While Costa Rica has long attracted sportfishing enthusiasts, legislation from 2021 has led to strong showings among foreign-flagged superyachts. They’re why not only will Marina Bahia Golfito double its number of slips, but also create waterfront villas and condos, along with further boutiques and restaurants.
The marina, under IGY Marinas management since 2017, is 45 minutes from San Jose’s international airport. It’s further near a domestic airport just outside of Golfito. Geographically, the marina sits in proximity to the Osa Peninsula and part of the Corcovado National Park Wildlife Corridor.
Currently, it has 54 slips. Among them, nine can accommodate superyachts to 350 feet (106.7 meters) and 29 feet (8.8 meters) of draft. Additionally, Marina Bahia Golfito offers charter-concierge services to captains, owners, and their guests. Specifically, the staff will tailor itineraries, assist with provisioning and receiving parts, and help with regulation-related clearance for charter. Additionally, crewmembers have their own lounge and eateries.
The Marina Bahia Golfito expansion will bring the total number of slips to 120. Besides 20 further shopping and six more dining options, 11 villas and 40 condos are coming, too. Reservations for the properties are underway. Through the ownership of Enjoy Group, a Costa Rican hospitality company, the emphasis is on environmentally responsible construction and operation. “Environmental alleviation includes carbon footprint offsetting, planting and regeneration of coral reefs, and the monitoring of biodiversity,” explains Oscar Alfaro, Enjoy Group’s director of marketing.
Golfo Dulce, the body of water upon which Marina Bahia Golfito sits, is an important wildlife habitat. “This area is recognized by National Geographic as the place ‘with the most intense biodiversity on the planet,’” notes Pedro Abdalla, Marina Bahia Golfito’s marina director. Dozens of species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles live in its waters. Additionally, although “golfo” means “gulf,” Golfo Dulce is actually a fjord. It’s one of just four tropical fjords in the world, too.
Sportfishermen know the waters well, since they teem with sailfish, yellowfin tuna, plus blue, black, and striped marlin. All are catch and release. Marina Bahia Golfito hosted the Tuna Cup in 2022 and intends to add further tournaments. Specifically where tuna are concerned, a 40-nautical-mile offshore protection zone, which may double in the coming years, has allowed their numbers to rebound from overfishing.
Marina Bahia Golfito livegolfito.com
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