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!

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.

Juan was great. Knowledgeable of where the fish would be what expectations you should have and if your day is a bad day for fish he will tell you ahead of time. He put off our trip for a day due to extreme winds and extremely rough water. At least for as long as our trip would allow. Hooked into a huge marlin and several grouper a couple small red snapper and a mackerel. We booked two trips with Juan, the first as stated was postponed due to 40 mph winds for several days and it did make the ride pretty tough. Either way we got on some fish. He filleted them and had them cooked up with some rice a beans (our choice) and it was fantastic. Obviously we would have liked to catch more but (I don’t think you ever catch enough as anglers) the conditions were near unbearable till our last day available to fish. Nothing you can do about that so overall, I would recommend Juan for sure. Great guy, will teach you anything you ask and fish however you’d like. Casting from the front is an option and trolling from the back. Other than the fishing, he will point out tons of wildlife on your boat ride. From stingrays jumping out of the water and flying through the air, giant schools of dolphin, huge sea turtles, jelly fish etc. I’m still thinking about the giant sailfish that got away and I know Juan is too. He is a real fisherman.