Q COSTARICA — After removing the access gates (agujas) controlling vehicular access, the Municipality of Garabito confirmed that Playa Blanca is now open to the public 24 hours a day.
The municipality emphasizes that it acted in compliance with a court order recognizing the access road as public and not a private access point belonging to Punta Leona Beach Club.
Francisco González, mayor of Garabito, told La Nación that surveillance operations will be carried out to guarantee free transit.
Meanwhile, Punta Leona Beach Club condemned the “arbitrary and disproportionate actions” taken by the Municipality of Garabito on its premises.
It also stated that the municipality damaged infrastructure such as security barriers, the sturdy posts used to control vehicular traffic, a security booth, vehicles, and other items located on private property belonging to several owners and the Club.
“The municipality acted despite the fact that it is a private property with registered cadastral plans in the National Registry, and also despite the fact that the legal status of access via those roads is still being debated in the Administrative Court.
“The actions of the local government demonstrate a clear abuse of authority, causing damage to private property and violence against the people responsible for protecting it. The Municipal Police exceeded their authority, since in addition to damaging the infrastructure, they also assaulted the officials providing access,” said Punta Leona.
The Municipal police operation last week to remove security barriers in Punta Leona ended in a chaotic, and violent fight between police and those against the opening of the beach to the public. The Fuerza Publica (National Police) reported that two people were arrested for assaulting officers during the operation.
While access to Playa Blanca is open, questions have arisen among tourists and visitors is whether anyone can now freely enter, the use of parking, entry times, and what to do if someone tries to block access.
González assured that the beach can be visited by anyone and clarified several practical aspects for those planning a trip there. The mayor stated that anyone can enter Playa Blanca without needing to be a guest or member of Punta Leona.
The local government’s position is that the road under construction is a public street, so there should be no restrictions on accessing the beach.
There is no cost for access. Entry does not require paying an access fee. However, this does not mean that all services available in the area are free.
One of the main points of confusion among users concerns parking. González explained that Playa Blanca does not have enough parking spaces next to the beach, so historically, visitors have used private parking lots located nearby.
According to him, some tours include parking in nearby lots and transportation to the beach.
You can also use the parking lot managed by Punta Leona, which costs ¢20,000 for eight hours. He said that this service includes access to restrooms and is located near the beach.
According to the mayor, there are no entry times. Although he recommended visiting during the day due to the poor lighting in the area. He even pointed out that people can stay on the beach overnight, as long as they do so at their own risk.
What happens if someone tries to block access? González stated that no person or private company can expel visitors from a public beach. He also maintained that passage on the road that the Municipality considers public should not be obstructed.
In the event of such a situation, he recommended contacting the appropriate authorities through the 911 emergency system or the police in the area.