Published on Wednesday, November 12, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Construction is underway on a new $2 million dock at San Lucas Island National Park, located off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Nicoya, the Tourism Institute (ICT) announced.

The project, financed through the ICT’s budget, will cover about 500 square meters and accommodate four vessels simultaneously. The new dock is expected to be completed by May 2026.

“The goal of the new dock project is to replace the current deteriorated infrastructure, which, due to its poor condition, affects the service provided to visitors entering or leaving the island,” the ICT said in a statement.

Plans for the modern docking facility include:

• An access walkway and main dock area.

• Landscaped rest areas.

• A shaded seating area with tables and chairs.

• Wheelchair-accessible ramps.

• Four boat docking areas.

• A main entrance and administrative office.

• A security checkpoint.

• Waste collection stations and restrooms.

• Green spaces and other amenities.

San Lucas Island, named after Luke the Evangelist, was once home to a notorious prison that operated from 1873 to 1991.

The island also holds at least eight documented archaeological sites dating from A.D. 1000 to 1500, where researchers in the late 1970s discovered stone tools and a metal artifact.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, spiders, snakes, deer, and pheasants. In surrounding waters, hammerhead sharks, rays, and sea turtles are commonly found.

San Lucas was designated Costa Rica’s 30th national park in 2020.

In 2021, representatives from the U.S. National Park Service and Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy signed a Sister Parks Agreement, linking Golden Gate National Park and San Lucas Island National Park. Sister park partnerships aim to promote cultural exchange and strengthen conservation and tourism management between participating sites.

The San Lucas dock is one of several infrastructure projects now underway in Costa Rica’s top tourist regions. Recently, authorities also announced plans for a new $4.2 million dock in Drake Bay, a remote community on the Osa Peninsula in Puntarenas Province.

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica’s strongest industries. More than 2.2 million travelers arrived in Costa Rica by air between January and September, according to ICT.

In 2024, the country welcomed over 2.6 million international air arrivals, a 7% increase from the previous year.

The sector also generated more than $5.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings in 2024.

The ICT is the government agency in charge of promoting the country’s tourism industry.

----------------
What other infrastructure improvements do you think Costa Rica’s national parks need? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com