THE $15 million marina planned for the Papagayo Peninsula in northwestern Guanacaste moved one step closer to becoming a reality late last month when the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) approved the marina’s concession. Marina officials can now begin soliciting necessary construction permits.
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Construction is expected to take 18-20 months and the marina is expected to open at the beginning of 2008, according to project director Roberto Kopper. The concession allows for a total of 370 slips, though only 160 slips will be built in the first phase.
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The planned marina will be accompanied by waterfront facilities, including Customs and Immigration offices, ship and convenience stores and a gymnasium. It also envisions a waterfront village of bistros and bars, language and art schools, pharmacies and stores (TT, April 1, 2005).
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The marina will be located at the northeast end of the Gulf of Papagayo, near the black-sand Playa Manzanillo. The project is part of the 900- hectare (3.5-square-mile) Eco-Desarollo Papagayo, includes the swanky Four Seasons hotel and makes up nearly half of the Papagayo tourism project.
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