Costa Rica laws regarding treasure hunting, HELP!

[Randi W]

Hello fellow hunters. I am new to this site and want to know if anyone has any info on the laws in Costa Rica regarding using a metal detector on the beaches and in the water. A google search is not yielding the best results and I don't know how much I trust a lawyer to give me accurate information. I found an informative thread regarding what some locals assume may happen if you are spotted or caught, and answers ranged from "nothing" to "jail time." Additionally, the post was from 2004. I am not necessarily looking to do this in the National Parks (closest to me is Ballena) however would like to do some leisurly hunts in the sand on the various southern pacific beaches. Any information on if there are CONCRETE rules or laws will e very helpful.
Thank you!

 

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[Samanthy]

Most countries in the world have national patrimony laws. If you find something, it belongs to the government !

 

[CASPER-2]

unless things recently changed - beaches and water should be fine - just stay away from ancient sites

 

[CASPER-2]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=costa+rica+metal+detecting

 

[vpnavy]

...any info on the laws in Costa Rica regarding using a metal detector...

I searched

and found a number of threads - here are just a few...

Costa Rica treasure hunt (May 03, 2018, 06:38 PM)

Costa Rica (May 28, 2017, 08:55 PM)

My return from Costa Rica (Mar 04, 2012, 08:03 PM)

COSTA RICA (May 12, 2010, 10:44 PM)

Metal detecting in Costa Rica (Nov 20, 2004, 06:38 PM)​

 

[BillA]

Depending on your orbit, you will have invitations to detect archeological sites - don't do it and you will be fine

 

[stoneshirt]

Randi,hi.
I lived down in Golfito,down by the Border.I hunted beaches with no problems.Theres' lots of areas with Pre-Columbian Graves,I would be cautious, inland,unless it's private property.Those beaches were Dirty,and non productive..However The Osa peninsula across the bay is,and was a large, producing Gold area,still possible but talk to the locals.I made plans to go to the very tip of the Osa peninsula.It's remote,but you can get there.Lots of old Dry Placer diggins.California Mining Journey had a Big Article on the History of those old Placers..Isla Violin was a producer of Gold also,Get busy.

stoneshirt.

 

[against the wind]

Most beach front hotels will tell you that they have guests that metal detect their beach all the time. Be wary of people claiming to have lost gold jewelry.