The Golfo Dulce region fringes the huge bay of the same name, framed by the Osa Peninsula to the west and the Fila Costeña mountains to the north. The region is centered on the town of Golfito, on the north shore of the gulf.

The bay is rimmed by swamp, lonesome beaches, and remote tracts of rainforest accessible only by boat. Humpback whales and dolphins are frequently seen in the bay.

Río Claro, about 15 kilometers west of Ciudad Neily and 64 kilometers southeast of Palmar, is a major junction at the turnoff for Golfito from Highway 2. It’s about 23 kilometers to Golfito from here. Río Claro has restaurants plus a gas station and taxi service.