San Lucas Island National Park tour. in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Puntarenas, Costa Rica

San Lucas Island National Park tour.

Outty Ranking 66 5.0 · 11 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $90
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is San Lucas Island National Park tour. worth booking?

San Lucas Island National Park tour. is a 3-hour experience in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, from $90 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
5/5 (11)
Duration
3 hours
From
$90 per person

Explore the hidden history and natural beauty of San Lucas Island National Park on an unforgettable tour in one day. We begin with the search for dolphins in their natural habitat—a magical opportunity to connect with marine life in the Gulf of Nicoya. Then, we sail to the mystical San Lucas Island, where you will take an exclusive guided tour of the corners of its former penitentiary. We’ll tell you the true, mysterious and sometimes jarring stories surrounding this site, declared a National Park for its historical and cultural value. After the tour, you will relax on one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the island, surrounded by nature and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just enjoying the scenery. This tour is much more than an excursion: it is an enriching experience that connects the past with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Ideal for those looking for something authentic, different and deeply memorable.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the hidden history and natural beauty of San Lucas Island National Park on an unforgettable tour in one day. We begin with the search for dolphins in their natural habitat—a magical opportunity to connect with marine life in the Gulf of Nicoya. Then, we sail to the mystical San Lucas Island, where you will take an exclusive guided tour of the corners of its former penitentiary. We’ll tell you the true, mysterious and sometimes jarring stories surrounding this site, declared a National Park for its historical and cultural value. After the tour, you will relax on one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the island, surrounded by nature and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just enjoying the scenery. This tour is much more than an excursion: it is an enriching experience that connects the past with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Ideal for those looking for something authentic, different and deeply memorable.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Lunch
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Province of Puntarenas

      Before arriving at San Lucas Island National Park, we will detour to try to watch dolphins in the Gulf of Nicoya, being nearby, if the tide is low, it will be possible to see part of a large sunken boat called "Fella" this is home to a lot of life in the, so much that it is considered a breeding ground for several species of molluscs, fish and even for dolphins.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Isla San Lucas

      Upon arrival at Isla San Lucas National Park, a park ranger will meet them and take them to the awning where they give some directions and take list, carry ID or passport either in photo on their mobile or physically to be allowed entry to the National Park. Next, a certified guide will take you around the corners of each cell in what was once the most famous prison in Costa Rican history, where the writer José León Sanchez was and began writing his most famous novel "The Island of Men Alone". At the end of the prison tour, to relax the body after the tour, you will have a relaxing time on one of the beautiful beaches of San Lucas Island, in which you can bathe in emerald waters, enjoy tropical fruits, or just let yourself go by nature.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Puntarenas

    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.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    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.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Coco's Tours Cr

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Not recommended for travelers with severe leg and knee injuries, operations or pain

    Photos

    Dolphin sighting before reaching the island, San Lucas Island National Park tour. in PuntarenasSan Lucas Bay pier, where we went up and the prisoners also went up., San Lucas Island National Park tour. in PuntarenasSan Lucas Island National Park from above, San Lucas Island National Park tour. in PuntarenasHowler monkeys in Playa Hacienda Vieja, San Lucas Island National Park tour. in PuntarenasHistoric berth., San Lucas Island National Park tour. in PuntarenasPerfect sign for a group photo., San Lucas Island National Park tour. in Puntarenas

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for San Lucas Island National Park tour.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    303yendyr · September 2026

    Very satisfied with the tour, and the food was delicious.

    Highly recommended, excellent service.

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por visitarnos, nos alegra mucho que disfrutaran, gracias por la recomendacion.!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Z8243VHisabels · August 2026

    Excellent experience, Isla San Lucas

    Excellent experience. Both Raquel, our guide, and Captain Librado were very kind and attentive throughout the entire trip. Raquel has a great deal of knowledge about the island and it is clear that she goes the extra mile to share its history in a human and enriching way. Without a doubt, they made the visit a unique experience, highly recommended!

    Response from the operator: Nos alegra mucho que disfrutaras el tour a Isla San Lucas de la mejor manera con nuestro equipo, esto nos motiva a seguir mejorando para brindar mejores experiencias por el Golfo de Nicoya. De parte de nuestro equipo, muchas gracias y Pura Vida!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    davidsV8744IK · August 2026

    Review

    Raquel the guide is very nice, she explains the experiences of the place very well, and she is also a very good ornithologist. Both she and Captain Librado are very attentive and kind.

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por tu reseña, esperamos seguir brindando experiencias de esta manera a futuros viajeros. De parte de nuestro equipo, muchas gracias y Pura Vida!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Navigator40739480400 · August 2026

    Very good

    They were very good and punctual, the guide Raquel was very charismatic and excellent when it came to explaining the history of the area,

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias, por visitarnos , nos alegra que el servicio de nuestro personal, satisficiera sus expectativas..!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    T7576OYalician · May 2026

    The island of lonely men, an educational walk

    Excellent tour. We did it as part of an educational tour. All punctual, the boats in perfect condition, very informed guides. A very enriching experience to learn more about Costa Rican history. If you've ever read The Island of Lonely Men, this walk will fascinate you.

    Response from the operator: Gracias por la confianza, muy lindo el grupo de estudiantes y profesores, gracias por sus palabras nos llena de esperanza y nos motiva a seguir trabajando..!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)42
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    San Lucas Island National Park tour.: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puntarenas.

    How much does San Lucas Island National Park tour. cost?

    +

    Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puntarenas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does San Lucas Island National Park tour. take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puntarenas is not rushed.

    Is San Lucas Island National Park tour. worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Puntarenas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule San Lucas Island National Park tour.?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is San Lucas Island National Park tour. suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book San Lucas Island National Park tour.?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puntarenas can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puntarenas and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does San Lucas Island National Park tour. start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puntarenas within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Puntarenas?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Puntarenas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat, 3 Hour ATV Medium Waterfall Tour (Swimmable Pool), Turtle Island, from Puntarenas, snorkeling and lunch included!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Puntarenas?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Puntarenas?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in San Lucas Island National Park tour.?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; Lunch; and Snacks. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for San Lucas Island National Park tour.?

    +

    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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is San Lucas Island National Park tour. offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for San Lucas Island National Park tour.?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is San Lucas Island National Park tour. wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to San Lucas Island National Park tour. if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about San Lucas Island National Park tour.?

    +

    Across 11 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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