Golfito - Clearance

See Costa Rica Formalities for full details on clearing into and out of Costa Rica.

International Clearance:

Cruisers have reported arriving here without advance notification of arrival, and not having problems with clearance except a very slow service. It's also reported to be cheaper to clear in here than further north. It's quite a walk between offices, approx. 3 hour process if not using an agent.

• Visit Immigration first (across the street from Samoa Hotel).
• Then the Port Captain (on access road to new marina).
• Then Customs (in duty free zone past airport)

Banana Bay Marina can assist with the clearance process for a fee of US$395 (2022 prices) and the service from Gabriella and Warren is reported to be very good.

Domestic Clearance:

Visit Port Captain's office to present Zarpe.

Departure: 

You will need 3-4 copies of boat registration/documentation, passports, crew list.

• Visit Immigration first (who will give you 3 packets of paperwork to give to the other offices).
• Then to Customs in the Duty Free Zone.
• Then to the Port Captain's office close to the main shipping terminal.
• You will have to go to the Bank National (about 0.5km away) and pay the Port Captain's fee ($20 plus $5 bank commission). This may be a long wait.
• Return to the Port Captain's office for your complted zarpe. No other fees payable.

The Port Captain can issue both national and international Zarpes. Note that if checking into the country, but staying in Golfito for longer than 24 hours, a second visit will be required to the Port Captain to secure the Zarpe.

Notes:

• Costa Rica:  A Cruiser's Report on DIY Checking Out
• Bonding can only be done in Golfito at Banana Bay and Fish Hook marinas. 

Last updated: February 2023