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The maritime zone near the beach: basics

Why “beachfront” is not always simple ownership.

Updated: November 3, 2026. Schedules, prices and conditions change; always confirm on the booking page.

Palm trees and calm sea at blue hour
Palm trees and calm sea at blue hour · Photo: Original image
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Along Costa Rica’s coasts, the Ley sobre la Zona Marítimo Terrestre sets rules for land near the sea. In general, a strip from the high-tide line is public, and a further strip behind it is a restricted zone that can usually be used under a municipal concession rather than owned outright. The exact widths and exceptions depend on the location and legal status.

If a property is near the sea, ask your lawyer to establish whether any part of it is within the maritime zone, who holds the rights and what the concession terms are.