Costa Rica’s Potrero Beach Introduces Accessible Walkways and Amphibious Chairs

Potrero Beach in Guanacaste is now accessible for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, or elderly people. The association Las Buenas Acciones Verdes de Monge launched this access initiative along with the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism. With 33 meters of retractable walkways and an amphibious chair, the beach is made easily accessible to all.  

The Ecological Blue Flag Committee of Potrero Beach will maintain accessible facilities that are already open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These features are part of Monge’s broader social responsibility program, which supports both the environment and communities.  

“We’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to the environment and society with the sixth accessible beach. Our goal is a pollution-free future and positive social impact,” explained Carlos Fernandez, director of the Good Green Deeds program at Monge.  

A Growing Initiative for Accessibility   

The Potrero Beach project marks the latest effort by Monge in his quest to make beaches in Costa Rica more accessible. Since 2021, he has collected over 11 tons of plastic caps to raise over 300 meters of walkways and donated six amphibious chairs to various beaches. These include Manuel Antonio’s Playa Espadilla, two in Puntarenas, Manzanillo in Limón, Playa Ventanas de Osa, and now, the beach of Playa Potrero. 

On the day of the inauguration, the equipment, especially the amphibious chair, was tested by the disability organizations of Guanacaste, ensuring the features meet the needs of people with disabilities.  

Stephanie Sheehy, executive director of the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism, welcomed this effort, saying, “Each accessible beach takes us closer to our goal—everyone has the right to leisure and recreation. We thank Monge for standing with us every step along the way.” 

Sustainable Features and Community Engagement  

The amphibious chair supports 90 kg, is made of recycled plastic with stainless steel screws, and has a special canvas tailored to saline environments. It is easy to adapt and robust, covering any surface with 1,000 kilos of recycled plastic caps for modular walkways. Features at Potrero Beach cost around US $6,300 to construct. 

Since its launch in the 200 stores in Costa Rica, Monge’s plastic cap collection has become a wealth of assets that promote accessibility while increasing environmental impact reductions. 

This makes Costa Rica a destination for accessible tourism and demonstrates its strength in social transformation through sustainable practice.