Headed to Los Suenos Mid April

[Capt Cotton]

First time going to Costa Rica. Taking the whole Family. What is the situation and or suggestions on make up charters as I would like to fish as much as possible. Also have 2 young boys who would like to fish at least once or twice. Ages 7 & 11. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Everyone in Advance!

[Double D]

You should try to arrange your fishing in advance, as there is not much in the way of make-up charters unless you get lucky.

There's a few good charter operators here on the board that will likely chime in with advice.

You should mention if you are looking for inshore or offshore

keep the wife and kids out of Jaco at night

[Capt Cotton]

Looking for both in as well as offshore.

I appreciate the advice on Jaco at night.

How about car rental? I have heard different things and honestly, all of these arranged drivers here there and yonder start to add up quickly. You strap that on top of golf cart rental and the math leans more to the car rental for the week.
What is it like driving over there? Just doing some of the basic activities - fishing, kid's surfing, zip lines, etc.

Thanks again!

[Double D]

If you have a group and plan to run around the area a bit, renting a car is the way to go. The ride over the mountains from San Jose is a bit steep and curvy, but other than that there should be no problem.

Make sure you are insured for damage to the car

[gottaflylee]

PM sent...

[Capt Cotton]

Thanks Lee

I appreciate the info.

Chris

[Ozimo2]

Los Suenos is great place if you have money. Jaco is for the rest of us poor souls. There's only one place in Jaco to avoid and believe me the wife won't let you near it. I stay in a condo at the Hotel Cocal http://hotelcocalandcasino.com/ - great place right on the beach - 15 mins from Los Suenos Harbor. About half the price of the Marriott or those condos they have.

Boats are expensive - apparently they haven't gotten the word on the economy yet I use the Good Day Too - about $1400/day; Miss Behav'in about $1250/day. Two good boats esp if you're bringing youngsters.

[Capt Cotton]

Los Suenos is great place if you have money. Jaco is for the rest of us poor souls. There's only one place in Jaco to avoid and believe me the wife won't let you near it. I stay in a condo at the Hotel Cocal http://hotelcocalandcasino.com/ - great place right on the beach - 15 mins from Los Suenos Harbor. About half the price of the Marriott or those condos they have.

Boats are expensive - apparently they haven't gotten the word on the economy yet I use the Good Day Too - about $1400/day; Miss Behav'in about $1250/day. Two good boats esp if you're bringing youngsters.

I may be wrong, but I think Double D made the coment about Jaco with a "wink". Which is telling me that both you and he are talking about the same place. Its all kind of doing a reverse psychology thing to me. Now I wont be able to rest until I check out what is going on in Jaco.

Anyway, thanks for the info and the input. I cant wait to go and my kids are psyched too with all the fun things waiting for them. - Thanks again!

[jamesm1976]

Just got back from a trip to Los Suenos. The resort is UNREAL, and if your staying there you will have no concerns about safety for your family. The security there is top notch and non-stop.

As far as charters, if I were you, I'd set up a charter by going directly through the captain. The booking services charge the boats 20% booking fees, so the boats will give you significant discounts if you cut the booking agencys out. I fished with Capt. Dave on the Miss Behavin and I HIGHLY recommend him. Had an absolute blast. If you have any questions, please let me know.

[reelparadise]

I too just got back from a trip to Costa Rica with a few buddies. We went in late Feb. thru early March. We stayed at the Los Suenos Marriott resort, which was nothing short of awesome. The entire compound is backed-up against the ocean in its own little world, much different than that of surrounding towns. Within the compound is a Casino, golf course, the Los Suenos Marina (a short scenic walk) or a quick free shuttle ride from the hotel, as well many cool restaurants (The Hook Up) and some shopping. As for the rental car, if you are staying at Los Suenos Resort, I def. wouldn’t worry about it. I think navigating on your own would be somewhat tricky, at least in my opinion. There is so much to do within the resort, that it keeps you pretty busy. However, if you do venture out, the hotel is very accommodating with their own transportation as well as setting-up transportation and activity excursions of your choice. (Look into the Crocodile tour!!) Jaco is a pretty cool place to visit, and gives you a cultural glimpse of Costa Rica.
Now to the good stuff: Without a doubt, the boat to go on is Miss Behavin’ with Captain Dave who is on the forum. We had an absolute blast with our Sail count in double digits. Not to mention we learned a thing or two from his first-class mate. If the kids are into fishing, don’t short change yourself and be sure to fish as much as you can, you won’t be disappointed. Hope this helps. Let me know if you want some more info. O yea, and if you take a taxi from the airport to Los Suenos, bring some motion sickness pills as the roads are very windy, hot, steep, long (2hrs), and most drivers there have never heard of clutching smoothly. By the end of the trip you will be an expert in currency exchange and absolutely hate Colones.