Costa Rica’s Beaches at Risk? What You Need to Know About Bill 22.553

Arcadia
Jul 28
2 min read

Costa Rica’s coastlines have long been protected by Law 6043—a landmark regulation that guarantees public access to maritime land and puts decisions in the hands of local municipalities and communities.

But a new bill, Project 22.553, is now drawing alarm across the country.

If passed, this reform would hand over sweeping control of Costa Rica’s coastal land to the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Institute). This means one central institution—rather than local governments or coastal residents—would decide:

Where hotels, condos, and tourism projects can be built
What type of development happens in each area
Whether land should be protected or commercialized

In other words, communities that live, fish, and work along the coast could lose their voice.

From Ecotourism to Luxury-First?

The proposed reform comes amid growing concern that Costa Rica is shifting away from sustainable tourism in favor of luxury developments. Critics argue the ICT no longer represents the values of small-scale, community-based ecotourism.

Even more concerning? The ICT president, William Rodríguez, publicly admitted there is no plan to address gentrification—nor the rising cost of living and displacement happening in many beach towns.

This isn’t just about real estate. It’s about who gets to shape the future of our coastal identity.

What This Means for Expats, Investors & Locals

For expats and investors, this bill could reshape land use rules overnight. Local zoning plans might be overridden. Approvals could become centralized—and slower. And the fabric of beloved beach towns could rapidly change.

For locals, especially coastal communities, it’s a question of representation: Who gets to decide what happens to the beaches they’ve called home for generations?

Why It Matters Now

This bill isn’t law yet—but it’s moving fast. And the decisions made now will echo for decades.

At Arcadia, we believe in a future where sustainable growth, community voice, and nature-first development can coexist. We’re watching this reform closely—not as politicians or lobbyists, but as people who live, work, and dream here.

Whether you're buying land, selling a home, or simply walking the beach—this bill affects you.