Golfito’s History: A Tropical Gold Rush

Where It Started

Golfito was built in the late 1930s by the United Fruit Company, now known as Chiquita Brands.

In its heyday and through much of the 20th century, Golfito enjoyed a magnificent run as the centerpiece of the banana production industry. In fact, over ninety percent of the country’s banana exports during the 1950s were distributed from Golfito’s quiet shores. Chosen by United Fruit executives for its calm, deep waters, Golfito provided a safe, natural harbor for loading the fruit company’s “Great White Fleet” of banana boats.

As United Fruit witnessed continued success in its Golfito operations, the company invested heavily in the construction of an airport, new roads, homes, schools, banks and hospitals. With the help of the Atlantic Railroad, a project originally started in 1871 by one of United Fruit’s founders, Golfito was transformed from a vast wilderness to a true Banana Republic.

In 1984, more than four decades after United Fruit started production in Golfito, the prosperous banana producer closed its facilities.The result of the closing had a devastating effect and resulted in economic difficulties throughout the region. However, fast forward to 2016, once again Golfito is poised for another successful economic transformation by naturally becoming the hub for pleasure yachting, sport fishing and eco-tourism industries.

Golfito is benefiting from the booming yacht transportation industry because of its deep and calm bay. Just outside the bay, the ocean currents of North and South America converge off the Golfo Dulce, attracting Humpback Whales, Orcas, Porpoises, marine turtles and gamefish. The area is also considered a surfers paradise, Pavones one of the world’s longest waves is only thirty minutes away. With its lush virgin rainforest jungles and secluded coconut palm lined beaches, it truly is a modern day Jurassic Park.

We plan to make this paradise a location many will call home.