Isla San Lucas, Puntarenas
Location
11 Hours
Duration
English, Spanish
Languages
All Year Availability
Dates

For a island trip like none other, then you will want to visit the historic Isla San Lucas – the former prison colony off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. This former penal island hosted some of Costa Rica’s worst criminals for well over one hundred years until it was abandoned in 1991. Since then, its been transformed into a thriving tourist destination where visitors can learn about the fascinating history and remnants of the old prison. Be picked up from your accommodation and transported to the port of Puntarenas for your ferry crossing. On arrival to the island, your enthusiastic guides will take you to key sites of the island and impart their knowledge of San Lucas Island and the many secrets it holds. Learn about José León Sánchez, a former inmate who recounts much of the information of prison life in his beat selling book “La Isla de Hombres Solos” or “The Island Of The Lonely Men”. Explore cells with surviving graffiti and artwork painted on the walls of prisoners throughout the 20th century. Afterwards, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cooked lunch with desert and spend some time on San Lucas’s excellent beach for a refreshing dip. If you’re lucky, you may just see some of the wildlife that call this island home including monkeys, deer, pheasants, bats, and more. Finally, board your boat back to port, and then dropped off at your accommodation where your tour will conclude.

Round trip pick up and drop offs are available from Manuel Antonio, Jacó, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, San Carlos, Monteverde and San José at no additional fee. If you are based in Puntarenas, please select “No Transfer Required” upon booking and we can arrange meeting at the docks. Pick up instructions will be arranged by our reservation team.

START TIME 7.30 AM.
END TIME 8:00 PM.
WEAR Bathing suit, additional clothing, sandals or comfortable shoes, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera and money for extra activities (optional). Currently, facemasks are mandatory on all transport.
INCLUDED
Return Transport from multiple destinations (please select) Catamaran Crossing from Puntarenas
Lunch and Dessert Snacks and natural drinks throughout the day
NOT INCLUDED
[Tour guide gratuity (optional)

Child pricing is between the age of 3 to 11 years of age (this tour is not recommended for infants aged 2 or younger). Private tours for groups are available on request – please use the contact form on our contact page to request a quote. Tour is subject to minimum numbers – if numbers are not met, then you will be put on stand by until we can confirm.

Connecting transfers to other locations are available upon request. Please advise when booking this tour (please note that transfers to connecting destinations may incur a fee).

Additional information

Ticket TypeAdult, Child
TransferFrom Guanacaste, From Jacó, From La Fortuna, From Manuel Antonio, From Monteverde, From San Carlos, From San Jose, No Transfer Required
1

7.30AM

Depart from your destination to the Catamaran docked in Puntarenas
2

10.00AM

Arrive in Puntarenas to board your catamaran
3

11.00AM

Arrive at San Lucas and begin the first part of your tour of Calle de la Amargura (or the The street of bitterness) where you will learn why it got it’s name. After visit the Dispensary, the Church and the main part of the prison cells. Then, you will walk to the Redondel de Toros or “Bull Ring” and finally along the trails of Playa Tumba Botes and Hacienda Vieja.
4

1.00PM

Enjoy a delicious lunch of rice with chicken, salad, and roasted potatoes, with a banana cake for dessert
5

2.00PM

After lunch you can continue your tour of the penal colony which includes visits to Tumba Cocos and it’s colony and it’s beach (optional). There will also be some time to enjoy a moment of relaxation and a swim at one of San Lucas Island’s excellent beach.
6

3.30PM

Board the boat and enjoy a sightseeing cruise around the island’s main beaches including Tumba Botes, Isla Pájaros ( for bird watching), Hacienda Vieja and Limonal
7

4.45 PM

Arrive at the pier in Puntarenas and board your bus for the trip to your accommodation (with stops at the kiosks).
8

8.30PM

Arrive at your accommodation where your tour will conclude.
San Lucas Island Day Tour
San Lucas Island Ferry
San Lucas Island Day Tour

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