About Us

Captain Israel Chacon, born in Costa Rica, counts over 15 years of experienced navigation. He acquired a broad knowledge of sailing around the Shelter Islands, San Diego, California, United States. He studied Nautical Theory in the National Institute of Learning, Costa Rica (INA). He is fully fledged in costal navigation, survival in the sea, resuscitation cardio-pulmonary (RCP) and first aid certified. He is a Certified Guise by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT): sport fishing and diving.

This year 2021/2022, Israel is celebrating 14 years at the helm of Kuna Vela, sailing guests through the Gulf of Papagayo. He will be pleased to direct your attention to special landmarks and marine life thanks to his experience in marine biology.

He takes pride in caring and providing consistent maintenance for Kuna Vela. Israel’s reputation is based on and admired for his integrity, maintaining the vessel’s highest safety standards and ensuring that Kuna Vela meets all safety regulations specific to Costa Rican Navigation Coast Guard Requirements and  (insert (paper requirements)

As safety of our guests and the Kuna vessel is his very first priority as Captain, make no mistake that his heart is full when his sails are full. He will always do his best in providing guests with a true sailing experience using the weather and wind as his safety and navigational guide.

First Mate, Andres Mercado, was born and raised in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Living in Playas del Coco his entire life has provided him with the unique experience of providing guests with bilingual language, sharing his knowledge of the local flora, fauna and marine life and teaching our guests new Spanish words used frequently in the local area.

Andres genuinely enjoys serving our guests aboard Kuna with a kind, accommodating, warm and welcoming heart! He serves as our snorkel guide as he is a strong, experience swimmer and snorkeler as he has been swimming and exploring the Papagayo his entire life.  Andres will be your photographer above deck, below water while snorkeling and while exploring exclusive beaches. It is his  pleasure to take memorable pictures and our gift to you as we will email them to you complimentary.

In Andres spare time he enjoys, swimming, free driving, spear fishing, riding his mountain bike and spending time with his family here in Playas del Coco.

Clint and Lindsay Russell are the owners of Kuna Vela; this American owned and operated business. Both born and raised in the Midwest of the USA, Lindsay and Clint have spent the last 20 years living in Arizona where they met at Arizona State University. With a combined 25 years in luxury hospitality management they have a passion to serve others, provide exceptional service and create unforgettable experiences aboard Kuna.

In 2004 Lindsay traveled to Costa Rica for 6 months and fell in love with the country and culture. Soon after returning to the United States she fell in love with Clint! They were married in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands and knew that living in paradise was one day meant for them! Soon after they were married they had two little girls who are now 6 & 9 years old.

In 2018 Clint and Lindsay decided to take the ultimate leap! Selling their home, cars and every last thing they could find; they combined their professional passion, personal hobby of sailing and love of paradise to move to Costa Rica and purchase Kuna Vela Sailing Tours.

“We are simply loving this unique opportunity; enjoying learning Spanish, becoming better sailors and meeting guests from all around the world! Aboard Kuna you will notice the swift teamwork (and fun) between ourselves and our experienced crew and will leave feeling like old family friends! We look forward hosting you aboard Kuna Vela Sailing Tours on your next visit to Costa Rica!”

Pura Vida!

Clint & Lindsay 😊

Mauricio was born in Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, Costa Rica and moved to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste 7 years ago to learn all the beautiful things this area has to offer. From the Mountains to the Ocean, he loves both environments. He studied English Language and Customer Service in in the National Institute of Learning, Costa Rica (INA) with a formation of 7 years in Hospitality. Mauricio specializes in bilingual customer service with a smile and is always willing to offer assistance to everyone. He enjoys expressing, conversating and listening to our guests and in the most natural way, he will make you feel part of our Kuna Vela family with his welcoming spirit. He is a vital part of the Kuna Vela team!

Maythel was born in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica and has lived all her life at the beach and the sea! She loves to meet people, make new friends, and loves to listen and learn from others.

She studied English and fashion design in school. She has been working in customer service for 2 years and is ready to receive you as you deserve!

Josué was born in Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, Costa Rica and moved to Guanacaste 8 years ago to start a new family business, finding the true meaning of the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. He studied the English Language at the Costa Rican Institute of Technology (ITCR) and Foreign Affairs & International Trade at Costa Rican National University (UNA). He has over 8 years of experience in Business Administration and Customer Service. Josue is an honest and naturally happy person, always focused on the details to make a wonderful and memorable experience! He enjoys sports conversations and solving anything possible to create the best Costa Rican visit with us. He adds creativity to our team!