This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER A new light aircraft accident was reported in Costa Rica the aircraft carrying two tourists had an incident while landing at the Punta Banco aerodrome in Pavones de Golfito Both the pilot and the two tourists were unharmed took off from Tobías Bolaños International Airport on a private flight bound for Pavones surrounding trees and vegetation helped to stop it in time Authorities confirmed an investigation will take place the aircraft took off from Tobías Bolaños Airport which clearly represents a deviation from the flight plan Our investigators are on the scene for the corresponding investigation,” said Luis Miranda The Red Cross communications office indicated that the incident was logged in their base but it was not necessary to transfer the rescue team or personnel to the Playa Banco area near Golfito Last year, a tragedy occurred when five people died after a small plane crashed into the Pico Blanco hill in Escazú. There was only one survivor, Paola Amador. She was taken to the Trauma Hospital of the National Insurance Institute (INS), and after medical interventions and a long recovery, she was able to stabilize and leave the hospital. Authorities are conducting investigations to determine the causes of the reported accidents. Learn about the Golfito and Corozal Free Zones in Costa Rica and Belize the region hosts two major duty-free zones that serve as shopping destinations in their own right: Golfito in southern Costa Rica and the Corozal Free Zone between Belize and Mexico These duty-free zones play vital roles in their local economies while providing significant savings opportunities for shoppers The zones have evolved into commercial hubs that attract people seeking significant discounts on electronics The economic impact extends beyond simple retail creating employment opportunities and stimulating regional development For travelers and expats in Central America understanding these duty-free options can lead to substantial savings on purchases while contributing to local economic growth Tucked away in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific region Golfito is the country’s premier duty-free shopping destination This former banana port town reinvented itself in 1990 when the government established the Deposito Libre de Golfito The transformation aimed to boost the local economy after United Fruit Company’s departure devastated the region in the 1980s Golfito’s duty-free zone offers substantial savings on a wide range of products visitors must first obtain a TAC (Tarjeta de Autorización de Compras or Shopping Authorization Card) from the administration building by presenting valid identification – a passport for foreigners or cédula for Costa Ricans shoppers can find significant discounts on electronics The zone particularly appeals to Costa Rican nationals and expatriates seeking better prices on high-value items without traveling abroad Recent changes have made shopping in Golfito more convenient. Previously, regulations required a gap of 24 hours from shoppers receiving their TAC to entering the free trade zone, a rule designed to boost local tourism. However, since 2021, visitors can now shop on the same day they receive their authorization card many still choose to stay in Golfito due to its remote location and early morning shopping hours The zone operates under specific guidelines. Shoppers can spend up to $2,500 annually on duty-free purchases. JUDESUR oversees operations and channels income toward local development projects including student scholarships and small business support While the shopping complex itself might not match the glossy appearance of modern malls the substantial savings make it a worthwhile destination Successful shopping trips require planning Many shoppers coordinate their visits with other activities in the region such as exploring nearby national parks or enjoying marine activities A post shared by Hotel Casa Roland Golfito (@casaroland_golfitoresort) The Corozal Free Zone (also called the Chetumal-Belize Free Zone) straddles the border between Belize and Mexico creating a unique shopping destination that capitalizes on its strategic location this sprawling commercial complex has grown into a significant retail hub with over 300 stores attracting shoppers seeking bargains on international goods Unlike Golfito’s focus on household appliances and electronics the Corozal Free Zone specializes in luxury items like perfumes The zone caters primarily to cross-border shoppers with most businesses owned and operated by residents of Mexico’s Quintana Roo state makes it particularly attractive to Mexican nationals seeking duty-free bargains The shopping experience here differs from traditional retail environments in Belize the zone has evolved into an entertainment destination featuring casinos that attract both tourists and locals The zone’s economic impact extends throughout Belize’s northern region, creating employment opportunities for residents of Corozal and Orange Walk districts the zone offers access to products often unavailable elsewhere in the country while its proximity to Mexico’s Sam’s Club and other major retailers in Chetumal provides extra shopping options A post shared by Celeste Kimberly (@celeste__kimberly) Central America’s airports and border crossings offer other duty-free shopping opportunities though with different product focuses and regulations than the major free zones These locations primarily cater to international travelers with traditional duty-free selections of perfumes but often at higher prices than the dedicated free zones Juan Santamaría International near San José and Guanacaste International in Liberia maintain well-stocked duty-free shops specializing in premium spirits and locally produced items like coffee and chocolates Border duty-free outlets present another shopping alternative particularly at crossings like Paso Canoas between Costa Rica and Panama These locations tend toward electronics and spirits though their selections typically prove more limited than airport offerings The Peñas Blancas crossing between Costa Rica and Nicaragua maintains smaller duty-free operations while similar outlets exist at El Florido between Honduras and Guatemala and El Poy connecting Honduras with El Salvador A post shared by Roberto Carlos (@robertt_tv) Understanding the distinct advantages of each duty-free shopping option in Central America helps travelers and residents maximize their savings opportunities The dedicated free zones of Golfito and Corozal offer the most comprehensive shopping experiences with the broadest product selections and typically the best prices These destinations warrant specific shopping trips particularly for those seeking significant savings on electronics Airport duty-free shops around Central America provide convenience for travelers but often at premium prices that reflect their operating costs. While these locations excel at offering luxury items they’re best suited for last-minute purchases or when seeking specific duty-free exclusives offering decent selections of specific categories like spirits and tobacco but without the extensive range found in the major free zones For residents and long-term visitors in Central America combining shopping strategies often proves most effective The major free zones merit planned excursions for significant purchases while airport and border shops can fill specific needs during travel Understanding these distinctions allows shoppers to maximize their duty-free benefits while contributing to the regional economies that have made these shopping opportunities possible Think Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout Latin America While Americans enjoy tacos and tequila today Central Americans barely notice the date… Costa Rica tourism faces challenges as high season ends with declining visitor numbers amid concerns over rising prices and competitiveness What are the top things to do in Placencia Find out from someone who lives in one of Belize’s most vibrant beach communities We’ll provide you with invaluable info and resources for an unforgettable Central American experience Thumper is like a grand old Southern dame: aging gracefully but still able to dance with the best of ’em The 60-foot Mikelson sashays out toward the deep seamounts off Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast the boat’s classic wood interior creaking comfortably as she shoulders aside the wind-whipped frenzy of swells Darkness comes quickly in Central America—after an all-night chug at 7 knots He graduated from Pennsylvania’s Villanova University in 1967 enlisted in the US Army and spent some time in Southeast Asia along with many other young Americans of his generation Glah went into business with an Australian chap he met in Laos He hit it big on Wall Street and spent a successful career working for Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of Canada but kept the hippie ponytail he’d sported for years after the military in fact—happily retired and fishing his ass off at 74 seems like a perfect fit for the man and the boat—they are both happy there my first offshore rig was a 39 Topaz Royale,” Glah says so we used to chase the bigeye tuna from the canyons off New York to Ocean City Maryland—we won the Ocean City Tuna Tournament in 2002 with a 220-pound bigeye My research led me to Mikelson Yachts in San Diego The company built a 60-footer it described as having the interior of a 50 and the exterior of a 70 thanks to the wide walkarounds on the deck that offered great access to the bow with a huge cockpit and mezzanine seating aft.” he got a phone call from Mikelson owner Bob Peterson saying that he had a used 60 for sale piled all their boat and fishing gear in it bought the boat and began a leisurely seven-month journey back to Sunset Marina I kept thinking back to all those great ports we had visited in the Pacific on the way back from California and my mind kept coming back to the great times and awesome ­fishing we had in Golfito.” This quaint fishing village on the Pacific side of southern Costa Rica remains much the same as it has for the past 100 years yet the fishing remains as good—perhaps even better—than it ever has been in the past The town lies on a narrow ribbon of land along the coast verdant rainforest and low mountains just inland There’s a small residential area near the port; Golfito town and the marinas are a little farther south and a small airstrip that’s served by regional carriers such as Sansa Once a major banana-growing region—and the primary reason for its development as a port city—that industry hit on hard times when the United Fruit Company closed in 1985 with huge palm plantations springing up along the Costa Rican countryside sport fishing had taken center stage as an economic driver in Golfito Within the huge protected bay right out front—Golfo Dulce the remnants of a supervolcano over 50 miles in circumference that imploded a millennium ago—anglers could catch just about anything from roosterfish and cubera snapper to big trevally and African pompano The offshore waters just beyond offered consistent fishing for marlin Fishing lodges such as Roy’s Zancudo and Golfito Sailfish Rancho were posting some amazing catches and numerous IGFA world records so a small-but-sturdy charter fleet emerged in Golfito a Miamian who ran a 51-foot Whiticar out of Fishhook Marina Lynskey had fished with Glah on one occasion aboard Thumper down near the Panamanian border; that trip left an indelible impression on both men Thumper returned to her new home in Golfito Although it seems much longer, it was only around eight years ago that the offshore seamount fishery in southern Costa Rica started producing unbelievable numbers of blue marlin Southern Costa Rica is one of the unique places on Earth where three different tectonic plates intersect The entire area is rife with volcanic activity with seamounts rising from the thousand-fathom bottom at the Panama border to the west along the coast of Costa Rica for more than 50 miles and over 100 miles south These undersea mountain ranges are positioned alongside strategic blue marlin migratory routes and they also hold vast shoals of bonito and yellowfin tuna As more recreational sport-fishing boats ventured into the deep on multiday trips often spending several nights on the sea anchor offshore one thing became clear: The entire area was absolutely loaded with blue marlin No problem—Lynskey did that on Thumper over a hot 10-day stretch in August 2019 Always an impressive accomplishment but not that hard for the right program Pete Rae did it during the 2014-2015 season on Sea Spud After flying into San Jose and meeting up with fellow anglers Jim Czaban with the diesels idling and a dinner of local jumbo shrimp already on the table As we pushed off into the darkness to begin an all-night chug the wind was already whistling through the outriggers Usually seamount conditions are reasonably calm although often rainy as was the case with our trip in fall 2019 but a tropical wave had kicked up the wind and seas just in time for our departure and we were ready to fish in the hazy bronze light of pre-dawn Lynskey had spent some time driving around the various peaks and valleys of the Papa Bank in an effort to locate bait Our duo of well-trained Tico mates were already bait-fishing as we emerged from the salon keeping just the smaller bonito and yellowfin tuna and releasing anything over about 15 inches or so—although we did keep a few of the larger football tuna for sashimi “I like the smaller ones because these fish can just inhale them without having to worry about one getting fouled up on the bite,” Lynskey says The spread itself was built for simplicity: a pair of Flippy Floppy teasers paired with Moldcraft Wide Ranges controlled by Lynskey on the bridge; a second pair of teasers—Pakula Sprockets—from the cockpit on the short riggers; and a set of Poseidon lures from the long riggers The plan was to pitch-bait our fish on the teasers with the lures giving us a last-ditch shot at a missed or uninterested blue as it departed the spread with a small tuna or bonito matched to a 10/0 circle hook on one side and a horse ballyhoo with a small Squidnation chugger on the other There is more than enough room to move because there is no fighting chair or rocket launcher—this is stand-up fishing at its best who pitched a small tuna from his position on the right corner I was ready to back him up on the left side when the blue faded into the white water for a few tense moments Lynskey expertly teased the fish in; a quick drop-back and the 200-pound fish inhaled my ballyhoo nearly at the exhaust pipe we scored our first release of the trip a few minutes later just as Glah emerged from the salon announcing that breakfast was ready If there’s a better wake-up call than a pre-dawn blue marlin teaser bite when the bait seemed to dissipate into the depths—we dodged a few rain showers and had a few more bites in the afternoon then it was time to deploy the sea anchor and call it a day After a second full day on the Papa Bank, we had raised a bunch of blue marlin—all in the 150- to 250-pound class—and had released 12, plus a bonus sailfish. Two days of fighting not only blue ­marlin but also the 6-to-9-foot whitecapping seas was ­taking its toll, so that evening we elected to make a down-sea jog some 70 miles toward Punta Burica on the Panamanian border for a shot at a black marlin the sea conditions had changed dramatically thanks to the passage of the tropical wave; calm seas at dawn were a welcome change as Thumper easily surfed down-sea With the mountains of western Panama in sight we put out the spread and started to work the area The fishing off Burica is unique because the dominant feature—a giant dormant undersea volcano that rises to within 500 feet of the surface in 500 fathoms of water—is just 4 miles off the beach the rains of October had brought significantly dirty water to the area along with tons of floating trees and other debris washing offshore especially if there is an abundance of bait we were up and running toward an enormous flock of birds just over the horizon Below them were pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins along with some nice yellowfin tuna crashing through bait pods on the surface—an incredible sight to witness anywhere in the world The mates had already swapped circle hooks for cedar plugs and small skirted lures we’re all solidly hooked up on tuna around 50 pounds or so Glah pitched a live blue runner into the melee and came tight to a much larger yellowfin which he fought for about 20 minutes before the 60-pound-test fluorocarbon leader finally frayed After a couple of hours of nonstop activity As we went back on the troll uphill toward home we passed near one of Lynskey’s favorite bottomfishing spots: another dormant undersea volcano in 550 feet of water the boys in the pit had us ready to rock ’n’ roll with multihook rigs tipped with bonito strips we caught some nice snowy grouper—often two at a time—on each drop topping off the fish boxes before continuing on our way Arriving back at the mouth of the Golfo Dulce we still had a few hours of daylight to burn so we elected to slow-troll the remaining blue runners in the livewell while also casting topwater chuggers on heavy spinning rods in hopes of enticing a jumbo roosterfish or big cubera from around the rocky islets near the entrance at Manapalo A higher-than-normal tide had the inshore fish off the feed though We returned to our slip at Fishhook Marina just as the sun set While most of the attention in Costa Rica is rightfully focused on the more modern destinations there is something to be said for fishing the old-school way and hopefully will be for many years into the future Most visitors will arrive by air to San Jose It’s a little over 100 miles by road to Golfito and it’s a scenic trip of about five hours or so The Golfito Airport (GLF) is in a narrow valley running inland from the bay with mountains on both sides of the runway and high terrain immediately off the northwestern end; approaches and departures are right over the bay but keep in mind that bad weather frequently causes flight cancellations especially in the rainy season—morning flights can usually get in just fine but afternoon flights back to San Jose are often delayed or canceled our group chose to take the airport transfer van back to San Jose at the ­conclusion of our trip rather than risk ­missing our flights home Fishhook Marina has a charming bar and restaurant we had a terrific dinner of our fresh grouper and tuna prepared several different ways washing it all down with some cold Imperial beer There are plenty of other attractions in the area Corcovado National Park is on the Osa Peninsula at Puerto Jimenez Created in 1975 to protect the area from illegal gold mining and timber operations the 104,000-acre park has several hiking trails 13 major ecosystems and more than 20 miles of shoreline It’s also home to Costa Rica’s largest population of scarlet macaws the legendary break at Pavones is not to be missed it’s among the longest left breaks in the world Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced By signing up you agree to receive communications from Marlin and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen Marlin may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site Copyright © 2025 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced. Subscribe now to get seven keepsake print editions of Marlin per year, along with instant access to a digital archive of past issues, all for only $29 per year. a girl playing in one of the 'little castles' in the place died when the structure collapsed The Cuban authorities plan to reopen El Golfito de Alamar a former recreational center located in that neighborhood in Eastern Havana which for several decades was an important recreational spot for the local population in that area of the city A report from the independent portal 14ymedio revealed that for several weeks now a state brigade has been working on the reconstruction of the old structures as well as clearing and weeding out the overgrown vegetation that has taken over the areas after many years of neglect According to a worker identified as Rolando a "community project" is being carried out by the State and the aim is to inaugurate it "at the beginning of summer." "The entrance fee will be 200 pesos for those over 12 years old and free for the little ones All the offerings will be in pesos," he detailed the ramps have already been repaired and the holes have been unclogged although in general the works have not progressed much and the place still looks like an archaeological excavation a little girl who was playing in one of the 'little castles' died because the structure collapsed," Rolando revealed without giving more details The Cuban government has allowed the destruction of the sites that used to serve as recreational areas for families it was reported that the Raw Materials Recovery Company (ERMP) in Guantanamo started building playgrounds with old recycled tires in an attempt to curb the disappearance of the original parks The workers transform completely useless tires into tractors and shape modules that are later used to build welcoming playgrounds for children Recent images of Havana's Lenin Park released by CubaNet show the attractions stopped a painful proof of institutional neglect in Cuba This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. THE WORLD PROPERTY JOURNAL ™1221 Brickell Avenue, Ste 900Miami, FL 33131 THE WORLD PROPERTY JOURNAL ™300 Spectrum Center Drive, Ste 400Irvine, CA 92618 Thirteen people of four nationalities were rescued this Sunday after being held since November 2023 on a boat anchored in Golfito, Puntarenas. The operation was carried out by agents from the Specialized Section on Gender Violence, Trafficking in Persons, and Smuggling of Migrants of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). At the end of May, they received confidential information about the alleged conditions of the people, who were not being paid and were living in poor conditions with inadequate food and overcrowding. “At the end of May 2024, confidential information was received indicating that this boat was anchored with several individuals on board, who were not being paid, had poor food conditions, and were living in overcrowded conditions,” explained the OIJ. As detailed by the OIJ, last Sunday at 9:00 a.m., the raid and rescue of 13 people of different nationalities, including Mexicans, Ecuadorians, Venezuelans, Costa Ricans, and Portuguese, was carried out. As a result, the authorities arrested a man of Portuguese nationality, who is suspected of the crime of Trafficking in Persons for the Purpose of Labor Exploitation. The OIJ detailed that during the raid, a cell phone was seized, along with other evidence for the investigation. The photographic evidence was vital in showing the conditions in which these people lived, according to the officials.   Regarding the suspect, the agents presented him before the judicial authorities, who will determine his legal situation. In Costa Rica, human trafficking is punishable by law with sentences raning from six to ten years in prision, or sixteen years in those cases where victims suffer serious health damage, if the offense was committed by a criminal organization, or there are other aggravating circumstances. The OIJ indicated that this operation highlights the ongoing fight against human trafficking and its commitment to the protection of human rights. Authorities will continue investigating to determine the extent of the labor exploitation network and ensure that those responsible face justice. Costa RicaChevron open-air jungle sanctuary set among 380 private acres of lush primary and secondary rainforest that blends in seamlessly with its surroundings overlooking the coastal village of Golfito Costa Rica’s largest national park revered for its biodiversity and beauty The panoramic views are ever-changing depending on the season and beckons you to forget about your cell phone and worldly woes two waterfalls with natural pools for swimming—not to mention ultra-comfortable rooms which isn't always the case in a jungle environment The altitude also means cooling breezes and fewer bugs This eco-lodge is just 20-minutes from town there's easy access to a handful of bars and restaurants housed in colorful ramshackle buildings where nature reigns supreme—and the owners have designed a lodge and guest experience in perfect harmony with that philosophy They offer all types of people an opportunity to become immersed in nature to recharge and reconnect with themselves and each other you just might find you get what you need.” And if you can do that—and just relax on every level—Costa Rica and Cielo Lodge will not disappoint The backstory: It’s hard to believe that Cielo Lodge is Nicole and Keith Goldstein’s first and only hotel because they've done such an outstanding job in building it from the ground up—but in many ways This vision has been crystallizing since the couple’s first trip to Costa Rica with their children in 2005 they decided to seize the moment and traded their comfortable life in Silicon Valley where they both worked in the tech industry for this beautiful piece of property and a dream Their goal was to recreate for guests the transformative experiences they shared as a family from being surrounded by nature and other like-minded adventurers on that earlier trip The rooms: There are six elevated canopy suites that can accommodate two to four people; they've been thoughtfully spread out across the property to ensure maximum privacy All you see from your 660-square-foot suite is nature—and that's the entire point of this place with elements of reclaimed hardwood incorporated into the furnishings and actual structures There are stone sinks crafted from local stone and fantastical wooden masks made by Costa Rica’s indigenous Boruca tribe But all this is really secondary to what's going on outside Some suites face the sea while others are hidden along the backside of the mountain while lying in bed listening to the sounds of the jungle indicating how wild and gratefully undeveloped this forest is There are large floor-to-ceiling screened-in windows along one wall that separates the interior from the expansive terrace In the morning you can witness nature waking up from the comfort of your king-sized bed There's a very decadent outdoor rain shower built on a wooden deck that is totally concealed and surrounded by a small garden of flowers and foliage as well as a beautiful stone shower inside I'll point out there's no air conditioning in the rooms but there are two ceiling fans that work fine but most jungle lodges don’t have it—or screens on their windows the second full-size bed is a very comfy pull-out couch suitable for a couple of kids or one adult Food and drink: There's one restaurant on site overlooking that amazing view and a second-story open-air bar above it called the Sunset Bar The bar and the dining area are great places to connect with other travelers and share the day's adventures But you can also arrange for a cozy private dinner on your terrace if that's what you prefer along with early morning beverages and baked goods delivered to your door Executive Chef Cesar takes advantage of this by using what’s in season He adds his own innovative twists to traditional favorites but all meals are healthy and delicious which is the key to good Costa Rican cooking While the fully stocked Sunset Bar is a great place to watch the sun go down the infinity-edge saltwater pool was my preferred go-to The spa: I was there before the spa was constructed but there are plans in early 2022 to build a roofed yoga platform in the forest for sunrise yoga and a small spa that will offer massage and other types of wellness and relaxation treatments The area: Golfito was virtually uninhabited and a pristine jungle until the 1930s when the United Fruit Company it left behind good infrastructure and a paved road There are remnants of buildings that once housed the company’s administrators and two-story wooden structures for the workers along the main road which runs between the mountains and the bay not yet overrun by too many expats or tourists save a small community of transient sailors While still a little rough around the edges and proximity to the water are what make Golfito so charming Anything left to mention? One way to experience true Costa Rican culture is to take a five-minute boat taxi from Golfito to the tiny island of Puntarenitas. There are a few no-fuss restaurants with sand floors and simple wooden benches and tables. The fish is caught fresh daily—I’d venture to say even hourly. After lunch, you can spend a pleasant afternoon swimming and sunbathing alongside very friendly locals before heading back to the lodge. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Planned as one of the most progressive destinations in Central America Golfito Marina Village will feature luxury ocean-side villas and suites is scheduled to open during the third quarter of 2016 the marina will have dockage for yachts from 40 to 350 feet in length and will provide shore power as well as fresh water and black water pump-out at each slip The 268-foot fuel dock will supply diesel and gasoline with high-speed pumps the Marina Village shops will offer a variety of fishing-friendly services such as a ship’s chandlery and tackle shop with live bait flash freeze services and a certified weigh station as well as a full-service shipyard with a 45-ton Travelift There will be three restaurants on site including one located on an island in Golfito Bay a steak house with a microbrewery and fine dining available in the Golfito Yacht Club Copyright © 2025 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced Subscribe now to get seven keepsake print editions of Marlin per year along with instant access to a digital archive of past issues The Disciplinary Commission of the Costa Rican Soccer Federation (FCRF) reported that match-fixing took place in the Second Division League (Liga de Ascenso) during the 2023 tournament the FIFA Integrity Officer in Costa Rica submitted a report to the FCRF Disciplinary Committee after conducting an investigation based on an alert from FIFA’s suspicious activity detection system reports prepared by the company Sportradar (a specialist in detecting irregular activity in sports betting) as well as testimonies of several people,” the Costa Rican Soccer Federation mentioned the Disciplinary Committee developed the formal procedure and calling witnesses to interview them directly The Disciplinary Commission determined by unanimous vote of its members that the directors of Puerto Golfito Fútbol Club indeed participated in match-fixing for which it sanctioned the club and its main officials with a ten-year suspension from all types of federated soccer activities as it is considered a very serious conduct against integrity in soccer revealed how the game-fixing was discovered “We received a complaint from some players and people from the Golfito FC team and we had to act and file a complaint with the FIFA Integrity Officer,” said Hidalgo The head of the Second Division explained that he knew how to handle the match-fixing alert because he had attended a CONCACAF training session “I was trained by CONCACAF; I knew the protocol and the integrity officer knew the process,” he added The Soccer Federation reiterated its commitment to fair play and the defense of the values promoted by the sport “The FCRF once again states that institutionalism is above any individual or collective interest and that ‘fair play’ in all areas of soccer will always be the way forward,” they added As this matter may be referred to the Court of Appeals the Federation indicated that it is unable to provide further details Marriott International recently revealed ambitious expansion plans in Costa Rica thanks to a new strategic alliance with local hospitality leader Enjoy Group The companies will introduce two new Autograph Collection branded hotels by late 2025 tapping into surging tourism demand across Costa Rica’s wealth of nature destinations The newly announced Villa Lapas Autograph Collection and Marina Bahía Golfito Autograph Collection properties will start welcoming guests in Q4 2025 The planned additions will complement Enjoy Group’s existing portfolio of Autograph Collection hotels in Costa Rica – the acclaimed El Mangroove and Punta Islita resorts Marriott Chief Development Officer for the Caribbean and Latin America hailed the deal as reaffirming Marriott’s commitment to further elevating Costa Rica as a premier global tourism hotspot He also noted the robust appeal of the Autograph Collection brand amongst travelers and hospitality developers alike in identifying one-of-a-kind accommodations De Kousemaeker specifically cited Enjoy Group’s prowess for “consistently delivering exceptional products and destinations,” emphasizing the deep regional ties underpinning the partnership Nestled within lush rainforest just outside Tárcoles the 86-room Villa Lapas property will immerse guests within breathtaking natural vistas unique to Costa Rica The hotel will offer spacious event facilities an outdoor pool and abundant outdoor recreation spaces “The new hotel will be a haven for travelers looking for scenic drives, whale watching fishing or relaxing on the nearby beaches,” de Kousemaeker envisioned Meanwhile in Golfito, the planned Marina Bahía development will feature 35 hotel rooms alongside 72 residences presenting a rare opportunity to own a property within an Autograph Collection resort Shared amenities will range from meeting venues to a spa fitness center and distinctive culinary experiences Underscoring Golfito’scredentials as a nature lover’s paradise de Kousemaeker highlighted the region’s five national parks botanical gardens and reserves located just beyond the property “Nature enthusiasts can explore the sea Through this collaboration marrying Marriott’s global distribution might with Enjoy Group’s development prowess Costa Rica is set to welcome two exceptionally distinguished resorts offering authentic experiences that could only exist in this acclaimed destination GOLFITO — Reinier Aguilar Villalta never misses class The 41-year-old English student sits on the far left of an elementary school music classroom as he waits for his 6 p.m brown-eyed Golfito native has a soft smile He is currently unemployed after a work accident that broke his ankle and femur leaving him with new pieces of metal in his body while others dress in their work button-downs Eighteen years ago, the port town of Golfito made international headlines after 23-year Kansas University student Shannon Lucille Martin was murdered here her family and the Golfito community have set up a foundation to help the local community Villalta has been a part of the English-language program offered through the Shannon L. Martin Foundation for almost a year he is taking the class to learn English for better job opportunities Daisy Sanduez Mata’s hair is tinted red and cut short She is a 62-year old hair stylist at a local resort who wants to learn English to communicate with her grandchildren in the United States and for her work with tourists Marcos Mata Baltodano and Diego Reyes are the only two 17-year old students permitted in the class that normally has an entrance age of 18 This is because they are soon heading to the International Fair of Technology in Phoenix where they will discuss how technology can address social problems Their project focuses on technology that helps people with hearing disabilities better communicate with others 58-year-old Hector Ruiz Morpmiza and 59-year old Carlos Luis Solano are studying English because they wanted to learn a new language emphasizing how learning the new language has given him the opportunity to see himself in a different light Currently there are 17 students employed at jobs where they need English skills because they work directly or indirectly with tourists The non-profit English program is offered Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m and is split up between beginner and advanced levels The nine-month program not only helps students with language skills but also strengthens community bonds as students share job opportunities Students in the classes do not pay for anything outside of their textbook, as the program is funded by donors from the United States. The foundation seeks grants and other donors in order to expand the program Kristin Syverson Cox studied abroad with Martin in 2000 Martin Foundation was founded in 2004 through Martin’s mother with the support of the Coast Guard Academy but Cox helped re-launch it in 2014 and now heads it and I know Shannon felt the same way,” said Cox who didn’t want Golfito to be defined by what happened to Martin “It just made sense for me to do it in honor of her and in memory or her When Shannon Martin was a study-abroad student in Golfito she helped tutor about 30 children in Spanish Jose Moya Villagra was one of those students and he says today that the English he learned made a lasting impact on his life and career in the sportfishing industry to the dozens of people who are helped by the Shannon L it’s clear she has left a lasting impact on the community Shannon Martin spent a semester falling in love with Golfito in 2000 and hoped to one day return to days of hair thrown up in a messy bun and flip-flops under the Central American sun She left Costa Rica but returned to Golfito to collect fern samples she was studying It was a week before her college graduation and came as a shock to Golfito Reineer Villalta says he saw Martin hours before she was murdered outside her host parents’ house feet away from the beach party he threw that May at Jurassic Bar He recalls 200 people lining the street outside because it was packed full of people They were sick that it happened,” said Shannon’s mother She remembers people approaching her simply to say how much they had liked Shannon Stauffer-Schorr visited Golfito at least 10 times the study abroad program in Golfito in which Martin participated has been terminated The increase of crime and poverty in Golfito stems in part from the state of the town after the United Fruit Company left in the 1980s rocking the framework of the Golfito economy and then the community Since Golfito lost its driving economic source The U.S.-styled corporate houses in Golfito are now left dilapidated and abandoned with missing windows surrounding by old stalks of banana plants Golfito became the home of the Depósito Libre But its economic impact couldn’t replace that of the United Fruit Company Abraham Vallecillo believes the Golfito people are dependent on the resources that were always given to them “There’s a bad idea that is thought by the people that if we don’t have the United Fruit Company Those are ideas and that produces something psychological that we see in a lot of people,” Vallecillo said “People need to open their eyes and see that they are worth it they are of value and that they can prove themselves.” Villalta says that the biggest problem he sees in Golfito is that “we don’t know how to conform.” “We need to find something better for us,” he adds before listing off ideas centering around the city’s biggest issues He recommends having more resources for women in the area a way to connect them with some sort of occupation or institution “The domestic violence is a lot,” Villalta explains mentioning a case where a woman was murdered by her husband earlier that week “The men go out in the street with their friends but the women are in the house then transitions to ideas for students who otherwise might fall into the party or drug scenes Martin Foundation can challenge students to find more opportunities than are currently available Reinier Aguilar Villalta was Shannon Martin’s close friend They met in 2000 during Martin’s first week in Golfito He recalls the nicknames they had for each other — “Piggie” and “Mount” — and the conversations they had about differences in culture and relationship advice with her Costa Rican boyfriend describing Shannon as a friendly person who would stay in the street and talk to people He says that the foundation is like she was “It helps the people in the town,” he said Vallecillo says he doesn’t want to dwell on what can be perceived as negative but mentions the foundation’s story to illuminate something about Golfito he thinks is often overlooked “Whose mother and whose friend wants to help people or the community who stole the life of a person?” Vallecillo asks He uses that as part of his fight in favor of Golfito I will do everything I have to do to make the lives of my people better here Golfito has endured economic and social struggles The Southern Zone is Costa Rica’s poorest some community members turned to drugs and violence That violent undercurrent took Martin’s life inspiring a foundation which aims to break the negative cycle “I feel like the project is working for Golfito,” said Villalta who believes the Foundation is a good push for advancement of the public Using the skills he has learned at the Shannon L Villalta plans to move to Heredia to open a hiking and athletic store He then hopes to return to Golfito to open a business there “I see a good future for Golfito with the tourists,” he said “I told Abraham I would come back here one day per month for class then the other days I will video call,” he says Click here to learn more about the Shannon L. Martin Foundation. This article was sponsored by the Costa Rica USA Foundation (CRUSA). The Tico Times Costa Rica Changemakers section is a sponsored partnership between The Tico Times and CRUSA The conservation of terrestrial and marine species is one of the cornerstones of Golfo Dulce projects such as the reinsertion of scarlet macaws to their natural habitat the rehabilitation of reefs with the help of “coral gardeners” and the creation of conditions for the gulf’s waters to continue to be “hammerhead shark nurseries” before their natural migration to Cocos Island are some of the highlights of the project Coral reefs globally face the dire impacts of climate change and ocean warming “Coral Gardening” endeavors in Golfo Dulce aim to rejuvenate these vital ecosystems Measures include regulating tourist activities like snorkeling promoting the use of reef-friendly sunscreens and advocating responsible tourism practices to safeguard marine biodiversity Meanwhile, the collaborative scarlet macaw reintroduction project, led by Dolphin Lodge and Zoo Ave Animal Rescue Center “Over 300 scarlet macaws have been successfully reintroduced and released with recent counts surpassing 350 on the premises,” shared Reymar Klochko reflecting on the project’s success in bolstering macaw populations nestled amidst the Osa Peninsula and the South Pacific of Costa Rica emerges as a haven for rich terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity Golfo Dulce offers an idyllic habitat for resident dolphins Golfito attracts national and international tourists alike with an array of activities From kayaking and paddle surfing to snorkeling and whale watching visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s natural splendor On land, exploration opportunities abound, with Piedras Blancas National Park and Golfito National Wildlife Refuge offering glimpses of diverse bird species and scenic hiking trails particularly the canton of Golfito and Golfo Dulce presents an enchanting destination brimming with biodiversity and a plethora of land and water activities It stands as a prime choice for Easter tourism and year-round adventures,” he pointed out Recently “Golfo Dulce” was designated as a World Heritage Whale and Hammerhead Shark Sanctuary delivered directly from The Superyacht Group's editors and market analysts Stay at the forefront of the superyacht industry with SuperyachtNewsweek Please select exactly what you would like to receive from us by ticking the boxes below: we are very pleased to announce the soft opening of Golfito Marina Village & Resort,” David Johnson Golfita Marina Village & Resort is nestled within the ocean-side town of Golfito one of the most ecologically diverse regions and will offer the largest superyacht berths on the entire West Coast of Central America “We have more exciting news to follow the marina can receive yachts of all sizes and is able to provide fuel on its 80.8m (265ft) fuel dock as of 1 March,” continues Johnson “We are also proud to announce that the first yacht to stay at the marina was the well-known 57m Feadship build While there are still additions to make to the capacity of the marina it can offer: 14 berths for 12.2m (40ft) vessels; 12 berths for 18.3m (60ft) vessels; six berths for 21.3m (70ft) vessels; three berths for 27.4m (90ft) vessels; one berth for a 45.7m (150ft) vessel; and two berths for 107m (350ft) vessels the marina has a controlled depth of 7.6m (25ft) at low tide There are finger berths for sale from 12.2m to 30.5m and five 100m berths and one 110m berth also for sale – all of which are side-to berths The marina has been designed to cater to the exacting standards of today’s superyacht owners and charterers pump-out facilities at the dock and the best shore power pedestals on the market.  The fuel dock will also have 90,000 gallons of fuel at the dock – enough to fill a 120m Navy vessel The marina village will be ready for tenants to move in no later than 1 May The shops at the marina village – comprising three restaurants chandlery and a variety of other shops – are the current construction focus with its first floor complete and second floor nearing completion GOLFITO MARINA VILLAGE & RESORT Golfito, Costa Rica This is a major throwback with an old photo from our archives Puntarenas — You could call Golfito the Rodney Dangerfield of Costa Rica: It gets no respect “Gritty,” “seedy” and even “sordid” are some the adjectives commonly used to describe this town “Unless you count this (duty-free) shopping center Golfito has no attractions whatsoever,” says LonelyPlanet.com by night the place is home to surly ex-military men Are these travel writers talking about the same Golfito I’m in on the mainland side of the Golfo Dulce in southwest Costa Rica with a lush green island and peninsula across the bay and the protected mountains behind town are a lovely expanse of uninterrupted green There are impressive yachts moored in the little marinas you can drive up the one-lane road to the top of the mountain for a stunning view of the Golfo Dulce But Golfito is best known as a jumping-off point to somewhere else notably the surfing beaches of Zancudo and Pavones You can take a ferry to Puerto Jiménez on your way to Corcovado National Park and you can catch a bus or even a plane to San José blue and green pastels that hark back to the United Fruit Company days Someone had told me Golfito is a “sewer,” but the strongest thing I smelled was fresh fish at least no dirtier than any other town in Costa Rica with builders building and painters painting people gave me a curious glance and an occasional “Buenas.” Nobody said “Hey you wanna get high?” like they asked me in Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo What I didn’t see on my long walk was one other person who looked like a foreigner a Californian who has lived here since 1994 and runs a property management real estate and vacation rental company called Tierra Mar There’s a few titled properties up there that were titled before they declared all of this a reserve but it’s all wilderness and there’s no electricity up there.” Pretty soon Katie dropped the S-word: seedy “It’s really bizarre that Golfito isn’t totally maxed out with luxury boats,” she said I asked her about Golfito’s reputation for being seedy “Most people who end up staying here and love it She called it the kind of place Jimmy Buffett sings about if you’re looking for a couple of small boutique hotels or economical little rental houses where you can drag your kayak out and just paddle around … if you’re looking to just sit back and watch great sunsets over the cut most every night with a cold beer and no hustle no major souvenir shops,” she said … then you’ll probably like Golfito Another person told me about some of the slogans people joke about putting on T-shirts here: “The quaint little drinking town with a fishing problem,” “Sunny place for shady people” and “We make simple hard.” a now-deceased Golfito resident known for circumnavigating the globe in a little 18-foot boat named Shrimpy Quite a statement for someone who’s sailed around the entire world Columbus landed on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in 1502 but it wasn’t until 1519 that the Spanish explorers Hernán Ponce de León and Juan de Castañeda discovered the tranquil sheltered bay in Golfo Dulce where Golfito is located today Here they found the Boruca indigenous people though they didn’t find the gold they were looking for it was right across the Golfo Dulce in the Osa Peninsula where gold was found in abundance centuries later Costa Rica became the first “banana republic” after an American named Minor Keith built a railroad from San José to Limón and planted bananas along the way to feed his workers and try to generate revenue to support his costly railroad surpassing coffee as Costa Rica’s biggest export But a banana blight decimated the Caribbean banana industry and the United Fruit Company (later known as United Brands and finally as Chiquita) moved its headquarters to Golfito in the mid-1930s this was seriously almost pre-Columbian until somewhere in the 1900s,” said Katie “Nobody lived here except barefoot Indian types Playa Cacao was one of the only communities but the jungle dropped all the way into the water here (in Golfito).” A scholarly paper titled “Impacts of the United Fruit Company in southwest Costa Rica,” by Clyde Stephens “When the United Fruit Company arrived in Southwest Costa Rica in 1937 the region was a primeval wilderness with almost no human habitation.” Robert Beatham, 77, of Maine is something of a local legend who came here in 1959, when he was 21, and worked for the United Fruit Company until it closed in 1985. Today he offers tours of his finca, the Paradise Tropical Garden tasty type of lychee called mamón chino at the town park in Golfito “A lot different,” he said in a pronounced New England accent undiminished by decades of living in Costa Rica I asked whether this main road we were standing next to cars and motorcycles constantly blasted past us at alarming speeds gesturing toward the street in front of us “The main line went right through here.” He said there was a little dirt road beside it He pointed out the old locomotive parked behind us and he said it was fenced off because local people were living in it The powerful United Fruit Company made a sweetheart deal with the Costa Rican government that gave it near-total control of this coast for a period of 50 years Here the United Fruit Company built a thriving town from scratch “It did everything for the municipality,” Robert said Looking out over the “seedy” part of Golfito Robert said this is not the best part of town “Pueblo Civil is what this place is called here where people lived who didn’t work in the company,” he said looking up at the street lined with bars that parallels the main street. So what happened to kill the banana business The banana companies planted bananas in more places than needed as a hedge against natural disasters like “blow-downs” that decimated banana crops so there were too many bananas on the market The banana companies took to dumping bananas to keep prices stable An activist Communist Party riled up the workers to strike for higher wages the governments of Central America imposed prohibitive new export taxes on bananas Suddenly it became more costly to export bananas than to grow them younger management at the United Fruit Company which looked at the balance sheet and decided this business no longer made sense banana workers went on strike in 1984 out of sympathy with palm oil strikers this backfired because banana operations were shut down in Palmar,” Stephens wrote “This also caused the port of Golfito to become dead and silent thousands of workers in the banana farms and in the port were out of work and left in a state of shock the plantations and the railroad rapidly grew back into jungle Thus ended a great era of banana production and banana railroading in Southwest Costa Rica.” United Brands completely shut down its banana business in Golfito “Hookers and bars is pretty much what was left a bunch of unemployed hookers and barkeeps and then a bunch of unemployed banana company workers.” “This place was really quite scandalous when we first got here We bought our first property for $800 overlooking the water They would trade you an outboard engine for a piece of land on the waterfront “Nobody had any income here; they were trying to eat,” she said “We needed parts; there were no hardware stores here I knew when to get the meat because I would see the truck go by with the cow in back They hung him on a thing; they didn’t even know how to butcher him they were just selling you pieces of meat.” the Costa Rica government decided to make Golfito a special economic zone where people could buy goods that were imported “duty-free” — not totally tax-free with a complicated plan that required buyers to spend the night in Golfito requesting the merchandise one day and picking it up the next I checked into the Hotel Sierra and went for a walk circular road next to what looked like Central America’s largest prison — a huge though it was completely covered in signs advertising products for sale When I came to an entrance to this complex I walked inside and found myself surrounded by hundreds of people in the strangest shopping mall I’ve ever seen Dozens of people were standing in long lines for no reason I could discern and men were hustling around with industrial-size dollies big enough to carry refrigerators In an open-air compound the size of the Superdome as if they knew I wasn’t their type of customer One area was filled with big racks with rollers on top I felt like I had stepped into an alien environment like Arnold Schwarzenegger on Mars in “Total Recall.” “What is that place?” I asked the man at the front desk of my hotel when I returned from my walk “Es el Depósito Libre,” he said — the duty-free zone where one writer aptly described this place as “surreal.” I had been hanging out at the marina bars of Banana Bay and Fish Hook which someone told me wasn’t the “real” Golfito I decided to walk down to the Latitude 8 Bar one of a string of rundown drinking spots on a street that runs parallel to the main street mindful of what I’d been told about the worsening problem of “confrontational crime” in Golfito I ordered an Imperial and watched Jamaica play fútbol with Haiti Nobody scored in the time it took me to drink a beer and none of the other five people in the bar said anything to me I paid up and walked outside to take a phone call Then a friendly-looking little man approached me on the street and said in English I acted like I didn’t understand and he said it again: “¿Chicas?” plus I’d already been made as an easy mark But you can count me in with the Jimmy Buffett fans: I like it for that very reason Contact Karl Kahler at kkahler@ticotimes.net The semi-submersible intercepted this Wednesday in Golfito was carrying more than two tons of cocaine was stopped by the Coast Guard 200 kilometers offshore from the Osa Peninsula “We managed to seize a total of 2,200 packages which is a very important cargo and a hard blow to criminal structures,” said Martin Arias Arias also confirmed that the drugs were destined for Costa Rica and that this shipment has a wholesale value of $17 million These semi-submersibles are used for trips to South America the Colombian navy captures around 20 such vessels per year and most of these are used for a single trip “Many of these vessels are abandoned on the coasts while others are sunk by criminal groups when they achieve their goal,” Arias said Police forces from the Ministry of Public Security have intercepted two semi-submersibles full of drugs in Costa Rica’s Pacific waters so far this year together with Air Surveillance and the Drug Control Police (PCD) captured the vessel 90 nautical miles off Flamingo after three days of surveillance in coordination with the Colombian Navy is valued in Costa Rica at approximately half a million colones Two Nicaraguans and one Costa Rican were arrested for transporting the drugs in these fiberglass boats and are currently in prison They had previously escaped from a prison in Colombia Golfito Marina Village, the 40-acre development and blue flag marina that is currently being built in the ocean-side town of Golfito, Costa Rica, is seeing significant progression in its construction since its inauguration in November 2015 the deep water marina will offer the largest superyacht berths on the entire West Coast of Central America “125m of the main pier is currently installed with 88m remaining which will be installed over the next few weeks along with 52 finger piers ranging from 13-46m" on the progress of construction at the marina "The additional four 100m finger piers will be installed in phase two.”  “Within a matter of a few weeks we will be able to accommodate two 100m yachts on the main pier and four 50m yachts on the finger piers We’re waiting to install the extra 100m finger piers however we can have them in place within one month if needed” “We recently had 70m M/Y Felix (formerly Amadeus) in the marina because none of the other marinas have the capacity to hold a yacht of this size” Other impending developments include: a small pier dedicated to the resort's water taxis and visiting tenders a pier dedicated to Sport Fish tournaments and charter fleets an 80m fuel dock with high speed pumps and a secured main entry “From an aerial perspective it doesn’t look like a lot has been done but a lot of the work to-date has been focussed on the infrastructure and levelling of the land – for instance but it's time consuming engineering. We do however, expect the remaining work to fall into place on schedule.” “We want to be the most progressive marina in central America” The marina is shaping up to be very accommodating of the high standards expected of superyacht owners and charterers The state-of-the-art facilities will include the likes of 4K internet pump-out facilities at the dock and the best shore power pedestals on the market which offer 4000A at 480 volts with three-phase a marine chandlery will be on-site in the marina village to offer five-star service for visiting yachts “We will have the top one hundred most requested items desired by superyachts on-site” Should there be a request for a part that is not on-site we will be able to have it shipped over from Fort Lauderdale within four hours.”  The latter part of phase one will be focussed to the marina village beach development and infrastructural work along with the floating island restaurant and bar Completion of the villas is part of phase two – the first of which will begin undergoing construction in a few weeks people in Golfito would smirk when asked about the big marina that was supposed to be built here saying the project was all talk and no action and had been stalled for years Golfito Marina Village has the plans the permits and the plata to proceed with this $42 million megaproject and construction is happening so fast that Phase I is expected to open by November and a 400-square-meter Fisherman’s Village commercial area This marina will be the Golfo Dulce’s biggest development ever rivaled only by another planned marina across the gulf these projects could transform the Golfo Dulce from a sleepy backwater to the playground of billionaires with 350-foot “gigayachts.” “It’s not a lot of vertical construction, and the docks, it’s like a Lego,” said Pedro Abdalla Slon project manager and chief architect of the Golfito Marina referring to Phase I as he outlined the vision in a presentation for The Tico Times at his office in Sabana Norte and we’re working really hard and really fast to get it ready because we can’t lose this high season,” he said born in Costa Rica to parents from Lebanon said the project stalled seven years ago because of the global recession “The size was reduced to make it more realistic to the global market after the crisis So that allowed us to lower the cost of Phase I from $30 million to $12 million the project was given final approval by the government the money came through with $7.5 million from Banco Nacional and $3 million from the partners on the project The projected cost of all three phases is officially $41.8 million though Abdalla said $55 million is probably a more realistic figure according to slides shown by Abdalla that reflect an ever-evolving design and cost to be completed by November 2016 at a cost of $9.9 million dry storage for 13 boats and parking for 26 vehicles to be completed by December 2017 at a cost of $16.3 million dry storage for 34 boats and parking for 68 vehicles to be completed by 2019 at a cost of $15.7 million we can increase the concession,” Abdalla said has been working on this project for 10 years And it seems that victory is finally within reach Just across the Golfo Dulce, roughly a 30-minute ferry ride away, Puerto Jiménez has been a hotbed of opposition to Crocodile Bay’s plans to build a 115-slip marina Likewise in Pavones, the world-class surfing capital south of Golfito, the Pavones Point condominium complex now under construction remains fiercely controversial a project similar in size and scope to Crocodile Bay The owners of Crocodile Bay and Pavones Point also say they have “all the approvals,” but that hasn’t won over the vocal opposition Abdalla said hardcore environmentalists will often start a fight “because they don’t know about projects like this,” and “because they have money to fight.” “Now the people believe in the project,” he said “So now they will fight against the people who want to stop this He said the current construction project employs 100 people “It’s a commitment that we have with the municipality,” he said he expects the marina to create 400 jobs directly and 800 or more indirectly a 27-year-old businessman who lives in the area and is involved in the Pavones Point development “I’m not opposed to the marina or that type of development I haven’t heard anybody who’s against it.” Mora said he is aware of the environmental controversy over the Crocodile Bay Marina and of the primarily foreign opposition to Pavones Point “I see it as a good thing for the Southern Zone.” “I understand that all the projects have all the permits they need and all the government permissions and requirements “With most people that I’ve talked to in Golfito about this project everybody is in favor and they’ve been waiting a long time for this project to be developed.” Mora said not long ago there was talk of closing the duty-free zone (“el depósito libre”) in Golfio and opening one on the Caribbean coast in Limón “The depósito opened in Golfito because the banana company left; otherwise it would be a ghost town,” he said “The only other economic activity is fishing from people who come to buy things at the duty-free zone.” But what if a duty-free zone opened in Limón “It gives people a lot of tranquility to be able to seek another kind of work Every boat that comes to this harbor will generate multiple jobs a longtime Golfito resident who runs a property management and vacation rental company called Land Sea Services echoed Mora’s assessment that this project is welcome here I do not know of anyone seriously opposed to the project,” she said “There have been prior concerns about potential issues such as sewage treatment plans traffic hazards and congestion issues along our limited one-road artery through town “There has been discussion over the potential of costly damage to our roads by their movement of heavy equipment or environmental damages by overconsumption of sand from local rivers There are worries that a project that is too dense or architecturally ‘modern’ [and doesn’t] fit in with our low-key ‘pura vida’ style could compromise the coveted laid-back feel Golfito is known for … But I have not seen any indication yet that the current project underway isn’t prepared to handle the issues and damages they create satisfactorily… “Most of my informed and forward-thinking neighbors and the community business persons I associate with believe as I do full-service marina or a multiple of them along our bay is what this town needs to become vibrant again marinas and related support businesses and tourism services that will follow are economically and environmentally our best hope for a sustainable and viable economic base.” Abdalla said Golfito Bay is virtually the perfect place for a project like this because there are no waves and the water is 10 meters deep That means that no special maneuvering is needed for 350-foot superyachts to pull in and dock “This side will be for the gigayacht people,” he said They don’t like the millionaires; they are billionaires.” Everyone laughed Abdalla said this will be one of the few places in the world where gigantic yachts can easily dock And their wealthy owners can fly their private jets directly into the Golfito airport bypassing San José — at least most of them but 80 to 85 percent of private jets can land there and we have already in Golfito immigration and customs,” he said “We have to put some lights and some minimum things which makes it impossible for anyone to own property within 200 meters of the ocean is oddly not a factor in the Golfito calculus “We have no Maritime Zone in Golfito,” Abdalla said “It’s a coastal city.” He said there are five places in the country where there is no Maritime Zone restricting beach ownership: Limón So anyone can own beachfront property in Golfito the best you can get is a concession that allows you to operate a business on a beach for a given number of years it created a 3-hectare landfill in what was formerly the ocean the marina was granted a 35-year concession which it will have to renew in 2040 for 10 years you buy really like a membership,” Abdalla said 2- and 3-bedroom villas will cost $350,000 to $800,000 for something you will not technically own Asked whether the opening of both the Crocodile Bay Marina and the Golfito Marina would create a glut of yacht slips that would exceed demand “We are happy that another marina is coming,” Abdalla said “Because that means that the area is going up because too many people are interested in Costa Rica.” Puntarenas — The president of Costa Rica flew into Golfito on Friday to inaugurate the first phase of a dream a dozen years in the making “Few things satisfy the president of the republic more than inaugurating projects like this that create jobs produce conditions of well-being for communities that need them and to do it in a region so rich and so beloved for me as the Southern Zone,” said President Luis Guillermo Solís at an event attended by hundreds of people Phase I includes a 50-slip marinas for 40- to 140-foot yachts including several that can accommodate the biggest yachts in the world There will be a commercial village with stores and restaurants a 70- to 100-room hotel and dry dock for boats It’s one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the Southern Zone and it’s expected to create hundreds of jobs in a former banana town that has long struggled economically Figures were cited Friday of $50 million for the total project some 70 percent of it financed by Banco Nacional though this appears to be a low-ball estimate that could rise higher The visionary behind this project and one of the chief investors is a 66-year-old U.S developer born in Israel named Noam Schwartz “We developed a lot of projects in Quepos and Manuel Antonio 10 or 11 projects,” Schwartz said in a brief interview on the pier “And then we had an opportunity to buy a piece of land here Everything was quick — how much money do you need And so we bought the land with some other partners “We started construction about 10 years ago So it was sitting dead for about eight years so I decided to come here and make this the — I don’t want to say the last project — but THE project.” noted in remarks to the audience that Golfito’s duty-free zone with an extraordinary potential for development,” he said He cited figures about the employment this project would create and said it was the goal that 80 percent of the employees come from the Southern Zone Golfito Mayor Elberth Barrantes and Banco Nacional General Manager Juan Carlos Corrales a ribbon-cutting was held in front of the marina but Solís first called for the schoolchildren to file in for the photo asked which girl’s ponytail he was supposed to cut off the Fort Lauderdale-based marina sales director said the Golfito marina fills a need for superyachts that routinely pass Costa Rica by on their way to the Galapagos or elsewhere “We built a marina for the future,” he said “We’ll be able to fit the biggest yachts in the world.” Heavy rainfall coupled with high tides caused flooding in several parts of Costa Rica over the weekend Rising rivers and the collapse of sewers led to the flooding of homes and businesses Oceanographer Omar Lizano says that swells are coming from the South Pacific resulting from the formation of high and low-pressure systems “This situation means we receive waves that break heavily on the beaches with the highest expected between Saturday “It’s essential to clarify that forecasts are usually generated in deep waters but this swell that comes from afar has an estimated height it can reach the shore with even greater height and force,” Lizano warned the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) stated that the country is currently in the most intense phase of the rainy season moderate to heavy rains are expected on Monday varying intensity rains are anticipated in the Central and South Pacific regions intermittent rains are expected throughout the afternoon and night ranging between 5-40 mm,” the meteorological institute detailed The primary cause is the Intertropical Convergence Zone There’s also an influx of moisture from both maritime sectors especially for those living in areas prone to landslides and floods They recommend taking the following precautions: Authorities are also working to assess the damage caused by the flooding and to provide assistance to those affected The Costa Rican government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas This will allow the government to mobilize resources and personnel to help those affected The flooding is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters you can help to protect yourself and your family 29 and 38 and with the last names Quirós Vásquez showed up in court for an appeal filed by the Golfito Prosecutor’s Office over Judge Jeffrey Mora Sánchez’s previous decision to release them an appeals court handed down six months of preventive detention for all three suspects citing the severity of the crime – which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence – and the fact that the men are a flight risk living just 40 minutes from the Panama border An attorney representing the three men did not allow The Tico Times to speak with them at the hearing We really wanted to ask them only one question: “Why didn’t you run?” Two of the three Costa Ricans who stood trial for the 2001 stabbing death of Kansas University student Shannon Martin were found guilty Monday of “simple homicide” and sentenced to 15 years in prison 33 — known by the respective street names “La Panteonera” (“The Grave Robber”) and “Caballo” (“The Horse”) — were found guilty by the three-judge tribunal “This is not because we believe in (Zumbado’s) innocence but because we are judges of the Republic and of the law and not of conscience,” Castillo said during the reading of the verdict Zumbado is serving a preventive prison sentence for his alleged involvement in a separate stabbing death in 2002 The sentencing drew tearful outrage from Martin’s mother “Why only 15 years for a violent crime?” she demanded gripping tightly a photograph of her slain daughter and breaking into tears “They took my little girl’s life This is almost like a slap in the face.” The prosecution had asked the judges for the maximum sentence of 35 years for each of the three defendants and demanded a symbolic $1 each for damages in the civil action suit The penalty of 35 years is administered in cases of “qualified homicide,” where the prosecution can prove the accused took some sort of enjoyment in the killing But the lack of evidence and inability of the prosecution to prove a motive led the judges in this southern Pacific port town to hand down a guilty verdict of simple homicide which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and a minimum of 12 Castillo said the judges would insist the two guilty parties serve the full 15-year sentence “The form in which they killed a young the form in which they stabbed her doesn’t lead us to believe they deserve the minimum of 12 years,” Castillo said four of which came after she was already dead Earlier testimony indicated a fierce struggle Her body was found in the early-morning hours along a dark airstrip access road in Golfito 105 miles south of the Costa Rican capital of San Jose She was in the country to gather specimens for a biology project and was to have graduated with honors from KU about a week later The university has since closed its study abroad program in Golfito based on the evidence presented during six trial days spread over more than two weeks Cruz and Castro were the authors and executioners of the crime “We know that Kattia and Luis Alberto killed Shannon both of whom maintained their innocence even after the verdict remained apparently emotionless as the verdict was read Only Zumbado broke down into tears after hearing he was absolved of charges prosecution attorneys insisted that while some details remained fuzzy “We don’t have a crystal ball that tells us what each one was doing at the scene of the crime but the evidence indeed has proven that the three participated in the actions,” said Juan Carlos Arce Arce and Golfito prosecutor Erick Martinez noted Martin had been brutally stabbed and that witnesses had been threatened not to testify The judges’ ruling will be made official Dec after which the two guilty parties will have 15 working days to appeal Castro and Cruz will both remain behind bars until then The first murder charges were presented by Martinez during a separate preliminary hearing in May But sources close to the case claimed the evidence presented then against the two male suspects was weak and feared it would not result in a conviction before a date for the murder trial was set by the judge Stauffer acted on a provision of Costa Rican law and filed a motion for her own legal representation in the case — a legal provision she was unaware of earlier The judge agreed to allow Stauffer representation with the help of Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent Larry Thomas conducted a separate investigation and presented a new set of charges filed in June as a parallel action to the murder case “Jeanette (Stauffer) never had any economic interest in this case No amount of money and no prison term will bring her daughter back,” Arce said during closing arguments He explained that the civil suit was filed last June as a strategy to extend the investigation before the trial began assistant to KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway commended Stauffer for her efforts to get justice in her daughter’s slaying dedication and persistence played a major part in seeing that this went to trial,” Weinberg said Monday night The latest headlines from the Lawrence Journal-World and KUsports.com Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of Kansas, LLC | https://www2.ljworld.com | 1035 N. Third Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 | 785-843-1000 | Terms of Service The luxury liner Star Breeze arrived in Golfito on Thursday morning representing the first passenger-carrying cruise ship to make a port of call in Costa Rica in 17 months It will later make stops in Quepos and Puerto Caldera It’s the first regular cruise arrival to Costa Rica since March 16 “The reactivation of this niche reinforces the economic recovery in the coastal areas Passengers who choose to disembark in Costa Rican ports carry out activities that generate business for the destination,” said Gustavo Segura tourists will visit the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge or go on dolphin-watching excursions to Punta Encanto passengers can explore Manuel Antonio National Park take cooking classes or opt for other open-air activities guests will experience a coffee farm as part of an overland trip to San José “The arrival of this cruise fills us with optimism,” said Victoria Hernández Mora Costa Rica is welcoming cruise ships in which 100% of the crew have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and at least 95% of passengers of vaccination age have received their shots The Star Breeze is carrying fully vaccinated passengers and crew and they also required a negative Covid-19 test to board The Tourism Board has said nine cruise lines have incorporated Costa Rica into their 2021-22 cruise season itineraries: Windstar Five of those cruise lines would arrive in Limón “In the first phase of this reopening most of the cruise ships are those with lower passenger capacity and of high luxury such as the Lindbland (National Geographic Expeditions),” Segura explained in July nearly 240,000 cruise passengers arrived in Costa Rica on 197 ships Each of those visitors spent about $135 per day when in Costa Rica The 2020-21 season was canceled due to the pandemic, though some cruises made stops in Costa Rica to disembark crew. The Deposito Libre de Golfito (Golfito Free Trade Zone) is famous in Costa Rica for its cheap prices Costa Ricans and expats have long traveled down to the southern city of Golfito to buy fridges shoppers had to stay at least one night in town before shopping you needed a TAC (Tarjeta de Autorizacion de Compras) available by presenting your ID 24 hours in advance The idea of making you wait 24 hours was to boost Golfito’s economy It forced shoppers to stay a night in advance and spend money in town many people went to the duty-free stores in Paso Canoas Now, thanks to a new ruling, Golfito Free Trade Zone customers can shop on the same day they receive their TACs it’s likely many shoppers will stay the night anyway But it’s nice they’re no longer forced to stay It makes Golfito competitive again with the duty-frees at the border Quienes vayan a Golfito podrán comprar el mismo día – https://t.co/BdtwUjpMIJ — CRHoy.com (@crhoycom) February 2, 2021 As part of of the new rules, JUDESUR now has more autonomy to invest income from the Golfito Free Trade Zone into the local area we can continue with our fundamental mission to bring development to the five cantons of influence in the southern zone,” said Judesur president Edwin Duartes Duartes went on to say that much of the income generated from the Golfito Free Trade Zone will fund scholarships for local students and help develop small and medium-sized businesses “We trust these changes will contribute to invigorate the economy and resume the development of this important and beautiful part of the country,” said Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado Los visitantes del Depósito Libre Comercial de Golfito ahora podrán realizar sus compras durante el mismo día que lleguen a la zona, gracias a una directriz que firmamos producto del diálogo territorial. Trabajamos por el desarrollo regional de la zona Sur #DiálogoCR — Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) February 2, 2021 The Golfito Marina Village, a $50 million project to build a tourism complex in town came to nothing, with investors bailing out and disappearing in 2019 with the new rules and new controls over its income the hope is that Golfito can start to prosper again James Dyde is the editor of www.centralamerica.com James Dyde is a British immigrant to Costa Rica and the editor of this website He has lived in Central America since 2000 and retains a deep love for the region Balancing investment opportunities with social responsibility in areas affected by Costa Rican gentrification where tourism has created a ‘Gringo Market’ pricing locals out of their communities All about Easter in Costa Rica: Semana Santa myths and why San José shines when the beaches pack out As Costa Rica commemorates the 140th anniversary of its first public lighting the country celebrates technological innovation and discussions about 5G technology are on the table thousands of families across the nation still live without electricity as highlighted by the Electricity Coverage Index 2019 the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) has failed to design and implement a formal rural electrification program The absence of electricity remains a harsh reality for thousands of Costa Rican families they face the greatest deficiencies in terms of electricity coverage and Golfito stand out as the most affected areas The situation varies in each canton and is deeply concerning nearly half of the houses lack electricity Other regions of the country fare little better the highest figures are recorded in Pérez Zeledón and Dota Upala (716) and San Carlos (390) stand out; in Cartago La Cruz (909) and Nicoya (424) also face this challenge acknowledged ICE’s faults and emphasized the need to address these gaps “We’ve planned a rural electrification program with an investment of ₡23 billion to serve close to 3,000 families throughout the country,” he said This investment includes the construction of 402 kilometers of lines and the necessary infrastructure to guarantee the service 43% of the funds will be allocated to projects in Puntarenas ICE invested ₡300 million to extend the service to communities such as La Riviera de Coto Guaranteeing a basic service such as electricity is the duty of a Costa Rican public institution While it is important to develop technology and position the country at the forefront of new technologies the state cannot continue to leave behind and abandon the people of rural areas I swear it was like 6 feet long and weighed around 80 pounds We don’t remove the fish from the water when sportfishing in Costa Rica Many fishing expeditions leave from Costa Rica’s Southern Zone narrow strip of plantation-style urbanism amid untamed jungles the town quickly disappears and it feels like the mountains shoot right out of the sea Within minutes all we see are densely forested mountains It’s a scene that remains much as it was before humans entered the fray and one half-expects to see a pirate hiding in a remote cove Golfito was the sportfishing capital of the world during the 1970s “Not anymore,” said captain Donald McGuinness [Costa Rica’s] government has to take measures similar to those our neighbors have Some 93,000 tourists come to Costa Rica for sportfishing annually “We have tourists coming here and spending 8 12 thousand dollars in five days,” said McGuinness According to the Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP) anglers bring in $331 million to the country annually This income is spread out among ship captains thus helping to sustain a wide population beyond fishermen In order for this source of income to continue to flourish “support from governmental entities is very important,” said Enrique Ramirez “It’s calculated that the export value of a sailfish for consumption is between $123 and $150 while a live sailfish for sportfishing is worth between $3,200 and $3,800,” he continued Costa Rica’s sportfishing industry is working to spread the word on the value of live fish Billfish are the stars of Costa Rica’s sportfishing industry and form an important component at the high end of the marine food chain “billfish are highly exploited in the eastern Pacific Ocean due to high-impact commercial fishing.” The captain spies a good spot to start fishing and slows the motors The mates pull frozen fish out of a cooler and attach them to colorful It’s a frenzy of movement on the back deck as the mates get all the lines baited and positioned There is a definite air of exploration when one is out in the middle of the ocean so I don’t have the instinct of a hunter looking for his next meal if abstract: I have no idea what lurks below the glimmering surface of the ocean The mates hand me a fishing pole that’s bent nearly to the deck And so begins the back-and-forth dance of angler and fish but I’m too focused on the task at hand to pay attention to anything else I scan the water’s surface looking for where the line leads A couple of hundred yards out a sailfish jumps skyward Captain McGuiness backs the ship up and I reel like mad the fish and I in a battle to see who fatigues first the more I fear that I’m going to lose this battle I use quotation marks because with Costa Rica’s new sportfishing protocol Gone are the days of snapping a photo on the deck with a massive sailfish in one’s arms The photo ops are very brief and offer no tangible proof that one actually caught the fish This helps to protect the fish from suffocating captain McGuinness and his crew use circle hooks which only catch on the fish’s mouth – not on its innards This helps protect the fish from potentially damaging internal injuries so the crew oxygenates it by performing short movements from left to right for around 60 seconds as the boat moves forward and the fish returns to the depths of the sea Costa Rica’s newest resort catering to superyachts where the economy has lagged since the Chiquita Banana Co closed its Costa Rica-based operations in 1985 The Golfito Marina Village & Resort seeks to provide hundreds of well-paying jobs in the construction Together with local government authorities, architects and a local real estate developer, the company is starting the development and renovation of the town’s main boulevard in a comprehensive multi-phase project, according to a statement Plans include the construction of a renovated road connecting Golfito Airport with the town a new boardwalk with restaurants featuring local cuisine water taxis to neighboring beaches and attractions and a community recreational park The first phase of the deepwater marina will include 50 (of a total of 130) slips featuring private and secure dockage designated for yachts as large as 350 feet The resort will offer beach residential villas three private floating islands with villas a deluxe hotel and accommodations for yacht captains and crew swimming pools and an island restaurant with a nightclub With plans to host future sportfishing tournaments Golfito Marina was designed specifically to meet angler requirements In close proximity to the Panama Canal and south of the hurricane zone it is on the edge of Golfito Bay on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Soundings Trade Only may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site Copyright © 2025 Soundings Trade Only Firecrown Puntarenas — As we walked out onto Crocodile Bay’s 750-foot pier Thursday a man ran up behind us saying his wife was being taken by ambulance boat to Golfito whose family owns the Crocodile Bay Resort and plans to build a 115-slip marina a 74-room hotel and 50 condominiums here despite considerable local opposition said in good Spanish that he would be happy to help He accepted a bundle the man brought for his wife saying if the hospital boat wasn’t here yet “I think they took her out with appendicitis.” We groaned in sympathy and with a “Perdón” and a “Voy corriendo,” he took off jogging for the end of the long pier “We let the Red Cross and the hospital use our pier facilities because the public pier facilities are in such poor condition that handicapped people old people and hospital patients can’t be safely boarded there,” Cory said we saw the hospital boat with the man’s wife inside She would be transported to a hospital in Golfito is having adequate infrastructure,” said Cory a consummate pitchman offered a coincidental softball the government just doesn’t have the resources or the financial capability to build … anything So they really rely on the private sector.” articulate public face of Crocodile Bay Resort & Marina which when completed in an estimated four years will be the biggest development the Golfo Dulce has ever seen state-of-the-art marina with slips for 115 boats two-story hotel on the water and 50 residences ranging from studios to three-bedrooms at prices between $200,000 and $500,000 but those will be closed after the new hotel and residences are complete This plan has run into a hurricane of local opposition — most of it from a small group of people that has filed every lawsuit imaginable against the project though he says the majority of the community supports it and looks forward to the jobs it will bring “They’ve never done anything good for the people,” said Diego Chavarría a boat captain who worked for Crocodile Bay for seven years giving voice to the sentiment that this business is stingy and doesn’t share anything with anyone else if you go around Puerto Jiménez asking people what they think of the Crocodile Bay project: Sure but all of it will go into Crocodile Bay’s pockets Any economic benefit to the town is outweighed by the environmental risks Puerto Jiménez needs direct economic revitalization not the trickle-down effect of a few jobs for maids and gardeners “A lot of the controversy is really misplaced who has lived in Puerto Jiménez for 16 years and has a Costa Rican family here “It’s often discussed as an environmental issue but it’s not against our project specifically They just don’t want more people down here in the Osa Cory said people don’t understand that a marina will give the Golfo Dulce a place to safely fuel dock and repair boats under strict government oversight — it will make the gulf cleaner most people don’t have experience with marinas and really don’t understand what marinas are,” Cory said “And they think that marinas themselves contaminate and I assure you that the majority of the people that are against our marina have never been to visit the other marinas.” Cory mentioned Marina Papagayo Pez Vela in Quepos and Los Sueños in Herradura calling them excellent examples of well-run marinas “I could understand if Costa Rica had a lot of irresponsibly run marinas that were creating an environmental disaster I could understand the concern over having another The water tests done in Los Sueños inside the marina basin show that the water quality inside the marina basin is better than the water quality outside the marina basin.” To get the other side of the story I drove to nearby Gringolandia the humorously named neighborhood that was actually the original location of Puerto Jiménez which at the time called itself Santo Domingo before it was flooded and destroyed by a tsunami at one point it had so many dogs that people called it Perrolandia it became affectionately known as Gringolandia Just down the main street in this neighborhood is Aventuras Tropicales a kayaking company that offers tours of the local mangrove swamps the family of Alberto Robleto and Marielos Villalobos have been among the leading voices of opposition to the Crocodile Bay project It seems inevitable that three years of construction noise and traffic on a big marina project will adversely affect a business that offers quiet kayak tours along this same coast stressed that she is not opposed to the project because the family business will suffer “I don’t say Aventuras Tropicales opposes it I asked Marielos why this marina will be bad for the community “We haven’t said this is going to be bad for the community,” she said “We have talked about a negative impact on marine ecosystems We have talked about processes that we don’t consider to be in order.” She thinks the municipality has made bad decisions about Crocodile Bay without consulting the community And she claims that it started building its pier before it had all the necessary permissions — which Crocodile Bay strenuously denies “When the people see that this is happening they ask how a company can come along and do that,” Marielos said “They showed a permit from the municipality The executive in Golfito gave them permission because they won’t let them pass.” Crocodile Bay claims it allows anyone access to the beach or the mangroves next to the beach I’m telling you history.” Marielos said she lacked the scientific credentials to talk about one the biggest questions: “Given that when the public pier was built ‘What will the change be like doing a pier that’s bigger than the public pier How will that change the beach?’ That’s a question to ask the impact it would have in the terrestrial maritime zone a tour office just off the main street in Puerto Jiménez Spain, spoke first about the 4 acres of fill required to build the marina “The fill means the loss of a beach to this town,” she said they say the whole beach is part of the concession.” She pointed out the area she was talking about on a big “They say all that area is part of the project.” “They are the owners of that area,” I said That’s the only beach the people have in Puerto Jiménez.” “You think they’re going to cut access to the beach?” “Generally the big hotels do that.” Jiménez has a little beach just north of Crocodile Bay where local families bring their children to play in the water Few families venture to the beach in front of Crocodile Bay not because it’s prohibited but because it’s a longer walk and it isn’t a better beach at medium and high tide the gulf floods the Crocodile Bay property to the treeline making access virtually impossible unless you want to swim around the trees or walk through heavy vegetation teeming with snakes In addition to her concerns about beach access Esther said Crocodile Bay has erected barbed wire to close off access to mangroves that should be open to the public Cory said Crocodile Bay does not have any barbed-wire fences around its mangroves or anywhere else except around the maintenance yard adjacent to the airport and around the fuel tanks at the foot of the pier He said anyone who wants to walk through the mangroves near the beach is free to do so Esther said Crocodile Bay does not let local boaters use its pier and they don’t let anyone go up there,” she said they don’t let anyone come close or tie up they still didn’t let boats tie up there.” “The concession we have is for a private pier,” he said “It’s exclusively for the operation of sportfishing boats and boats don’t have public access.” But the day the marina opens who worked for Crocodile Bay for seven years also complained that it doesn’t allow local fishermen to use its pier — or if they really need it to board old or disabled people they may have to pay 700 or 1,000 colones — $1.50 or $2 “I have no interest in charging $1.50 a person,” Cory said We’re trying to have an adequate pier so that Crocodile Bay customers can sportfish.” Those who complain that the pier isn’t public said Crocodile Bay let him use its pier recently while the public pier was being repaired “I think the marina will be excellent for the community,” he said … Puerto Jiménez and the Osa Peninsula have only one period of tourism At a marina where yachts are permanently moored Oscar cited one study by the University of Costa Rica that found that each fishing yacht creates 12 jobs “There’s a lot of people who speak out of ignorance,” he said Will he moor his boat at the marina when it opens for the services they can provide.” He said it will be much easier for him to dock On Friday I drove back to Aventuras Tropicales to talk to Laura Robleto a student of environmental engineering at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica in Cartago She wanted to talk about the environmental impact of this project which she says isn’t appropriate for a small town like Puerto Jiménez “The marina project is not just a parking lot for boats,” she said They’re planning to build a lot of real estate… “It doesn’t fit with the development model we have in Puerto Jiménez We are just saying this is not the project for this environment I asked if Laura didn’t think the customers of the marina would eat at restaurants in town Laura asked why this town should get the “leak,” the leftovers She dismissed the jobs the project will create as menial they’re going to stay in that job like forever,” she said She reiterated that this project opens the doors to a development model inappropriate to this place: “We don’t want to be turned into inhabitants of Cancún.”  The arguments that have been mounted against this marina could fill an encyclopedia Opponents say the Crocodile Bay Marina will drive away dolphins It will disrupt if not pollute the beaches and mangrove swamps on the coastline south of town It will dump sediment in the gulf and negatively impact the terrestrial maritime zone it occupies It will impede access to public beaches and mangroves It will require big trucks to drive through town showering local businesses with dust Nobody will be hired who can’t speak English It will attract a clientele looking for prostitutes and drugs and it has never harmed the large dolphin population in this gulf Cory cited a University of Costa Rica professor who said sportfishing boats cause a great danger to the whales and run the risk of scaring them away which would be a big hit to local whale-watching tours “So boats that are going out to go sportfishing somehow cause more distraction and discomfort to the whales than the boats that follow the whales that actually provide the whale watch tours is much smaller than those of the marinas in Papagayo Building marinas does not cause environmental devastation with a single owner that the government can easily monitor to make sure it’s complying with all rules and regulations So what about the argument that Crocodile Bay will not hire local people but will bring in its own people in from somewhere else “There’s nothing more offensive to the local community than that argument,” Cory said “So the argument is that local people are not smart enough or skilled enough to be able to provide the jobs for a residential hotel and marina development And the reality is that today Crocodile Bay is one of the most successful sportfishing resorts in the world primarily because of the wonderful staff that we have that are from the town of Puerto Jiménez like “Best hotel in Central America” and “Best hotel in Costa Rica.” 1 reason for that is not because our rooms are the prettiest it’s because our staff is the best,” he said “The people here are absolutely first-class and for 15 years have been doing exactly the same jobs that this marina is going to require.” Cory said a group of 10 individuals had filed “every possible lawsuit against us you can imagine,” including three cases in the Supreme Court “The project has won every single lawsuit every single time because everything that we’ve done has been in perfect accord with the law.” I took a walk Sunday morning at low tide along the beach from the Los Delfines Restaurant to the Crocodile Bay pier and beyond I saw no barbed wire anywhere except at the top of a tall fence surrounding what Cory later told me were fuel tanks There were no guards and no signs marking anything private but it’s not a beautiful beach — it’s swampy Anyone looking for a great beach can drive to Playa Platanares/Preciosa or the stunning surfing beaches of Matapalo on the southern tip of the peninsula The forests and mangroves here abound in wildlife but they are so dense and snaky that no ordinary person would want to go on a nature hike here For all the questions raised about access to the beach and mangroves I couldn’t spot a single person seeking access to either on a beautiful Sunday morning I walked onto the Crocodile Bay property from the pier unsure whether I might be trespassing once I crossed the 50-meter line I crossed a couple of sketchy little bridges across swampy rivers and emerged into a boat maintenance yard Now I was pretty sure I was trespassing in what was not a public area When I reached the guard shack along the road next to the airport the guard confirmed gently that I was not supposed to be here without permission There is a barbed wire fence between the airport road and the maintenance yard with a sign saying this is a maintenance entrance on private property and the hotel entrance is 150 meters away I walked down the airport road to Corcovado Beach Lodge an assortment of pretty bungalows right next door to Crocodile Bay the new part owner and caretaker of this property I asked him what he thought of the proposed marina if they have oversight for the natural resources and all that I get people looking for a job over here on a daily basis who formerly worked in tourism on the Caribbean side of the country said fisherman put illegal gill nets in lots of the rivers around here because they know Crocodile Bay has a watchman there to stop them He said it’s an example of how responsible development can actually protect the environment “I know what development can bring for a place And I also know from working out of Tortuguero that it is possible to create jobs and develop the place without destroying the environment.” More than a year after a Kansas University student was stabbed to death in Golfito KU has decided to close its study abroad program there almost exactly a year after KU proclaimed the rural 14,000-resident town safe for its students said rising tensions since the slaying of Shannon Martin and costs associated with continuing the program contributed to the decision “Our ongoing monitoring and review of the program on several levels have persuaded us that the climate in Golfito is changing,” said Diana Carlin dean of the Graduate School and International Programs “The demands are more than our limited staff can handle.” The news gave little comfort to Martin’s mother She said KU’s study abroad program should continue with increased safety precautions and a new director failed to learn enough about his community and to share that information with students “When I asked him for a safety handout “I believe my daughter would still be alive if he would’ve told the students how to be safe and where not to go.” Quiros could not be reached for comment Monday Carlin declined to comment about his performance Stauffer also disputed the notion that the atmosphere in Golfito had changed since May 2001 when her daughter was killed while completing a research project in the year after Martin studied abroad in spring 2000 “Drugs became rampantly sold in Golfito,” said Stauffer who has visited Costa Rica several times since her daughter was slain and I’ve told KU for a year to wake up.” She declined to say whether she was considering a lawsuit against the university “I don’t know,” Stauffer said I’m an agonizing mother who lost a daughter and it could’ve been prevented.” Carlin said KU began reviewing the Golfito program Between 14 and 16 students traveled there each semester; over the past 10 years more than 300 have studied in Golfito “When everybody got back at the end of the summer (2001) and everybody felt safe,” Carlin said “We decided to continue the program.” the university started a new orientation program for students “We were responding to the situation let’s just step it all up,'” Carlin said But students there this summer cited incidents such as harassment on city streets and in taxi cabs along with the realization trials in the slaying would increase tensions helped KU make the decision to pull the plug “They (the students) felt very unsettled by the whole thing,” Carlin said “With the whole microscopic examination of this (Golfito) community by the media it’s been difficult for them.” Carlin also said KU would have to spend $44,000 per semester to hire a co-director to monitor safety and to pay for the orientation program Three suspects are being held in the Martin slaying Luis Alberto Castro and Rafael Zumbado Stauffer said her main concern now was how the Golfito host families who depend on income from putting up American students would cope this fall Twelve students had been scheduled to leave for Costa Rica in early August through KU’s Study Abroad program Only three of them are KU students; the rest attend other universities Carlin said KU was attempting to place the students in a program at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose She said she didn’t know whether KU would make any restitution to families who were planning to host students “We haven’t gotten to that piece yet,” she said We receive many inquiries about where in Costa Rica a visitor or local can find a proper facility offering world class infrastructure and a variety of activities We compiled this list based on the that criteria as well as access to the public renowned for its stunning coastlines and abundant marine life is a paradise for boating enthusiasts and sea lovers With its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes it’s no wonder that Costa Rica has become a popular destination for sailing To cater to the growing demand for maritime activities the country boasts a number of top-notch marinas that provide world-class facilities and services we’ll delve into the top three marinas in Costa Rica where boating enthusiasts can embark on unforgettable nautical adventures Located in the historic town of Quepos on the Pacific coast, Marina Pez Vela is a premier marina that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. With its strategic location near the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, Marina Pez Vela provides easy access to both offshore fishing grounds and breathtaking coastal exploration opportunities Boasting a full-service marina with 195 slips this marina caters to vessels of all sizes In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife within the marina complex. Marina Pez Vela is the perfect gateway to experiencing the rich biodiversity and adventure that the Pacific coast of Costa Rica has to offer Marina Pez Vela also supports a variety of local charities and are strong supporters of marine conservation or fly into the new Quepos domestic airport Situated on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica Golfito Marina Village offers a unique and secluded boating experience this marina provides a tranquil setting surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning landscapes Golfito Marina Village features 50 slips and offers a comprehensive range of services The marina is part of a larger resort community that includes luxury villas Boaters visiting Golfito Marina Village take advantage of the nearby Golfo Dulce known for its rich marine biodiversity and exceptional sportfishing opportunities The marina serves as a convenient base for exploring the region’s natural wonders including wildlife reserves and pristine beaches Golfito Marina Village offers a secluded and idyllic retreat for boating enthusiasts looking to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life The local community strives to preserve its unique mixture of nature reserves and marine resources There are direct flights from San Jose via domestic airlines Located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Marina Flamingo is a popular destination for boaters seeking a laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking coastal beauty Situated in the serene waters of Playa Flamingo this marina offers a range of services and amenities to cater to boating enthusiasts Marina Flamingo provides ample room for boats of various sizes Boaters can take advantage of the marina’s fuel dock and professional staff to ensure a seamless boating experience Playa Flamingo itself is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters The marina is surrounded by luxury resorts offering a well-rounded experience for visitors Marina Flamingo supports efforts to train local woman on how to work in the sportfishing business in conjunction with organizations like FECOP.org. Direct flights into Liberia airport are suggested Costa Rica’s top marinas offer boating enthusiasts an array of world-class facilities and services in breathtaking natural settings Whether you’re looking for adventure these marinas provide the perfect starting point to explore the country’s stunning coastlines From the Pacific coast’s Marina Pez Vela to the Golfito Marina Village each marina offers its own unique charm and attractions Embark on an unforgettable nautical adventure and discover the wonders of Costa Rica’s marine playground Golfito has a very high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 717 quakes on average per year in or near Golfito Golfito has had at least 3 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 40 to 45 years The depth of the quake is unknown.The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so) Golfito was shaken by 2 quakes of magnitude 4.0 or above The strongest earthquake in Golfito in the past 7 days had a magnitude of 4.3 and occurred 7 days ago: Mag. 4.3 earthquake South of Panama - Apr 29, 2025 - writeAge(1745927610)A moderate magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean near the coast of  Costa Rica in the early morning of Tuesday 2025 at 5.53 am local time (America/Costa Rica GMT -6) The quake had a very shallow depth of 4 km (2.5 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so).