The Crew

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.

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!

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!

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!