Finding superyacht roles in Golfito
How to arrive, clear in and check the charter crew rules for superyacht work in Golfito.
Picture made with AI. It shows the place but is not a photograph.
What to do in your first week
Fly to Golfito Airport
Golfito Airport (code GLF) is a domestic airport. Marina Bahía Golfito says daily flights run from San José and take 45 minutes.
Helpful tips before walking the docks
Clearance visits in Golfito
| Office | Contact |
|---|---|
| Marina Bahía Golfito | Customs and Immigration visits are set up through the marina office: +506-4080-6090 |
IGY Marinas arrival information, undated.
Crew spaces at the marina
Marina Bahía Golfito amenities page.
Charter licence and crew category
Charter yachts
A foreign-flag yacht of 24 m or more can charter in Costa Rican waters with a licence from the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo. The yacht must hold a contract with a tourist marina. The yacht pays 2.5% of the gross income of each charter service to the State. (Decree 43636, 2022.) Check the rules for your passport.
Crew category
Crew who stay longer than the tourist category allows can ask the immigration authority (DGME) for the special category for charter workers. It lasts one year, renews for equal periods and allows paid work on charter activities. (Decree 43636, 2022.) Check the rules for your passport.
Crew pay by yacht size
| Role | 45 to 50 m | 70 m and over |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | EUR 9,000 to 12,000 | EUR 15,000+ |
| First Officer | EUR 4,500 to 6,000 | EUR 7,000+ |
| Chief Engineer | EUR 7,000 to 9,500 | EUR 8,500+ |
| Chef | EUR 5,500 to 6,500 | EUR 8,000+ |
| Bosun / 2nd Mate | EUR 3,200 to 4,000 | EUR 5,000+ |
| Chief Stew / Purser | EUR 2,800 to 4,000 | EUR 3,000+ |
| Deckhand | EUR 2,800 to 3,500 | EUR 3,000+ |
| Stew | EUR 2,200 to 2,500 | EUR 2,200 to 2,500 |
UKSA salary guide 2025, in EUR. The guide does not state the pay period and is not specific to Golfito.
Where crew go
Crew lounge
Rooftop deck at the marina
La Playa Restaurant
Restaurant at the marina
Gym
At the marina
Natural swimming pool
At the marina
Day spa
At the marina
Marina Bahía Golfito amenities page.
Sources. Checked 8 November 2026.
- WMO World Weather Information Service: David, Panama (JSON)
- WMO World Weather Information Service: David, Panama
- Marina Bahía Golfito: home
- Marina Bahía Golfito: about and history
- Marina Bahía Golfito: amenities
- Marina Bahía Golfito: tours and yacht transport
- IGY Marinas: Marina Bahia Golfito
- IGY Marinas: Marina Bahia Golfito arrival information
- IGY Marinas: superyachts are visiting Marina Bahia Golfito, August 2024
- IGY Marinas: superyacht charter destination release, 3 November 2021
- Instituto Costarricense de Turismo: Decree 43636 on the charter licence
- El Financiero: Marina de Golfito, 24 August 2020
- UKSA: Superyacht salary guide
Let the yachts come to you
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