A Major Marina Is Coming to Playas del Coco
After more than 24 years in the making, Marina del Coco finally has what it needs to move forward. The concession contract was officially signed on January 31, 2025, clearing the way for a $24.5 million marina project on the northwest side of Playa del Coco.
Here's a clear breakdown of what's confirmed, what's still projected, and what's just talk.
The Basics
Developer: ASODEMAC (Asociación para el Desarrollo de la Marina del Coco), led by president Rafael Villegas
Funding: 100% private, $24.5 million, no public funds involved
Approved by: CIMAT (Comisión Interinstitucional de Marinas y Atracaderos Turísticos), with support from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT)
Size: approximately 25 hectares
Capacity: 299 slips for boats ranging from 12 to 40 meters
Rank: would become the 7th marina in Costa Rica
What's Being Built
Beyond the docks themselves, the project includes a Port Captain's office, Customs and Immigration facilities, a dry dock and maintenance yard, a fuel station, an ice plant, commercial space, and parking.
Timeline
The project is projected to take 3 to 5 years from the signing date, putting a realistic opening window between 2028 and 2030. As of September 2026, there's no public evidence that physical construction has started yet; official statements are still speaking in future tense.
Why This Matters for Buyers
This isn't the first time a Coco marina has been on the table. During an earlier phase of this same project years ago, the mere announcement was enough to drive a wave of land purchases and luxury real estate investment in the area, well before any permits were in hand. Investors at that time reportedly included AOL co-founder Steve Case, through his firm Revolution Places.
History doesn't guarantee a repeat performance, but it's a pattern worth knowing if you're watching this market.
What's Still Unconfirmed
To keep this accurate, a few things floating around are not yet verified:
Reports of a divided community (some for, some against the marina) come from a single travel blog, with no formal news coverage or named sources.
Concerns about friction with local artisanal fishing are a reasonable assumption, not a documented fact.
The Bottom Line
Marina del Coco has cleared its biggest hurdle: a signed, funded, fully private concession. Construction hasn't visibly started yet, but based on how this market has reacted before, the window to buy ahead of the news may be narrower than it looks.
If you're curious how a project like this could affect property values in Playas del Coco, or you're thinking about buying in the area, reach out. I'm always happy to talk through what's actually happening on the ground.