Costa Rica’s San Lucas Island opened up again this weekend for tourism. San Lucas Island is located off the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica, 5.4 miles from Puntarenas, and has an area of fewer than 500 hectares. This island is famous in Costa Rica because it used to function as a prison from 1873 to 1991; at first just for thieves and other petty crime offenders but later for more dangerous criminals.

“We are incredibly happy with the reopening of San Lucas Island, which will add to the rehabilitation of the Nicoya Gulf and the port as a tourism destination. This project allows for better and more efficient development of the area while generating new opportunities for its people, we are recovering the cultural and historical heritage of one of the best-kept secrets of the Nicoya Gulf”, stated First Lady, Claudia Dobles, who is also the coordinator of the Route of Reactivation of San Lucas Island.

The Island attracts tourists who are curious to tour the old cells, some of the walls that still remain from the jail display several graffities. San Lucas was declared a Wildlife Refugee in 2001, it is the home of whitetail deer, wild boars, and congo monkeys, among others. The Island also offers several beaches, 4 of which are accessible for tourists.

Several companies offer tours to San Lucas Island, located just 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Puntarenas.