The construction of the new Flamingo Marina in Guanacaste, Costa Rica has been talked about for years, over a decade actually, ever since the government shut down the prior marina in 2004 by order of the Administrative Environmental Court after a lot of controversy since it didn’t have the proper environmental impact study and there were reports of contamination.

Grupo de Desarrollo Marina Flamingo (Marina Flamingo Development Group), is the group behind the new project and after a long process it was finally granted the approval by SETENA, the National Technical Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment.

Getting the environmental permit for this project was key, the most difficult in terms of requirements and it is a big step towards finally making the Marina a reality; however, there are still other permits required before finally receiving green light for construction. The next permit is required from the CIMAT – Commission of Tourist Marinas which should be ready in the next two weeks and then the permit of the Santa Cruz Municipality; if these institutions give the OK then the final step involves holding a public hearing for members of the community and institutions to present their inquiries, or present formal documents objecting the project.

The Marina Flamingo Development Group doesn’t expect and hopes not to get any opposition since at this final point they would’ve already complied with all requirements and demands. After the concession is granted, the blueprints must be approved by the Engineers and Architects Federate College.

This project would be built in a space of 189,000 square meters next to the Coast Guard and will offer 211 slips accommodating yachts up to 110′, fueling station, dry dock, a boutique hotel, a convention center with capacity for 800 people, commercial area for restaurants, bars, etc.