall — one of the most popular waterfalls in the country!
Explore Uvita town
Dine at Scala Restaurant
Spa treatment at Oxygen Villas
Golfito
Where to Stay in Golfito
Here I stayed at Cielo Lodge which was located a bit outside the city of Golfito surrounded by nature. Cielo Lodge is an eco-luxury lodge located on a river so the views are gorgeous. It’s also a local all-inclusive with all meals, tours, and and jungle activities included in your stay! I also spotted so many wild animals here from my room like Spider Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Coatis, and local birds.
Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest
We also visited another nearby property called Dolphin Quest which is a family owned jungle lodge in the area. We had lunch here which was made from all local ingredients grown on the property. Dolphin Quest also has an activity where you can taste and try all the fruits and vegetables grown on the lodge as well as their medicinal properties.
Best Things to Do in Golfito
Chocolate Pirri
Boat Tour with Ocean Pro Divers
Piedras Blancas National Park
Boat tour with Oceans Pro Divers— here we saw so many whales since we visited during the whale watching season, but you can also see dolphins sometimes, go snorkeling, scuba diving, & more!
Chocolate making class with Chocolate Pirri
Corcovado National Park
If you want to see everything I did in Golfo Dulce, I recommend checking out my YouTube vlog of the trip!
Thank you to Visit Costa Rica for hosting me on this trip! As always, all opinions are honest and our own. Some links on this post are affiliate links of which we receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you.