COSTA RICA — Official construction works for the highly anticipated San Lucas Island tourist pier at the National Park have officially commenced. This major infrastructure development is set to drastically improve visitor safety and overall comfort, marking a milestone for regional travel infrastructure.

According to official projections, the intensive building efforts will span from November 2025 through May 2026. Backed by a strategic investment exceeding ₡985 million, the initiative represents a significant step forward for sustainable coastal development in the Gulf of Nicoya.

Modernized Access to San Lucas Island National Park

The primary goal of the new infrastructure is to replace the heavily deteriorated existing structure. Over the years, the aging platform has posed challenges for incoming maritime traffic. By installing a state-of-the-art facility, the project guarantees a vastly upgraded access point and enhanced visitor care during both arrivals and departures from the island.

Architectural blueprints reveal that the project covers a total area of 490 square meters. Crucially, the layout includes the capacity to dock up to four vessels simultaneously, directly minimizing wait times on the water and ensuring significantly safer boarding and disembarking processes for travelers of all ages.

Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism

William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized that the project strictly complies with the accessibility guidelines mandated by Law 7600. This ensures that the new San Lucas Island tourist pier actively promotes fully inclusive tourism, opening up the historic destination to individuals with reduced mobility.

In alignment with the country’s green energy goals, the infrastructure will incorporate eco-friendly features, including:

• Solar panels for clean, autonomous energy generation.
• A spacious, covered waiting area to protect tourists from tropical elements.
• A high-durability floating dock engineered with a heavy-duty metallic ramp and secure handrails.

Preserving Cultural and Environmental Heritage

Given the historical sensitivity of the former prison island, the final design underwent rigorous validation and approval by the Heritage Office of the Ministry of Culture and Youth. This close institutional oversight guarantees full respect for the island’s unique natural ecosystems and protected structural heritage.

Ultimately, the brand-new pier is poised to boost sustainable tourism across the region, substantially improve daily working conditions for local tour guides and park rangers, and strengthen the socio-economic framework of neighboring coastal communities.

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