Costa Rica passes a major milestone in opening the country to foreign superyacht operations

Landmark ruling comes after longstanding lobbying by the Costa Rica Marina Association working with Fraser

Following the recent sitting of the Costa Rica Legislative Assembly (Congress), Fraser working alongside the Costa Rica Marina Association, is proud to share a landmark vote 47-0 in favour of wide-reaching reform of the existing marina law to facilitate easier and more flexible entry and access by foreign large yacht operations to and within the country’s waters.

The reform, which will allow luxury charter vessels over 24m (79’) to charter legally and remain in Costa Rica for up to one year, is the result of longstanding, committed and passionate work undertaken by the Costa Rica Marina Association in collaboration with Fraser.

Following the vote, the law was signed on Monday 5th April 2021, by President Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica, with the presence of Fraser’s Chief Operating Officer Mike Busacca, and Jeff Duchesneau from the Costa Rica Marina Association.
“This legal reform introduces new characteristics for marina concessionaires and for foreign vessels that dock in their spaces, thereby facilitating and strengthening the dynamics of nautical tourism in Costa Rica.” President Carlos Alvarado is quoted as saying.

The Association, together with the core Fraser advisory team, made up of Senior Charter Brokers Diane Fraser and Debra Blackburn and Yacht Services Manager Peter Selivanoff,  are now on hand to work with Government legislators as required to codify the regulations and procedures. This is expected to be finalised and put into operation by September 2021.

Fraser and the Marina Association will be making further announcements as the process advances.

Costa Rica is already set up to welcome superyachts, with world-class marina facilities having been built in Papagayo, Herradura, Quepos and Golfito, with more set to open in the next 12 months. The new law will enable more charterers to fulfil their dream of exploring the 800 miles of coastline and unique biodiversity of the country.