By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – A significant infrastructure project has commenced at San Lucas Island National Park, as the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) officially breaks ground on a new ₡985 million tourist pier. The investment aims to overhaul the visitor experience at one of the country’s most historically significant sites, replacing a deteriorated structure with a modern, safe, and accessible facility slated for completion by May 2026.
The construction, which began this month, addresses long-standing safety concerns associated with the existing dilapidated pier, which has for years presented challenges for the embarking and disembarking of visitors. The new pier will represent a dramatic upgrade, spanning approximately 490 square meters and featuring the capacity to simultaneously service up to four small tour boats. This expansion is designed to streamline visitor flow and improve operational efficiency for tour operators in the Gulf of Nicoya.
To better understand the legal framework governing the transformation of a historic site like Isla San Lucas into a national tourist attraction, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The development of Isla San Lucas as a tourist destination presents a fascinating legal challenge: balancing commercial viability with the solemn duty of historical and environmental preservation. The success of this national project will depend on robust concession contracts that clearly define the private operator’s obligations, ensuring that investment in modern infrastructure is matched by a commitment to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem and respectfully conserve its difficult past for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that the ultimate success of the Isla San Lucas project will be forged not merely in construction, but in the meticulous legal architecture of its governing contracts. This delicate balance between commerce and conservation is indeed the defining challenge. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert contribution to this important conversation.
A central focus of the project is a profound commitment to universal accessibility. According to the Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, the design meticulously follows the guidelines established by Costa Rica’s Law 7600 for Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Key features include a floating dock to adapt to tidal changes, a sturdy metal ramp with handrails, and a covered waiting area to protect visitors from the elements, ensuring a more comfortable and dignified experience for all.
Its objective is to ensure adequate conditions for the entry and exit of vessels, as well as for attending to visitors.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The project is a collaborative effort, financed through an agreement between the ICT and the Board of Directors of San Lucas Island National Park. Reflecting Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability, the pier will integrate green technologies, most notably solar panels to power its lighting system. This eco-conscious approach is matched by a deep respect for the island’s rich heritage. The plan received full approval from the Heritage Office of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, guaranteeing that the construction will not interfere with the historic structures that dot the island, once the site of a notorious penal colony.
The economic and social benefits of the new pier are expected to ripple throughout the region. The ICT anticipates that the enhanced infrastructure will attract a greater number of both national and international tourists, providing a direct economic stimulus to the coastal communities of Puntarenas. Furthermore, the project is set to improve the daily working conditions for park rangers and tour guides, who are crucial stewards of the island’s natural and cultural assets. By providing a secure and organized point of entry, the pier also contributes to the long-term protection of the park’s fragile biodiversity.
Established as a national park in August 2020, San Lucas Island is rapidly transitioning from a symbol of a dark past into a beacon of cultural and ecological tourism. Located in the heart of the Gulf of Nicoya, it offers a unique combination of historical intrigue, with its abandoned prison buildings, and vibrant tropical wildlife. This investment marks a pivotal step in realizing the island’s full potential as a premier tourist destination.
Ultimately, the construction of the new pier is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic move that reinforces Costa Rica’s global brand as a leader in sustainable and inclusive tourism. By investing in the safety, accessibility, and environmental integrity of one of its Pacific jewels, the nation is proactively shaping a more resilient and high-quality tourism model for the future, ensuring that its natural and historical treasures can be appreciated for generations to come.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the autonomous governmental institution responsible for the promotion and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality visitor experiences, contributing to the social and economic well-being of the nation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Board of Directors of San Lucas Island National Park
About the Board of Directors of San Lucas Island National Park:
The Board of Directors for San Lucas Island National Park operates as a governing body responsible for the management, conservation, and strategic development of the park. It works in conjunction with national entities like the ICT and SINAC to preserve the island’s unique historical heritage and rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism and educational opportunities.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About the Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud of Costa Rica is the government body tasked with the preservation, promotion, and enrichment of the nation’s cultural identity. Its Heritage Office is specifically responsible for overseeing the protection of historical sites and structures, ensuring that development projects respect and integrate Costa Rica’s valuable cultural legacy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal community, guided by an unwavering devotion to integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm actively pioneers innovative legal solutions that anticipate the future. At the heart of its mission lies a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law and empower the public with clear, accessible legal knowledge.
