Costa Rica

[justhookit 4,206]

1 hour ago, Buzzrock said:

BIL and fiancée got down there yesterday.

 

 

 

Justhookit if he wants to do some fishing can you give some recommendations? They’re at Playa Islita.

Sorry, I don’t know too many boats up that way and the few I do are down here this time of year. He might try to find s0mething in Playa Carrillo

[justhookit 4,206]

9 minutes ago, justhookit said:

Arenas Del Mar, Parador, Mariposa, Si Como No, Makanda, Issimo, Los Altos, Gaia. A little cheaper - Byblos and Costa Verde. and Las Cascadas (in Quepos)

spring break is tough down here rates are jacked. You might find an Airbnb 

So I just did a quick search and it looks like at least half of those are already booked. I wouldn’t wait too long if you find something you like. Rates don’t look like they upped them as much as they sometimes do during holidays.

[midtown 3,354]

49 minutes ago, Tailgate said:

Tulemar is booked up so looking for other recommendations on good places to stay.

You can try their sister property that I stayed at.  Buena Vista Villas.  Its really small so probably booked up as well by now

[Tailgate 3,059]

1 hour ago, justhookit said:

So I just did a quick search and it looks like at least half of those are already booked. I wouldn’t wait too long if you find something you like. Rates don’t look like they upped them as much as they sometimes do during holidays.

I just booked the W that opened down there a few months ago. I can cancel up until March 8th if I find something else. Thanks for the thoughts.

[Buzzrock 15,136]

Sorry, I don’t know too many boats up that way and the few I do are down here this time of year. He might try to find s0mething in Playa Carrillo

No worries, he got back to me to let me know that when the fiancée heard him type “fishing” it caused some major side eye.

[justhookit 4,206]

9 hours ago, Tailgate said:

I just booked the W that opened down there a few months ago. I can cancel up until March 8th if I find something else. Thanks for the thoughts.

Let me know if you end up there how you like it. I’ve never been to that part of the country but we have been talking about heading that direction for a short trip. Only concern would be that it might be a little too resort”ish” and not true CR, sort of like Los Suenos. My family has a condo at the W in Austin so it would be easy to talk them into heading there.

[justhookit 4,206]

6 hours ago, Buzzrock said:

 

No worries, he got back to me to let me know that when the fiancée heard him type “fishing” it caused some major side eye.

 

Yeah, but it’s catch and release.

Seriously though unless you go to the places that are known for that it’s no different than being anywhere else in the world.

[midtown 3,354]

15 hours ago, Buzzrock said:

No worries, he got back to me to let me know that when the fiancée heard him type “fishing” it caused some major side eye.

Abort marriage

[Tailgate 3,059]

11 hours ago, justhookit said:

Let me know if you end up there how you like it. I’ve never been to that part of the country but we have been talking about heading that direction for a short trip. Only concern would be that it might be a little too resort”ish” and not true CR, sort of like Los Suenos. My family has a condo at the W in Austin so it would be easy to talk them into heading there.

Thanks for your previous recs. I found rooms at Mariposa and it looks like a great location as I do want to fish while I am there and it looks like restaurants and such are in more abundance in the area than the W. So holding both for now and will lock in by the end of the week. Do you know how the Zip Lining is in this area (kids)? There looks like an awesome one at Arenal and that we were going to do on our way to the North West area.

[Reagan1k 3,042]

Quote

Zip Lining is in this area (kids)?

Quepo Canyoning does zip lining and an option to rappel down the face of a waterfall.  It's pretty challenging depending on how old the kids are.  The zip line course is large and fast.

[justhookit 4,206]

Yeah there are a ton of options for zip lines here. I think http://www.canopysafari.com/ is who most recommend with kids. Without kids you can find some that are a little more challenging. I like the ones that have a lot of the waterfall rappelling.

[Tailgate 3,059]

14 hours ago, justhookit said:

Yeah there are a ton of options for zip lines here. I think http://www.canopysafari.com/ is who most recommend with kids. Without kids you can find some that are a little more challenging. I like the ones that have a lot of the waterfall rappelling.

From your experience do you think there will be many more restaurant options and better water near Mariposa than the W? Thanks again for your thoughts.

[justhookit 4,206]

Hard for me to say since I’ve never been but other than on-site dining at the W, yes it looks like there are many more options closer to Mariposa. There may be more up there near the W than I realize though and I guess you could always head to Flamingo or Tamarindo from there.

No idea on the beaches/water.

[Buzzrock 15,136]

On 2/11/2019 at 10:39 AM, midtown said:

Abort marriage

That may happen anyway

[justhookit 4,206]

So new stuff has come to light.

When I leave in a couple weeks I’ll do a new food review, but wow Cafe Milagro has upped their game. Dinner there was great and I used to only think of it as a breakfast or lunch place. Don’t miss the passion fruit cheesecake. Across the street Cuba Libre is also very good.

[justhookit 4,206]

Gaia for Valentines and a 200 pound yellowfin. 

[Tailgate 3,059]

On 2/13/2019 at 12:26 PM, justhookit said:

Hard for me to say since I’ve never been but other than on-site dining at the W, yes it looks like there are many more options closer to Mariposa. There may be more up there near the W than I realize though and I guess you could always head to Flamingo or Tamarindo from there.

No idea on the beaches/water.

Looks like Mairposa wins...sorry I haven’t read several pages but who do you recommend to fish with is Quepos?

Anyone ever dive down there?

[justhookit 4,206]

Give me a few days on the fishing. Might be able to really help you out there but if not there are other options.

As far as diving, it’s not very good compared to the other side. But I do have a friend that runs a dive shop if you really want to go.

[Tailgate 3,059]

7 hours ago, justhookit said:

Give me a few days on the fishing. Might be able to really help you out there but if not there are other options.

As far as diving, it’s not very good compared to the other side. But I do have a friend that runs a dive shop if you really want to go.

Would rather fish....good info however on the diving...thanks.

[midtown 3,354]

Should I rent a car under this scenario?

Flying into SJO in late April on a Thursday late so plan to just crash.  The FWB I am traveling with got us a place near the airport on points.   our plan was to get up to Arenal and spend a day and a night up there then go down to Quepos/MA.   I assume I can bus to those places and not have to deal with car rental.  

[justhookit 4,206]

Yeah you don’t need one, but, I’m pretty sure from Arenal you’ll have to go back to San Jose and then to Quepos. If you get a driver you can save time and go straight from Arenal to Quepos easily saving yourself a half day of travel. I’d guess it would be around 200 bucks. If you want I’ll talk to our driver.

[midtown 3,354]

1 hour ago, justhookit said:

I’d guess it would be around 200 bucks. If you want I’ll talk to our driver.

Yeah..send me his info again...I just figured from SJO to Arenal and then down to Quepos and then back to SJO the morning before our flight out it might just be easier to have a vehicle and the flex  but Id much rather have no driving requirements at all. 

[justhookit 4,206]

So the a/c went out on the boat so I had to get a hotel room for a few nights. Ended up staying in Manuel Antonio at a small place called Casa Linda. Nothing fancy but it was clean, good a/c, acceptable WiFi, great location, and fresh ceviche (free with a beer or mixed drink) in the evenings. Shower sucked. I think it was 70 bucks a night. Here’s a view from my balcony (where we had monkeys everyday and witnessed a gang monkey attack/attempted murder on a lone monkey, WTF). Other pic was at the sports bar in the marina.

[Slacks 7,047]

Should I rent a car under this scenario?

Flying into SJO in late April on a Thursday late so plan to just crash.  The FWB I am traveling with got us a place near the airport on points.   our plan was to get up to Arenal and spend a day and a night up there then go down to Quepos/MA.   I assume I can bus to those places and not have to deal with car rental.  

That is many hours of driving.

 

You'll average about 30...max.

 

Get a car.

[Slacks 7,047]

Yeah you don’t need one, but, I’m pretty sure from Arenal you’ll have to go back to San Jose and then to Quepos. If you get a driver you can save time and go straight from Arenal to Quepos easily saving yourself a half day of travel. I’d guess it would be around 200 bucks. If you want I’ll talk to our driver.

How do you save half a day of travel? A half day not driving, yes. But it's a half day ride from Arenal to Quepos.

I go from Arenal to south of Jaco, and it's half a day... That's just what it is. If you get a driver two or three times, you've more than paid for a small 4wd.

[midtown 3,354]

Interbus goes "directly" from La Fortuna to MA.   According to their website it 4hrs 41mins.  Seems pretty reasonable to me.  

[justhookit 4,206]

2 hours ago, Snacks said:

How do you save half a day of travel? A half day not driving, yes. But it's a half day ride from Arenal to Quepos.

I go from Arenal to south of Jaco, and it's half a day... That's just what it is. If you get a driver two or three times, you've more than paid for a small 4wd.

Because I thought he would have to go ARenal to San Jose then get another bus San Jose to MA, which would take all day. 

Really what it comes down to for me is I’d rather relax and have someone else do the driving and be able to enjoy a few beers. You do NOT want a dui here and the cutoff is 1 drink. I’ve been here close to 2 months now and have probably used my car 4 or 5 times.

[Slacks 7,047]

Because I thought he would have to go ARenal to San Jose then get another bus San Jose to MA, which would take all day. 
Really what it comes down to for me is I’d rather relax and have someone else do the driving and be able to enjoy a few beers. You do NOT want a dui here and the cutoff is 1 drink. I’ve been here close to 2 months now and have probably used my car 4 or 5 times.

If I lived there, I'd agree with letting a Tiko drive while I spend all the time in the world relaxing and chilling... But if I'm limited on time, I'm rolling out.

[Slacks 7,047]

Interbus goes "directly" from La Fortuna to MA.   According to their website it 4hrs 41mins.  Seems pretty reasonable to me.  

If this is true, it's worth it... But I am willing to bet there is a stop or three... If I'm wrong, I'll know for the future...

Also, if I were by myself or just with a fwb, etc, I might consider a bus ride for the experience. I'm usually rolling with family...

[midtown 3,354]

Well its not a bus like a public bus its more of a shuttle van.  I used interbus to get from SJO to MA last time and it stopped about half way down at a restaurant/gift shop so Im sure it will be about the same but at least we don't have to go through San Jose. 

[justhookit 4,206]

Blue Marlin bar in Quepos is where I’ve been going lately. It’s around the corner from Wacky Wanda’s. Both are small bars. Wandas is more of an expat place and Blue Marlin has a pretty good mix of locals and people in town to fish. Double Hook at the marina for any and all sports - except LHN. In Manuel Antonio I like Jolly Roger. It’s at the Byblos hotel/casino.

[midtown 3,354]

6 hours ago, justhookit said:

It’s at the Byblos hotel/casino.

I stumbled by the casino on the way to the bathroom when I was a Jolly Roger last time..looked like someone set up a bunch of tables and slots in a school cafeteria..Kind of hillarious

[Tailgate 3,059]

Getting stoked for our trip in two weeks. Locked in at La Mariposa near Quepos. Is there anything I need to book before I go like restaurants or a good popular fishing guide/boat? I’ve booked a jungle tour and zip lining already though the hotel.

Appreciate all the thoughts and looks like this area will be a good first visit location.

[justhookit 4,206]

13 minutes ago, Tailgate said:

Getting stoked for our trip in two weeks. Locked in at La Mariposa near Quepos. Is there anything I need to book before I go like restaurants or a good popular fishing guide/boat? I’ve booked a jungle tour and zip lining already though the hotel.

Appreciate all the thoughts and looks like this area will be a good first visit location.

It loooks like I’m heading home next week and won’t be back until the last part of March so I can’t get you out on my boat.

Try to get with one of these guys:

https://tranquilocharters.com/ - best charter crew here and nicest charter boat. You’ll pay for it.

https://www.frenzysportfishing.com/ - another great option but smaller boat. When Guy Harvey fishes here, this is who he uses.

https://caribseasportfishing.com/ - they catch a bunch of fish. It’s a big boat but a bit slow.

http://www.pescadoracr.com/ - super nice guys and good fishermen. They are in the slip next to my boat. If you go with them and book thru the owner Jake tell him the owner of PortAfino sent you.

https://reelhotfishing.com/ - Port A guys. This is the the worst boat of the above options - it’s small and old - but they are good.

if none of those are available I can get you some more.

[justhookit 4,206]

Anyway, the offshore fishing has really picked up in the last 10 days or so. We were averaging about 6 sails a day but our last trips have caught 15, 25, 16, 17, 15, 22. Hopefully the fish stick around.

I’ll put up some restaurant recs soon. I’m not sure there is a restaurant here that would know what a reservation is.

[justhookit 4,206]

On 2/26/2019 at 8:56 AM, midtown said:

I stumbled by the casino on the way to the bathroom when I was a Jolly Roger last time..looked like someone set up a bunch of tables and slots in a school cafeteria..Kind of hillarious

Yeah the casinos are kind of a joke. However, we’ve been stopping by the Best Western casino in Quepos lately and doing pretty good on the slot machines. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone win on any of the table games.

[justhookit 4,206]

I don’t know why but I always forget to mention http://thehookersportfishing.com/index.cfm these guys when I make fishing recs. I’d probably have them at the top of my list. Great boat and they catch a bunch. Also if you are into sport fishing history, The Hooker was the fishing boat that accompanied the mothership Madam all over the world years ago. It has quite the history. https://www.marlinmag.com/madam-hooker-story

[justhookit 4,206]

On 3/2/2019 at 1:21 PM, justhookit said:

I don’t know why but I always forget to mention http://thehookersportfishing.com/index.cfm these guys when I make fishing recs. I’d probably have them at the top of my list. Great boat and they catch a bunch. Also if you are into sport fishing history, The Hooker was the fishing boat that accompanied the mothership Madam all over the world years ago. It has quite the history. https://www.marlinmag.com/madam-hooker-story

So these guys yesterday just caught the most sailfish of anyone so far this season. 42. Very few boats have had a day with over 25 this year and it was probably sort of a fluke deal for them being in the right place at the right time. A bunch of boats including mine ran out today to where Hooker fished yesterday. We caught 13 and as far as we could tell did the best out of about 10 boats that were there. However, it looks like the bite for everyone’s spring break is going to be pretty damn good.

[justhookit 4,206]

Headed home tomorrow.

Quick update for anyone looking for boats. Frenzy’s a/c isn’t working and apparently has been out of commission for awhile now so take that into consideration.  This boat https://pacificflysportfishing.com/  would be a good replacement.

[justhookit 4,206]

Another fucking plane crashed down there. This one was another of the small charter planes. No fatalities. My friend flew on it the week before it crashed. Even though the Sansa planes haven’t been involved in any of the three recent crashes, I wouldn’t be getting on one anytime soon.

Edited March 12, 2019 by justhookit

[Tailgate 3,059]

Headed there today. Showing rain almost everyday. Is the tropical rain that comes in the evening or early am or do we need to worry about rain throughout the day? Staying near Quepos.

[AustinMT 952]

4 minutes ago, Tailgate said:

Headed there today. Showing rain almost everyday. Is the tropical rain that comes in the evening or early am or do we need to worry about rain throughout the day? Staying near Quepos.

We stayed in Uvita (just down the coast from Quepos) last May.  Heavy rains were mostly in the evening.

[justhookit 4,206]

Don’t pay any attention to the weather forecasts. I doubt it will rain at all and if it does it will be in the evening. It’s rained 3 times in Quepos this year. The rainy season is still a month away.

My fishing team won the daily in the tournament yesterday and as far as I can tell they are still in first place. Unlike all the other tournaments down there this one doesn’t have a live online scoreboard for some reason. Quepos Billfish Cup. We were 3rd last year.

Edited March 16, 2019 by justhookit

[justhookit 4,206]

Won the daily again in the tournament so first place overall too. Only 17 boats but a very good payday and crossed another one off Capt. Brennan’s list. One more - the open next month - and he/we will have won every tournament they have down there. I’m fortunate to have fished with him the last 10 years or so.

[Tailgate 3,059]

Arenas Del Mar, Parador, Mariposa, Si Como No, Makanda, Issimo, Los Altos, Gaia. A little cheaper - Byblos and Costa Verde. and Las Cascadas (in Quepos)
spring break is tough down here rates are jacked. You might find an Airbnb 

Congrats on your first place finish in the fishing tourney! That’s awesome.

Can’t thank you enough for the recs. We arrived at La Mariposa yesterday and this place is insane. The views are unreal from our rooms and the sunset out here is one of the best I’ve seen. You can watch the sunset from the pool which I will be doing this evening.

20+ squirrel monkeys playing in the trees outside our room.

Look forward to fishing on Tuesday.

\m/

[justhookit 4,206]

@Tailgate

Thanks and glad you are liking it. Another good sunset place that is near you is Barba Roja. Food is just ok but the view and happy hour drinks are excellent. For lunch don’t miss the fish tacos at Sancho’s. There is also a new deli just across the street from the turnoff to your hotel from the main road. Dinner- Cafe Milagro, Emilio’s, Cuba Libre, Agua Azul, and in the marina Runaways. There are nicer restaurants in the marina too but IMO they aren’t great and they are a little pricy. Runaways is casual food and good atmosphere. They also do a great job if you bring in fish you catch especially their Parmesan dorado.

The bar at the Byblos hotel called Jolly Roger is where you want to go for nightlife. 

Edited March 17, 2019 by justhookit

[Chewbacca 7,829]

[mention=337]Tailgate[/mention]
Thanks and glad you are liking it. Another good sunset place that is near you is Barba Roja. Food is just ok but the view and happy hour drinks are excellent. For lunch don’t miss the fish tacos at Sancho’s. There is also a new deli just across the street from the turnoff to your hotel from the main road. Dinner- Cafe Milagro, Emilio’s, Cuba Libre, Agua Azul, and in the marina Runaways. There are nicer restaurants in the marina too but IMO they aren’t great and they are a little pricy. Runaways is casual food and good atmosphere. They also do a great job if you bring in fish you catch especially their Parmesan dorado.
The bar at the Byblos hotel called Jolly Roger is where you want to go for nightlife. 

Don't forget the Falafel place!

[justhookit 4,206]

Yeah, I went again this year because my girlfriend and seemingly 95% of the people I talk to love it. I either order wrong or it’s just not my type of food. But it’s a solid rec. Also there is a tiny hotel across the street from there called Casa Linda. They don’t always do it but some afternoons they do ceviche and some really good drink specials.

[Tailgate 3,059]

[Chewbacca 7,829]

On 3/17/2019 at 11:07 AM, justhookit said:

Yeah, I went again this year because my girlfriend and seemingly 95% of the people I talk to love it. I either order wrong or it’s just not my type of food. But it’s a solid rec. Also there is a tiny hotel across the street from there called Casa Linda. They don’t always do it but some afternoons they do ceviche and some really good drink specials.

Chicken shawarma is your friend.