We (2 parents and 2 teens) had an afternoon tour that started at 1 pm. Parking was easy & cheap right by the beach. Our guide, Juan Carlos, met us with his crew perfectly on time. We enjoyed shade from the cover on the boat given the heat and sun. We were toured around for hours, stopping to fish and snorkel (where we found octopus and starfish). We saw plenty of other sea-life too, like manta rays and birds. Other bonuses included: being able to play our music from our phones on their bluetooth speakers, lunch, fresh pineapples, and cold beverages. Juan Carlos kept asking what we wanted to do next, making sure we were happy the whole time.  The whole experience was excellent and we’d highly recommend. Would definitely book with him again!

My wife and I booked a full day trip with Captain Mendez while staying at the Secrets Papagayo. Communication pre trip was great and he was able to pick us up right on the beach of our resort. We were initially a little concerned about the size of the boat compared to the other charters we were looking at but it ended up being plenty spacious for the two of us (could have fit more) and never had a moment where we didn’t feel safe on the water even despite some incredibly strong wind that picked up in the afternoon.

We ended up only catching one Jack Crevalle for the day but Captain Mendez gave us plenty of opportunities including dozen of Mahi Mahi within feet of the boat that just wouldn’t bite (nor did they appear to be landing with some of the other boats in the area). Despite not being able to land the Mahi Mahi, being able to see them so close in the water chasing bait fish was still an exciting experience. Captain Mendez even let us spend a bit more time than scheduled trolling toward the end of the day just to try landing us another fish without hesitation.

Like the other reviews also noted, we ended the day with some sashimi from the Jack Crevalle we caught and freshly cut Pineapple. I am a pretty picky eater and not a fan of sushi but this was great and my wife loved it even more. Very unique experience I’ve never got on any other charters.

Overall very happy with the trip and if we’re ever back in the area we’ll be booking with Captain Mendez again and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone else as well.

Me and my husband booked Captain Mendez for a full day trip while we were on our honeymoon, and it ended up being a trip of a lifetime. The atmosphere was fun and energetic. We both were able to catch some Mahi, and my husband was able to get hooked up on a Marlin. It was an absolutely beautiful and massive fish, and we wouldn’t have been able to reel it in if it wasn’t for the expertise of Captain Mendez and the help of his son! We ended the trip enjoying some fresh delicious mahi ceviche on the beautiful ride home. We would recommend this fishing charter to anyone looking to have a great fishing experience, and to whoever is looking to catch some great fish! Will be fishing with him again the next time we come to Costa Rica!

I have fished this part of Costa Rica several times. Usually with success. This was my first time with Captain Mendez. I prefer to fish with Ticos the Tico way! Captain Mendez is all Tico! And he is an outstanding fishermen! I told him that I wanted to catch a Cubera Snapper. After about 4 hours of trying, they just weren’t biting. So I asked him to switch gears and to try something else. We ended up trolling for a few hours with only a couple of needle fish to show for it. Captain Mendez refused to give up! And due to his persistence, we landed a HUGE sailfish! Biggest sail I’ve ever caught or seen for that matter! Do not hesitate to book this boat! He knows what he is doing and will work very hard to make it a worthwhile trip! Thanks Cap!! I will definitely see you soon!!

Juan and the crew were great, Juan picked us up at Occidental Papagayo Beach on time. Bonita and Dorado “Mahi-mahi” were biting. We caught several Bonitas and a Large Dorado. Grey dolphins 🐬 swimming at the nose of the boat numerous times and turtles 🐢 swimming all over.
Amazing 👏 time out on the water and I would seriously recommend Juan to others. We will be back for more fishing.
More pictures to come.