Costa Rica gives green light to US$850mn Limón cruise terminal plan

A plan to build a marina and cruise terminal in Costa Rica's Limón province received the go-ahead from environmental authority Setena, reported Atlantic coast port authority Japdeva. 

The entire project is aimed at increasing cruise ship and yacht traffic and involves estimated capex of US$854mn, according to information published by the government in February. 

It includes upgrading the Hernán Garrón Salazar terminal and constructing a building to receive tourists, as well as building a commercial area with shops, restaurants, markets, hotels and parking lots, among other elements.  

"Japdeva has the environmental license granted by Setena, meeting the goals established to achieve progress in Costa Rica and Limón,” Japdeva said in a statement, according to newspaper La República. 

The project will be built on 27ha and the terminal is expected to have capacity to serve five cruise ships at the same time and moor nearly 250 luxury yachts.

The Costa Rican presidency said that feasibility studies carried out by consulting firm Moffatt & Nichol were concluded in January.  

The project was declared of national and public interest by President Rodrigo Chaves during a special session of the government council in 2022.