Costa Rica consolidates its position as a destination at the world's leading nautical tourism fair

For the second consecutive year, Costa Rica is participating in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2025 (FLIBS), the world's leading nautical tourism trade show, held from October 29 to November 3 in Florida, USA. The event brings together more than 100,000 visitors and showcases over 1,300 vessels, solidifying its position as the key meeting point for the global marina, yacht, sailboat, and megayacht industry.

In its 66th edition, FLIBS is considered the largest commercial event in the Americas for nautical tourism, with the participation of more than 1000 exhibiting brands and experts from sectors such as technology, marina design, entertainment and shipbuilding.

Luis Lemus, director of the Interinstitutional Commission of Marinas and Tourist Docks (CIMAT), attached to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), highlighted the relevance of Costa Rica's participation:

“Our country boasts world-class marinas. Being present at FLIBS represents a strategic commitment to positioning Costa Rica as a nautical tourism destination and attracting investments that will strengthen our coastal infrastructure,” Lemus noted.

The director also emphasized that yachts and long-range vessels find in Costa Rica an ideal anchorage to enjoy the biodiversity and local hospitality, with marinas strategically distributed along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Costa Rica's presence in FLIBS is framed within the National Tourism Development Plan, with objectives focused on attracting investment, the application of Law 9977 on charter licenses for foreign vessels, and the strengthening of international alliances focused on sustainable and resilient nautical infrastructure.

This year, the show is being held at seven locations, including Bahía Mar Yachting Center, Broward County Convention Center, Las Olas Marina, Pier 66 Marina and Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South.

Nautical tourism: a sector with high potential

Rafael Quesada, head of the Promotion and Specialized Segments Department of the ICT, highlighted that participation in FLIBS allows attracting ultra-luxury tourists and consolidating Costa Rica as an emerging destination in international nautical tourism.

“This fair is a high-value platform for generating business, promoting our marinas, and projecting the country as a destination with potential for megayachts and luxury tourism,” Quesada stated.

The Costa Rican delegation includes representatives from the Costa Rican Marina Association, JAPDEVA, and the National Institute of Housing and Urban Development (INVU), who held meetings with NGOs and local authorities in Fort Lauderdale to explore opportunities for cooperation.

Costa Rica offers a strategic location in the heart of Central America, with modern nautical infrastructure and high-quality services, including secure moorings, maintenance, refueling, and luxury accommodations. Added to this is its renowned biodiversity and commitment to sustainability, values ​​that reinforce its appeal to high-spending tourists.

Currently, the country has six operational marinas —Papagayo, Flamingo, Los Sueños, Pez Vela, Bahía Golfito and Banana Bay— with more than 1000 berths and an average monthly service of 825 vessels, generating more than 7000 direct and indirect jobs.

In the medium term, the construction of two new marinas is planned, one in Playas del Coco and another in Limón, which would be the first in the Costa Rican Caribbean, reinforcing the country's leadership in sustainable nautical development.