If you’re craving a unique blend of tropical adventure and rich history on your Costa Rican vacation, the San Lucas Island National Park Tour with Cocos Tours is a must. Just off the Pacific coast near Puntarenas, San Lucas Island offers more than your typical beach escape—it’s an immersive experience filled with wildlife, captivating stories, and pristine natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or just looking for something off the beaten path, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
A Mysterious Island Reborn
San Lucas Island, or Isla San Lucas, is known to many Costa Ricans as the former site of the country’s most infamous prison. From 1873 until its closure in 1991, the island served as a penal colony, housing the nation’s most dangerous criminals under brutal conditions. But far from being a place to fear today, San Lucas has transformed into one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating national parks.
Declared a protected area in 2020, San Lucas Island National Park preserves both its haunting historical remnants and its lush, biodiverse ecosystem. The island is now a symbol of cultural resilience and environmental renewal—and with Cocos Tours, you’ll get to explore every corner of it.
Your San Lucas Island Tour Experience with Cocos Tours
Your journey begins in Puntarenas, where our friendly and knowledgeable team welcomes you aboard a comfortable boat for a scenic ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. The ride itself is a highlight, with panoramic views of the coast and the opportunity to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds en route to the island.
Once you arrive at San Lucas, the tour becomes an adventure in time travel. Our experienced guide will lead you through the historical ruins of the old prison, including the main cell blocks, solitary confinement areas, and guard towers. The graffiti left by prisoners decades ago is still visible on the walls, telling silent but powerful stories of hardship, survival, and endurance. You’ll learn about the island’s most notorious inmates, the harsh conditions they endured, and how the prison shaped Costa Rican society for over a century.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty Await
But San Lucas is not just about its past—it’s also a sanctuary for nature. After exploring the historical sites, we take you on a walk through the island’s lush tropical forest, where you’ll see how nature has reclaimed the land. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, deer, raccoons, iguanas, and more than 40 species of birds. This protected ecosystem also serves as a nesting area for sea turtles and a haven for many endangered species.
Want to cool off? There’s time to relax or swim at the island’s secluded beach, where the turquoise waters and gentle waves provide the perfect setting to unwind. San Lucas’ beaches remain largely untouched, offering the peacefulness of nature without the crowds.
Why Choose Cocos Tours?
At Cocos Tours, we believe that great travel is about connection—with the past, with nature, and with each other. Our San Lucas Island National Park Tour is designed to give you a well-rounded experience that blends culture, history, and ecology. With us, you’re not just sightseeing—you’relearning, experiencing, and growing.
What sets our tour apart?
- Bilingual local guides with deep knowledge of the island’s history and ecology
- Comfortable and safe transportation to and from the island
- Small group sizes for a personalized experience
- Eco-conscious practices to protect the island’s fragile environment
- Free time to relax, explore, or swim at your own pace
We cater to all kinds of travelers—from curious history buffs to families looking for educational fun, from couples seeking adventure to photographers in search of dramatic coastal landscapes.
Practical Information
- Departure Point: Puntarenas
- Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
- Includes: Boat transportation, bilingual guide, entrance to the park, snacks or lunch, and bottled water
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, camera, insect repellent, swimwear, towel, walking shoes
Book Your San Lucas Island National Park TourToday
There’s something magical about standing in a prison cell overtaken by jungle, hearing the call of monkeys echo through the trees, and realizing that you’re walking through a living, breathing chapter of Costa Rican history. At Cocos Tours, we invite you to be a part of that magic.
Ready to explore San Lucas Island National Park?
Book your tour now and discover one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets with us.