Golfito: clearing in by boat
Port of entry of Costa Rica.
Check with the authorities before you leave (last checked on 28 October 2026).
Services
Clearing out possible here
- VHF
- 16
- Opening hours
- Capitainerie 8h-15h
Good to know
Cheapest port of entry; marinas help with formalities.
Offices to visit
In the usual order of the formalities. Addresses can change: ask the harbour office when you arrive.
Oficina de Migración y Extranjería, Golfito
Immigration
Golfito, en face de l'hôtel Samoa
Opening hours : Lun-ven 8h-16h
Town immigration office, across the street from the Samoa Hotel.
Aduana de Golfito (Depósito Libre / zone franche)
Customs
Zone franche (Depósito Libre) de Golfito, après l'aéroport
Opening hours : Lun-ven 8h-16h (signalé fermé le lundi en 2019)
Customs is in the duty-free zone past the airport.
SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal), Golfito
Biosecurity
Paid inspection (≈ US$81 in 2018): pay at the bank, then book the visit by phone.
Capitanía de Puerto Golfito
Harbour office
Golfito, sur la route d'accès à la nouvelle marina (Puntarenas)
Opening hours : Lun-ven 8h-16h (service gratuit 8h-15h ; fermé le week-end)
Issues the zarpe; fees are paid at Banco Nacional, about 500 m away.
Banana Bay Marina (service de clearance)
Agent
Golfito, Puntarenas
The marina handles the whole clearance (≈ US$395 in 2022), including SENASA payment and booking.
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In the app, free: the map of every port of entry and its offices with their contacts, the crew list and the entry forms filled in for you, ready to print or send to an agent.
Create my free accountOther ports of entry in Costa Rica
Sources
- v2.noonsite.com/place/costa-rica/view/clearance
- marinapezvela.com/superyacht-destination-guide-costa-rica/
This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.