Have you ever dreamed of owning a piece of paradise that doesn’t just promise great returns but also aligns with your values: eco-tourism and/or restorative tourism, conservation, and sustainable development? With eco-tourism in Costa Rica, you really can make this dream come true.
Because here, eco-tourism and sustainability aren’t just buzzwords; they’re deeply enfolded into our national policies, the pura vida lifestyle, and local communities. And as Costa Rica’s eco-tourism continues to grow and trend, so does your opportunity to invest in eco-tourism – in honoring nature while reaping long-term financial benefits.
Lead Photo Reference: Bahia Papagayo
Welcome to Costa Rica’s Tourism Industry
Costa Rica’s eco-tourism industry is more than well-established; it’s world-renowned. The country has long been a trailblazer in conservation, slowly growing its protected lands over the last four decades: Today, more than 25% of our land is protected within national parks, private reserves, and wildlife refuges.
Today, Costa Rica is one of the world’s top country brands, beckoning the intrepid with promises of green landscapes and raw nature – from misty cloud forests to powder-soft beaches.
Since 1990, the nation’s tourism industry has witnessed 7.4% year-on-year growth, and Costa Rica has racked up accolades, including as #1 for the Greenfield FDI Performance Index, a World Bank success story, the World’s Happiest Country, and a top-5 choice for international retirement.
Thriving in Tourism
Costa Rica is a well-known tourist destination – a reputation that has contributed to 7.4% year-on-year growth since 1990, according to the Mordor Intelligence Report on Tourism Market Trends (2023-2028).
Among other factors, the report cites the country’s market resilience in 2021, when tourism recovered 33% percent and registered more than 1.3 million arrivals. This number further recovered in 2022, as evidenced by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) 2022 Annual Report on Tourism, which cited 2.35 million total international arrivals; the market is expected to fully recover in 2023, with the ICT projecting upwards of 2.5 million tourist arrivals by EOY.
This growth is further accentuated by a rise in tourists’ increased average spending and longer stays: In 2022, the average spend per tourist was $1,590 and the average stay lasted 13.5 nights, thus outpacing Spain, Mexico, the Bahamas, Peru, Panama, and other popular tourist destinations, based on data from the World Tourism Organization.
The Eco-Tourism Path to Investment
Eco-tourism in Costa Rica is all about low-impact travel that supports conservation efforts and local communities.
Travelers gravitate to once-in-a-lifetime, sometimes only-in-Costa-Rica experiences including wildlife observation, nature hiking, and ocean explorations. Because, as the world gravitates toward longer hours and urban environments, travelers crave an escape – the natural experiences and sustainable practices that have become a powerful driver for Costa Rica’s economy and have set the trend for sustainable property investment.
Because our area of northwestern Costa Rica – the province of Guanacaste – is one of the country’s most popular. In 2022, of the 2.35 million international tourists who visited Costa Rica, nearly 700,000 arrived via the international Guanacaste Airport (LIR)[1], primarily to visit the Guanacaste region, including Tamarindo (1h 15m). To further fuel the local economy and tourism, in 2023, the state-of-the-art Flamingo Marina, located just 15 miles (24 kms) from Tamarindo, celebrated its official inauguration.
Why Invest in Sustainable Real Estate in Costa Rica?
So, why is Costa Rica’s real estate market attracting so many investors, especially those looking to funnel their investment dollars into Earth-friendly eco-tourism real estate and businesses?
Simply put, Costa Rica offers a unique combination of natural beauty, political stability, and a welcoming business climate.
Moreover, the government actively encourages foreign investment, particularly when it involves sustainable projects. That means as a real estate investor here, you’re well positioned to tap into a market that not only appreciates eco-tourism in Costa Rica, but one that rewards you for your efforts, as an individual investor (“inversionista” resident), including:
- Tax Exemptions: A recent law grants the investor residency category a significant import tax exemption on household goods and vehicles.
- Investment Tax Exemptions: The same law will provide additional tax exemptions, including transfer tax exemptions, income tax exemptions, and other business-related tax exemptions.
- Legal Right to Reside: As a resident, you can stay in Costa Rica for as long as your residency is valid.
- CCSS Healthcare: As a resident, you’ll pay into Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, known as the Caja or CCSS. This grants you access to all public healthcare services, with no copays, deductibles, or additional fees, ever.
- Permanent Residence: Upgrade to permanent residency after three years, granting a longer residence period and the right to work, as well as an optional path to citizenship.
- Ease of Daily Life: Get a driver’s license, easily open bank accounts, connect utilities, get a cell phone, request a firma digital (digital signature hardware, widely used in Costa Rica), and more.
The Big Wins of Sustainable Property Investment
The best part? Here, you can dovetail your investment and your values, while contributing to Costa Rica’s national identity and vision for sustainability.
Contribute to Environmental Protections & Biodiversity
Sustainable construction minimizes your ecological footprint by prioritizing renewable resources, conserving water, minimizing your impact, and reducing waste.
In Costa Rica, this can look like solar power, water-saving irrigation and low-water landscaping, green roofs, natural ventilation, and more. In addition to construction features, eco-friendly construction helps reduce energy and resource consumption, contributing to the long-term preservation of Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural beauty.
And by owning a sustainable property, you’re doing your part to safeguard both our rich landscapes and the wild biodiversity they support.
Empower Local Communities
Sustainability is often used synonymously with the environment, but it’s about a lot more than that: A major goal of sustainability is to support local communities and their well-being.
Sustainable real estate and, generally, eco-tourism in Costa Rica source their materials and labor locally, which in turn boosts the economy, creates jobs, and fosters community pride. By investing in this type of real estate or tourism business, you’re helping fund projects that keep Costa Rica’s culture, traditions, and livelihoods intact, while also adding value to our communities.
High Demand & Strong ROI
As global interest in eco-friendly travel and lifestyles grows, so does the demand for sustainable – well, everything.
In Costa Rica, and particularly our province of Guanacaste, there is high demand for environmentally conscious vacation rentals, eco-tourism, and sustainable businesses, which means that the business owners and property investors who meet this demand find themselves enjoying higher occupancy rates and business returns.
What’s more, sustainable properties are generally cheaper to operate over time, thanks to energy savings and lower resource costs. And they often hold a significant advantage in resale values; buyers love eco-friendly construction, whether for the cost savings or the other advantages we’ve already mentioned.
Opportunities for Sustainable Property Investment & Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica
Curious what these niches look like in action? Here’s are a few examples of successful real estate projects for small- to large-scale investors.
Sustainable Vacation Homes
One of the easiest, most affordable entrances to the market are eco-friendly vacation homes: Choose your destination wisely and for the price of an eco-friendly home – or a lot purchase + eco-friendly construction – and partnership with a property manager (if you’re not onsite yourself), you can step directly into a sustainable business and inversionista residency.
Eco-Lodges & Resorts
Eco-lodges and resorts are a great way to invest in Costa Rica’s sustainable development – and reap a tidy profit.
Eco-tourism in Costa Rica focuses on upscale-to-luxurious, yet environmentally responsible accommodations and experiences, while incorporating sustainable designs like solar power, rainwater collection, and natural ventilation. What’s more, many of these resorts actively contribute to national conservation efforts, from reforestation to resources protection, making them standout choices for environmentally aware travelers.
Eco-Friendly Commercial Properties
Commercial properties in Costa Rica are increasingly going green, too, with features like rooftop solar panels, water recycling systems, and designs that optimize natural light.
This kind of real estate allows you to blend your existing expertise (or carve out a new niche) with your values, while appealing to the market: reduce your ecological footprint, cater to eco-buyers, and pull long-term savings on energy costs and more – a win for both the planet and property owners.
Sustainable Residential Communities
For developers, sustainable living communities offer a huge opportunity: Sustainable residential developments in Costa Rica typically incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and green spaces that encourage outdoor living. These communities often promote walkability, provide easy access to public transport, and offer amenities like community gardens or electric vehicle charging stations.
What’s more, they’re tailor-built to foster a sense of connection and wellness among residents. And they’re wildly popular and on trend, allowing you to sell out your development faster and for higher dollar.
Before You Buy: 5 Tips for Eco-Tourism Investors
If you’re ready to dive into real estate and eco-tourism in Costa Rica, congrats! It promises to be an exciting journey but before you take the plunge, we’ve got a few pointers to help make your investment move as smooth as possible.
Tip #1: Visit First
If you can, make a trip to Costa Rica before you buy.
Even with a top-notch real estate team (that’s us!) guiding you every step of the way, nothing beats walking through potential properties and neighborhoods yourself. Costa Rica might feel familiar when you’ve been here before, but looking at it through an eco-tourism and investment lens reveals a different side of paradise and your dreams. Do yourself a favor and inspect any potential property investment in person, before adding it to your shortlist.
Tip #2: Wait for the Right Investment
Property investment and eco-tourism in Costa Rica isn’t quite like buying in the U.S. or most other places. The market here has its own rhythm – properties may stay listed longer, and the local market dynamics differ, so it pays to browse a bit before you buy.
Think of it as window shopping, Costa Rican style: research the regions, check out available properties and businesses, and ask around to get a feel for different areas. As your agent sends you new opportunities, you’ll notice how properties move, giving you a sense of value and opportunity in Costa Rica’s market. It might take a few weeks or even months, but this slower pace lets you make a well-informed decision.
Tip #3: Connect with an Attorney
Costa Rica’s real estate laws, regulations, and processes are unique, so working with a skilled real estate lawyer is a must. An experienced attorney will act as your second set of eyes, offering peace of mind throughout the process and helping you protect your investment and business.
Tip #4: Choose an Experienced Agent & Brokerage
Yes, we know – we might be a little biased here. But hear us out: in Costa Rica, there’s no formal licensing process for real estate agents. That means anyone can call themselves an agent, even without expertise in real estate law or the local market.
Partnering with a knowledgeable, experienced brokerage isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.
And at Blue Water Properties, we take our role seriously. Our agents – many of whom come from real estate backgrounds in the U.S. and abroad – are voluntarily licensed, legal residents of Costa Rica with years of experience in the “Gold Coast” region of Guanacaste.
We’re members of the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). You might have even seen us on HGTV – our properties and agents have been featured on shows like House Hunters International, Beachfront Bargain Hunt, and Live Here, Buy This!
Tip #5: Ask Questions!
There’s a lot to learn when you’re investing in sustainable real estate or an eco-tourism business. Some things will feel familiar, while others may be brand new. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. In fact, we encourage you to ask ALL the questions!
This process is about your investment, your future, and your peace of mind, so learning as much as you can along the way is key. It’s our job to make sure you feel confident and informed, and we’re here to help every step of the way. So, go ahead – reach out, ask questions, and let us show you what’s possible.
At Blue Water Properties of Costa Rica, we’re honored to offer some of the finest real estate in Costa Rica. From vacation rentals and homes to land and commercial properties, we’re here to help make your Costa Rican real estate dreams a reality.