By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – A significant upgrade to Costa Rica’s tourism infrastructure has officially commenced with the start of construction on a new tourist pier at the Isla San Lucas National Park. The project, a strategic investment of over ₡985 million, is poised to redefine the visitor experience at one of the country’s most historically significant and ecologically rich destinations. Construction is scheduled to run from this month until its projected completion in May 2026.
The development addresses a long-standing need for improved facilities on the island. The current pier has fallen into a state of disrepair, presenting logistical challenges and safety concerns for the thousands of tourists who visit annually. The new structure is designed not merely as a replacement but as a complete overhaul, ensuring safe and efficient access for all visitors arriving at or departing from the national park.
To delve into the legal framework governing the transformation of Isla San Lucas into a national park and tourist destination, we sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His analysis sheds light on the delicate balance between preservation and development.
The Isla San Lucas project represents a fascinating intersection of environmental, administrative, and heritage law. The primary legal challenge is not just development, but creating a sustainable management model under the strict oversight of SINAC. Any public-private partnership or concession granted must be carefully structured to ensure that commercial activities directly fund the island’s conservation and historical preservation, preventing the site’s natural and cultural value from being eroded by its own success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the true measure of success for Isla San Lucas will not be its initial development, but the resilience of the legal framework designed to protect it, ensuring that its popularity perpetually serves its preservation. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical balance.
Spanning an impressive 490 square meters, the new pier will feature a modern, robust design capable of accommodating up to four tour boats simultaneously. This increased capacity is expected to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and allow for a more orderly flow of traffic. Key features include a floating dock equipped with a sturdy metallic ramp and secure railings, which will adapt to the changing tides of the Gulf of Nicoya and significantly enhance the safety of embarking and disembarking.
In a clear commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, the project incorporates modern environmental and accessibility standards. It will be outfitted with solar panels to power its facilities, including a covered waiting area for visitor comfort. Furthermore, the entire design adheres to the country’s landmark accessibility law, a point emphasized by government officials.
The project complies with the accessibility guidelines of Law 7600 and promotes inclusive tourism.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The pier’s design underwent a rigorous validation process by the Heritage Office of the Ministry of Culture and Youth. This step was critical to ensure that the new construction would harmonize with the island’s sensitive natural environment and respect its profound historical legacy as a former penal colony. The approval confirms that the development will proceed without compromising the unique character that makes Isla San Lucas a compelling destination.
The economic and social benefits of this investment are expected to create a powerful ripple effect throughout the region. For the tour guides, boat captains, and park rangers who are the frontline ambassadors of the park, the new pier promises improved and safer working conditions. More broadly, the enhanced infrastructure is projected to attract more visitors, thereby strengthening the local economies of nearby coastal communities like Puntarenas, Paquera, and Tambor, which rely heavily on the tourism sector.
Isla San Lucas, designated as Costa Rica’s 30th national park in 2020, represents a remarkable story of transformation. Once the site of an infamous and brutal prison, the island has been reborn as a sanctuary for wildlife and a living museum. This new pier is a crucial piece of that ongoing transformation, bridging the island’s dark past with a bright future centered on conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.
Ultimately, the construction of this pier is more than a simple infrastructure project; it is a testament to Costa Rica’s vision for a modern tourism model that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility and social inclusion. As the structure takes shape over the coming months, it will stand as a symbol of progress for Puntarenas and a gateway to a more accessible and secure experience at one of the nation’s most treasured natural and cultural landmarks.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the governmental body responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through strategic planning, marketing campaigns, and quality-of-life improvements for coastal communities, ensuring the country remains a premier global destination for eco-conscious travelers.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ):
The Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud of Costa Rica is the state entity tasked with preserving and promoting the nation’s rich cultural and historical identity. Through its various offices, including the Office of Heritage, the MCJ oversees the protection of historical sites, supports artistic expression, and develops programs to engage youth, ensuring that Costa Rica’s unique heritage is celebrated and maintained for future generations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a foundational commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while maintaining a deep-seated dedication to social responsibility. This is demonstrated through its proactive efforts to demystify the law for the public, reflecting a core belief in strengthening the community by empowering individuals with accessible and clear legal knowledge.
