How it all started...

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Fourteen years ago back in in March 2009, Joe Bernini the founder of Cruce Golfo Dulce visited the gulf for the first time to start working as the manager of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. When he flew over the Osa Península on a small plane, the unparalleled natural beauty of the gulf captured his attention and by the time he landed in Puerto Jiménez he was already in love with this pristine location. 

At his arrival to the dock he was astounded contemplating the rainforest meeting the ocean, by this time he had already fallen in love, he witnessed a unique place, bursting with biodiversity. A remote location yet accessible. He wanted to stay for a long time. It was then when he realized how fortunate he was and how exited he was. He could not wait to share this piece of paradise with everyone.  In his own words: “I landed in Puerto Jiménez, to take boat ride across the gulf, the spotted dolphins were part of the welcome committee. When I arrived to Playa Nicuesa’s pier, I knew I was not leaving this pristine location.”

By 2012 when Joe had acquired a vast knowledge of the area he was ready to start contacting friends to propose the project and get sponsors to make the Cruce Golfo Dulce a reality. One year later in 2013 the first edition of the event was celebrated. A total of 191 swimmers came for the first time to swim the Golfo Dulce, the first and only sport venue of its kind in the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica.

However, he did not want to organize just an open water race, but a race to help the community and make a difference for the locals living down here, hosting a sustainable open water swimming competition. This leads us to share the event objectives:

1. To promote the Golfo Dulce and the Osa Península as an adventure sport destination.

2. To increase the amount visitors during low season. The local economy crashes after high season, and this event provides a means to improve the economy.

3. To sponsor a conservation project and educate the competitors about the importance of the unique eco-system that the Golfo Dulce represents. 

Go to the page Social business to find out more about Raising Corals and ways to support them.

4. To generate a source of direct and indirect employment to Puerto Jiménez inhabitants. 

5. To popularize and encourage the practice of outdoor swimming as a life style.

In 2013 we had 242 swimmers and the event keepscgrowing. Every year we welcome open water swimmers from all over the globe.

As part of the sport venue, we host an Art and Cultural Fest with local artisans and a typical cuisine fest from local women where you can interact with the local culture and learn about what truly represents the area. Our trophies are wood trophies and hand-made by Manuel Bianco a local artisan, more than a trophy you are taking a piece of art with you back home. 

During the event’s weekend, we also have different NGO´s providing environmental education lectures to those interested in learning about biodiversity and conservation, we want you to come swim, learn, understand and help us preserving this magical place, our pristine swimming pool, the Golfo Dulce.