Golfito · Marina
Banana Bay Marina
Golfito port of entry with rooms and a bar
Banana Bay Marina is a small marina and sportfishing center on Golfito Bay, inside the sheltered Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica's far south. It's an official point of entry and exit for the country, which makes it a common first or last stop for boats coming from or going to Panama. It suits cruising sailors, anglers and travelers who like sleeping a few steps from the docks.
What they offer
Banana Bay Marina is a compact, friendly marina on the waterfront in Golfito, the old banana port on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. It calls itself a marina and sportfishing center, and it's been serving the cruising community for more than 20 years. For many boats heading north from the Panama Canal, or south toward Panama, Golfito is the place to clear in or out, and Banana Bay is one of the marinas set up for that.
The marina handles cruising permits and works as an official point of entry and exit for Costa Rica, with a customs office listed on its website. It also arranges sportfishing trips and looks after yachts and sailboats passing through. Above the docks there are guest suites, a restaurant and a full bar, so crews can step off the boat and into a hot shower and a cold drink.
The marina and the bay
Golfito Bay is a deep, sheltered inlet off the Golfo Dulce, protected from Pacific swell. That shelter is the big draw here: it's a calm place to sit out weather, do small jobs, provision and rest after a long passage. Directory listings show floating docks, diesel, water, power, ice and security, but services can change, so confirm what's available for your boat before you arrive.
The marina monitors VHF 16. Golfito's small airport and the long-distance bus from San José both end close by, which makes crew changes easier than you'd expect for such a remote corner of the country.
Where it is
You'll find it at Km 2 in the Casa Amarilla area of Golfito, on the bay side of the main road. San José is roughly 6 to 7 hours away by road. The Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez and the Golfo Dulce's rainforest coast are all short boat rides across the gulf.
Who it suits
- Cruising sailors entering or leaving Costa Rica on the Pacific side, especially those coming from Panama.
- Anglers chasing billfish, roosterfish and inshore species in and around the Golfo Dulce.
- Travelers who want a simple waterfront room with a restaurant and bar on site, rather than a big resort.
Good to know before you book
- Entry and exit procedures for private boats change from time to time. Contact the marina before arrival to ask what paperwork they need and whether they can arrange officials.
- The Golfo Dulce is calm compared with the open Pacific, but the southern Pacific is one of the wettest parts of Costa Rica. Expect heavy rain from about September to November.
- Rooms here are described in guest reviews as simple. Come for the location and the people rather than luxury.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clear into Costa Rica at Banana Bay Marina?
The marina says it's an official point of entry and exit for Costa Rica and offers cruising permits. Contact them before you arrive to arrange the process.
Is there somewhere to stay at the marina?
Yes. There are guest suites on site, along with a restaurant and a full bar.
What radio channel should I call on?
The marina monitors VHF 16.
How do I get to Golfito without a boat?
Golfito has a small domestic airport and a direct bus from San José. Driving takes roughly 6 to 7 hours from the capital.