Discover our secluded paradise in Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce
Discover the hidden corners of the beautiful destination of Costa Rica with our local team. Our travel designers go out into the field to unearth authentic, charming places that capture the essence of our destination—and, of course, this starts with selecting wonderful accommodations. The Playa Nicuesa Lodge meets all these criteria. (See our selection criteria as a local agency specializing in Costa Rica since 2007)
Laura has fallen in love with many placesduring hernumerous trips and discoveries, but if there’s one place that will remain etched in her memory, it’s the Golfo Dulce.
« "The end of the world—or the unknown, the wilderness, the unfamiliar, the exotic. A whole new experience in its own right! My days felt like 48 hours during this timeless interlude." Laura - July 2024 »
How do I get to Golfo Dulce?
We set off for Golfo Dulce, located in the far south of Costa Rica—a complete change of scenery for me, since I’ve never been to this part of the country. We take off early in the morning, and after a 45-minute domestic flight from San José over the Central Valley and then the Talamanca mountain range—what a sight!—wearrive in Puerto Jiménez, where we’re expected.
We head to the village’s small harbor, where we board a small motorboat (a “lancha” in Spanish) to cross to the other side of the Gulf. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and we don’t see anyone else along the way. Note that it’s also possible to arrive from Golfito, where a marina was built a few years ago. Both locations are equidistant from the Playa Nicuesa Lodge —to mix things up and maximize your chances of spotting marine life, why not arrive via Puerto Jiménez and depart from Golfito? 🙂
During this boat trip, I had the chance to spot a sea turtle, dozens and dozens of white-spotted dolphins, and—this was a stroke of luck— a whale shark! The guides couldn’t believe their eyes!
Our arrival gives us a taste of what’s to come: a boardwalk winding deep into the jungle, welcome glasses of fresh fruit juice… As we walk a little further, we discover the all-wooden hotel that blends perfectly into its surroundings. Total immersion in the jungle—time to unplug!
Arrival at Playa Nicuesa, a place untouched by time
The Playa Nicuesa Lodge promotesecotourism and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and that’s exactly what we love about Terra Caribea, too. The lodge takes the time to educate young people in the village of Puerto Jimenez about ecotourism, recycling, and trash collection… And just like at home, we have to take off our shoes to go upstairs —no problem, the floor is very clean!—We all eat our meals at the same table, and so on.
Behind-the-scenes tidbit: It’s in Golfo Dulce where Terra Caribea partners with the Raising Corals organization on the major challenge of conserving Costa Rica’s coral reef.
The staff’s attention – « just like at home »
And if the hotel is sustainable and welcoming, it’s also thanks to the staff—who go out of their way to provide attentive service and are mindful of the socio-environmental issues in Puerto Jiménez.
Every member of the staff invites us to an aperitif at 6:00 p.m. to chat about local life and recommended activities—but also just to enjoy each other’s company.
“I played cards with the spa therapist and the tour guide—they’ve become real friends!”
The rooms, nestled in the middle of the jungle, are perhaps the best part of this eco-lodge: there’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle for a guaranteed “end-of-the-world” feeling!
On-site Activities
Our trip was divided between activities exploring the Golfo Dulce and free time.
We didn’t need to face a bear—or a jaguar—bare-handed to feel like we were at the end of the world. During a boat tour in the Golfo Dulce, we were lucky enough to spot a whale and her calf! Next up was breakfast in a heavenly setting on a deserted beach, followed by snorkeling among starfish, colorful fish—whose names I didn’t catch—and coral! It was a dreamy morning, but a challenging one, because despite appearances, the current was quite strong!
Our tours that include Golfo Dulce
Several Authentic Tours in Costa Rica
I’m traveling responsibly in Costa Rica!
Southern Costa Rica: Rural and Beach Tourism
My Journey Through Costa Rica’s Ecosystem
A Spiritual Journey in Costa Rica to reconnect with yourself
An ecotourism adventure in Costa Rica!
Honeymoon in Costa Rica
In our free time, it's hard to choose: yoga, reading, or kayaking?
Actually, there’s no need to choose—just do them all!
The yoga sessions offered by the lodge (one at 6 a.m., the other at 4 p.m.) take place on a platform on the beach, under the palm trees, with an incredible view of the Golfo Dulce. It’s the perfect way to feel like you’re all alone in the world, at the end of the world.
A little bonus: a private massage—they draw the curtains around the yoga platform to create a more intimate atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
When you go, do as I did: take the time to settle in with a book… But not just any book! *Oro*, by Cizia Zykë, which recounts the adventures of a gold-seeking explorer in the 1980s, at the end of the world, on theOsa Peninsula—right near Puerto Jiménez, in fact.
Well-being starts with relaxation
The lodge provides kayaks and paddleboards so we can explore the very end of the world!
Don’t miss the on-site activities offered to soak up the tranquility of this gulf and its incredible marine life.
After paddling for a few minutes, we spot a fin. What on earth could it be, so close to the shore and to us? Finally, the dolphin—for that’s exactly what it was—makes itself visible and continues to swim peacefully alongside us. Just then, the sun sets: it’s like something out of a postcard!
The Playa Nicuesa Lodge offers a wonderful way to explore the ends of the earth, deep in the jungle, yet with every comfort and a commitment to sustainability. You can also explore the Osa Peninsula in other ways: by staying at one of the lodges in Drake Bay, hiking in Corcovado National Park, or meeting local communities… the choice is yours!
