This Stretch of Coast Won’t Stay Forgotten for Long

Monday, April 26, 2010

Dear Reader,

On Friday, I told you that Limón was Costa Rica’s forgotten province. Here’s why...

Limón stretches the length of the Caribbean coast. Bad roads and lack of infrastructure meant that this area stayed under the tourist radar—and developers focused entirely on the Pacific coast.

For much of the last century, the port of Limón was a company town. The controversial United Fruit Company managed the port, built the railroads and bridges, looked after the colonial buildings, and ran the local businesses.

Back then, bananas were a better business than tourism. When the company pulled out of the town in the 1960s, Limón became Costa Rica’s forgotten province.

When the Costa Rica tourism machine began bringing in droves of foreign visitors in the 1980s, it was the northern Pacific coast that most benefited. This is set to change. The Costa Rican government has decided to develop Limón in much the same way the Mexican government developed Cancun in the ‘70s.

Last year, the Costa Rican President allocated $80 million to kick-start the restoration of cultural buildings in Limón and improve the city infrastructure. This work is now underway.

There are plans for a $600 million modernization of the ports of Moin and Limón. Moin is a stopping point for cruise ships. By 2013, the government expects 500 cruise ships per year, up from the current 250 cruise ships per year.

Moin has a Caribbean charm, but not much in the way of amenities. That’s about to change, with the first major development on this Caribbean coastline: a project called Isla Moin. This $40 million marina development includes a 500-slip marina, two breakwaters, a shopping center, 800 homes, a yacht repair area, and a luxury hotel.

The marina will change this sleepy Caribbean outpost. How much? Consider Los Suenos on the Pacific side of the country. This was Costa Rica’s only private marina. When it was developed, the area boomed. That will happen on the Caribbean side. Expect to see cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques springing up in Moin and its surrounding areas. Expect to see prices rise, reflecting the pricing of the marina residences.

The coastline here is the stuff of Caribbean postcards. The sand is white and the water is turquoise. Back from the coast, you have the Talamanca Mountains (this is where you will find Grand View Estates). You get magnificent views of the Caribbean and the surrounding mountains and valleys. The breeze is fresh and the wildlife abundant—70% of the coast is protected.

I don’t expect this coast to remain forgotten for long.

Ronan McMahon

P.S. Grand View Estates is the gold standard project is this area. The 1,300-foot elevation allows for fresh ocean breezes. The site is diverse, with virgin rainforest, five rivers, two waterfalls, and gently rolling hills. The wildlife is abundant, with hundreds of bird and animal species. Best of all, you can buy a 1.5 acre lot here with only $14,000 down, and monthly payments of $299. This offer is only valid through May. I strongly urge you to read my full report on this opportunity.