San Lucas Island tour: Dolphins and historic penitentiary

A former penitentiary and the waters that surround it, in one morning

A guided tour of San Lucas Island National Park combines a dolphin search in the Gulf of Nicoya, a ranger-led walk through the cells of Costa Rica's most famous former prison, and swimming time on an island beach. The tour runs 3 to 4 hours and includes lunch, tropical fruits and bottled water. A certified guide leads in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

San Lucas Island National Park tour

• Search for dolphins in Gulf of Nicoya
• Arrive at San Lucas Island National Park
• Meet park ranger and check entry
• Guided tour of former prison cells
• Relax on San Lucas Island beach

The experience

The boat leaves Puntarenas for the Gulf of Nicoya, where the first stop is a search for dolphins in their natural habitat. If the tide is low, you'll also pass the Fella, a sunken boat that has become a breeding ground for molluscs, fish and dolphins. The passage itself frames what comes next: the island sits in waters that have held stories for centuries.

At San Lucas Island National Park, a park ranger meets you at the dock and checks your ID or passport before entry. A certified guide then takes you through the former penitentiary cell by cell, explaining the true history of the site, including the story of writer José León Sanchez, who was imprisoned here and wrote his famous novel "The Island of Men Alone" from inside these walls. The prison tour is the core of the visit. The guide covers the corners and corridors of what was once the most famous prison in Costa Rican history.

After the prison walk, you move to one of the island's beaches to swim in the emerald water, eat lunch and tropical fruits, and rest. The beach time balances the intensity of the history: you're on the same island where the prison stood, but now surrounded by nature and the option to do nothing at all.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• lunch.
• tropical fruits.
• a certified guide in English or Spanish.
• park ranger check-in and directions.
• and guided access to the former penitentiary cells.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point is at Isla Coco's restaurant, parking is available for customers, where the guide will receive them and indicate the location of the toilets and how to prepare for the tour.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Coco's Tours Cr

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're spending a morning or early afternoon in Puntarenas and want to combine wildlife, history and beach time in one outing. The fixed schedule and included lunch mean you don't need to arrange a separate meal or plan multiple stops. The day is built around the island itself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

11 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I see dolphins on this tour?

The tour includes a dolphin search in the Gulf of Nicoya at the start. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed, but the waters near the island are their natural habitat.

What was San Lucas Island used for?

San Lucas Island was home to Costa Rica's most famous penitentiary. The former prison is now a National Park declared for its historical and cultural value. A certified guide walks you through the cells and explains the true stories of the site, including the history of writer José León Sanchez, who was imprisoned there.

What happens if the tide is low?

If the tide is low during the dolphin search in the Gulf of Nicoya, you may see part of the Fella, a large sunken boat that serves as a breeding ground for fish, molluscs and dolphins.

What do I need to bring to enter the National Park?

You must carry a valid ID or passport (either physically or as a photo on your mobile device) to be allowed entry to San Lucas Island National Park.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours from start to finish, including the dolphin search, the prison walk, and beach time.