Hooked on Costa Rica: Los Sueños Costa Rica, Sport Fishing, Charter Packages

A: While others may claim to offer similar services, NOBODY offers the personal & professional services that we offer. 95% of the web sites that advertise Fishing & Travel here are nothing more than booking agencies. We are seasoned, hardcore anglers with 20 plus years in the Fishing & Hospitality business. Our extensive knowledge of the local fishery, dedication to delivering the highest quality services and top producing Captains and boats, combined with our solid relationships with the locals allows us to provide you with the type of experience you hope for, expect, and deserve. It’s what makes us the #1 choice for so many new and repeat clients. Those that choose wisely choose us.

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A: By far best in the country. Period! This region is globally known and recognized as the Fishing Capital of Costa Rica!  And this is why we decided to base ourselves here. Regardless of what any one from any other part of the country tells you, the offshore Big Game fishing here is by far the most consistent and productive year round…and that’s no fish story!

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A: The fishing in the Los Suenos – Jaco Beach region is excellent year round, however during certain months of the year, different species of Game fish are more abundant than others. To see what months typically represent the best time to fish for the different species we catch, please visit our Fishing Calendar page to use as a general guideline.

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A: All  boats in our fleet are equipped with state of the art Big Game fishing gear from industry leaders such a Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Avet , Accurate, and more. Our crews use the lures, teasers, baits, and rigging that are time tested and have proven to be the most productive for our waters.

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A: Yes, on our carefully selected smaller Panga style boats, ½ day Near shore trips for Roosterfish, Snapper, and medium sized  Mahi-Mahi are offered. We do not offer ½ day trips on our Offshore boats, as a full day is required to deliver the quailty and quantity of trophy Big Game Fish that has become synonymous with the Hooked On Costa Rica name.

A word of caution! Please be leery of any booking agency or local sidewalk fishing trip vendors selling "Discount Fishing Trips" ,that tell you can catch good quantities of trophy fish on a ½ day trip, or that they  "Catch Big Fish".  They are more concerned with getting a commission than the quality of your day on the water, and typically use substandard boats and equiptment that don't produce what they promise!

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A: Your charter will depart the dock at 7:30am in the morning and return between 4:00-4:30pm. Please arrive at the dock no later than 7:15am to insure a timely departure and maximize your fishing time.

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You may still enjoy the benefits of fishing on our boats and having us make all of your accommodation, tour,  or transfer reservations for you, without purchasing a complete package. We work with the proven leaders in tours, transfers, and accommodations. You are much better off booking your these services through us.

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A: Yes. You are welcome to bring your own big game rod/reel or any favorite lure/teaser you may have. Our boats however, are equipped with state of the art big game fishing tackle, and our Captains and mates are always rigged with the tackle and gear that has proven to raise the most fish in these waters.

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A: NO. All edible, non-release  fish such as Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, or Yellowfin Tuna, Snapper, or Mackeral that are caught on your charter are YOURS! The mates will fillet, bag and ice your fish on board. It is customary to offer your crew a bag of fillets, however it is NOT required.

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A: All Billfish caught on our boats will be live released, once they have been brought boat side, to insure the best chances of survival. Edible species such as Dorado, Wahoo, Tuna, Snapper, and more, will be filleted by your mates on board, at no additional charge. We will gladly direct you to one of our sponsor restaurants, where they will cook your fresh fish for you at a very reasonable price.

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A: You may not ship your fish from Costa Rica, however you can take frozen fillets home with you in your checked baggage, however it is a very cumbersome process. Regulations state that your fillets must be frozen, and can not be included in your carry-on luggage, but checked baggage only. Furthermore, you can not pack your frozen fillets with any other type of ice, or foreign substance. It is very difficult to take fish back with you and we don’t suggest you attempt to.

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A: Yes. Costa Rica requires that all anglers purchase and carry a valid Costa Rica fishing license. You will be required to purchase your Costa Rica fishing license at the dock entrance on the morning of your first day of fishing. The cost is $24.00 and is payable in cash. Your license will be good for one year from the date of purchase.

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A: A minimum of 15%-20% per day is customary. 20% is normal. Under no circumstances should tipping be based on how many fish you catch. If your Captain and crew work hard at finding the fish, make multiple moves, change bait presentations, service your needs, and the bite is just plain slow, they are certainly not to blame. There are no Captains that we employ who depart the dock hoping to not catch fish.
Our Captains know and respect that your expectations are high as soon as you get on board, and will work hard to deliver you a trophy day on the water, however fishing will always be fishing, and if the fish don’t want to bite, they won’t. We are fortunate to have many more successful days on the water here than not, but like anywhere in the world you fish, slow bites happen. Please don’t fault your Captain & Crew for it.

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A: All of our full day charters include Lunch, Beer, Soda, Bottled Water, Fruit, and Snacks. If you have a personal preference in food, beverage, or anything else, you are welcome to bring it aboard with you. We suggest you bring Sun block, a hat or cap, Sunglasses, a towel, digital camera, white soled sneakers, or boat shoes, any medications you may need.

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A: No. While booking one of our complete, value priced packages is by far the best way to go, We often have customers that already have hotel or accommodation arrangements and or transportation arrangements. You may still enjoy the benefits of fishing on our boats and having us make all of your tour, car rental, or transfer reservations for you, without purchasing a complete package. We work with the regions proven leaders in tours, transfers, and accommodations and will always get you the best deal for your money.

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A: Yes. If you come in on one of our Multi-Inclusive value packages, your choice of 1 adventure tour/excursion will be included in the cost. You are welcome to take as many other tours as you wish, for the cost of that tour. Many of our guests take the Zip Line Canopy tour as their included tour, and choose to do the ATV tour or Whitewater Rafting as well.

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A: Once you are ready to book with us, A deposit in the amount of 50% of your total package price is due at the time of reservation to confirm your booking. Upon receipt of your deposit, you will receive an invoice/itinerary from us via email that will indicate your paid deposit, balance due, and trip itinerary.

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A: We accept bank wire transfers or Credit Card payments through our PayPal.com account name hookedoncostarica@gmail.com, for the deposit portion of your trip as well as your total balance due.
Your balance due will be payable in CASH on the day you arrive, or may be paid no later than 14 business days prior to your arrival, by bank wire transfer into our Los Suenos ScotiaBank account, or by Credit card to our PayPal.com account name hookedoncostaric@gmail.com. ( Please note that any fees we incur for taking payments such as wire transfer fees or Credit Card processing fees, are payable by you and will be included in your balance due.)

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If for any reason we need to cancel your reservation, or any segment of your booking for any reason, you will be offered an alternative date, boat, or option. If you are unable to accept an alternative, a full refund will be issued for that segment(s).

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 One of the many added benefits to booking one of our complete packages with us is the additional security you have by having a personal Spanish/English speaking guide and escort with your group during your entire stay. We know where to go, not to go, where to eat and not eat, and make sure your safety and enjoyment are enjoyed without incident during your visit with us. We are very well connected and respected in the local community, and you benefit immediately from these relationships and the fact that we are with you during your entire stay! It’s the smart choice to book your trip with us.

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A:Yes. All visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid Passport from their Country of Residence. Your passport must not be scheduled to expire within 90 days of your arrival date here. We also suggest that you make a photocopy of your passport prior to arrival. While in Costa Rica, you must carry your original or photo copy of your passport, with a copy of our entrance stamp page, on your person at all times. Carrying a copy insures that your original passport in not lost or stolen while you are here.

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A: Don’t panic, it happens. You will need to go to the U.S. Embassy office in San Jose’. You must arrive by 8:30 am, and will be given the required forms to fill out and apply for an emergency passport. This is a very easy process, and you will be issued a temporary passport on the spot, that is valid for one year. The cost for this will be $97.00 USD total.

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A: Costa Rica's socialized medicine and public education has served to effectively  control those illnesses and diseases that typically affect tropical countries. The standard of health here is very high. Vaccinations are not required, nor are they considered necessary.

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A: The Emergency and General Healthcare services here are excellent! There are emergency facilities in the Jaco –Los Suenos area as well as a large fleet of Ambulatory and Paramedic services. All local Pharmacies are staffed with a full time M.D. as well.

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A: Some will and some will not. This depends on your home cell phone service providers compatibility with Costa Ricas only cell phone service network, named ICE. (pronounced EE-SAY). We have found that the majority of our guests find that their cell phones do not work here, even though their service providers say they should and have enabled international roaming. The U.S. based cell carriers that seem to work best here are Cingular & Verizon. If you arrive and your cell phone does not work, we will gladly arrange cell phone rental for you. The average cost for cell phone rental is $5.00/day for the phone, and $1.50 per minute for calls to anywhere in the world.

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A: Yes. There are several internet and international call centers located very close to your accommodations, as well as a wide variety of WI-FI hotspots in town. We will direct you to where they are and show you how easy they are to use. You will have easy access to high speed internet and international calling, both at very low cost. (example- Internet use is only $1.00 per hour. Direct calls to the U.S. are $1.00 for the first 5 minutes minute and .20 cents each additional minute).

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A:Yes. There are many restaurants and establishments that offer free Wi-Fi connections. We will gladly tell you where they are and how to find them.

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A: Electrical outlets in your accommodations and throughout the country are similar to households in the U.S. Standard 110. Wall outlets will be 2-prong and require no special adapters for use of your appliances/electronics. Should you have any devices that have 3-prong male plugs, you will need a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter.

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A: Incredible, Fresh and delicious! Restaurants of all types prepare food with locally grown fruits and vegetables and fresh meats, fresh fish and cheese. There are no artificial colorings, flavors, growth hormones, or additives in the food.  A typical Costa Rican diet consists of rice, black beans, cheese, chicken, beef, fish, salads, vegetables, and of course fresh tropical fruit. You will also find that the kitchens in every restaurant are extremely clean and sanitary.

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A: We suggest drinking bottled water, which is available at every restaurant, and grocery store. Please note that ice cubes used in all restaurants here come from a local ice service that uses purified water to make ice, so there is no need to worry about ice cubes in cocktails or soft drinks.

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A:The Costa Rican currency is called Colones pronounced (Kuh-Low-nez). The rate of exchange at present has been fluctuating from 510-517 Colones to 1 American Dollar. Do not exchange large amounts of money at the airport. The exchange windows at the airport charge very high fees for their exchange services. We will direct you to a local bank where you can exchange currency at a much better rate.

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A: Yes. All businesses and merchants will accept American money as payment. You will receive Costa Rican Colones back as change however. Please try not to bring big bills with you. 100’s and 50’s are in many places difficult to make change for. Please bring denominations of 20 or less.  Your personal guide will teach you how to be certain you receive the correct change when paying with American money. It’s a very easy currency to learn.

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A: Most U.S. bank ATM cards will work in Costa Rica. In downtown Jaco, there are several ATM machines to choose from. Travelers checks. We strongly suggest that you do not bring travelers checks. Most businesses will not take them as the Costa Rica banks treat them like an out of country bank check, and will hold the funds from the merchant for 1 month before clearing them. Cashing Travelers checks at a bank is a hassle and very time consuming.

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A: The Los Suenos –Jaco Beach region is the closest beach town from San Jose’ airport. The ride is approximately 90km (70 miles), and typically takes 1 ½ -2hrs. to complete. It is a very scenic and enjoyable ride, offering multiple photo opportunities. There are plenty of places to stop and eat, as well as use the restroom along the way. If you are not purchasing one of our value packages that include transportation, we will gladly arrange your airport transfers.

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• Light Clothing- Shorts, light shirts- sneakers, sandals, walking shoes.
• Sunglasses ,Hat or Cap, Sun Block (30spf or more)
• Toiletries (Shampoo, Soap, razors, Toothbrush/paste, etc.)
• Insect Repellent (liquid-non aerosol)
• Any necessary prescription medications
• Swimsuit ,Sandals, and comfortable hiking / walking shoes
• Binoculars , Digital Camera & Fresh Battery Supply
• Small First Aid kit
• Comfortable, fresh clothes for the beach (shorts, Swim suits,T-shirts, light dresses)
• Your Valid U.S. passport along with two photocopies
• Your state issued photo drivers license

A pocket sized Spanish /English dictionary

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