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Frequently
Asked Questions
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What
does Pura Vida mean?
That is an expression you will hear all over this country. It means
"Pure Life". It really explains how the Costa Ricans live.
They are happy, and proud of their country, and of what they have.
You will be really surprised at the warm reception you will receive
in this beautiful place in the world!
What
is a Tico?
This is a widely used nickname given to the local people in Costa
Rica. And remember your Spanish 101... "Tico” refers to
a man. Tica refers to a woman.
How's
the weather In Costa Rica?
The "Summer Season" (or dry season) is between December
and May. There is almost no rain and it is perfect for traveling throughout
the country.
The "Winter
Season" (or rainy season) is between June and Nov. It will start
to rain almost every day and in October and November. It can actually
rain for several days nonstop.
In the San
Jose area the weather stays between 65 F at night and 80 F during
the day year round. On the Beaches the Summer temperatures range from
low 80s to upper 90s from February to April. During the winter, the
beaches will start getting rain most days and will cool off to 70s
at night and 80s during the day.
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 Where
are you located?
We are located on the Southwest (Pacific) side of Costa Rica on the
Osa Peninsula. It is 364 km (226 miles) southeast of San Jose. The
name of the town is Pt. Jimenez and is located on the western side
of the Gulfo Dulce. It is an 8 hour drive from San Jose to Pt. Jimenez.
What
is the best way to get to Pt. Jimenez?
Certainly the quickest and easiest way is to fly on a local in-country
flight. It is a 50-minute flight from San Jose. However, if you have
the time to drive, the coastal highway south of Dominical has stunning
vista views of the Pacific Coast!
Directions
to drive from San Jose to the Osa Peninsula?
Take the Pan-American Hwy (CA1) west past the International Airport
to the turnoff for Atenas. Atenas is 42 km, (26 miles) west of San
Jose. Turn left (south) and drive through Atenas to Orotina. Orotina
is 24 km (15 miles) southwest of Atenas.
The coastal highway heads southeast from Orotina through Tarcoles,
Jaco, Hermosa, and Quepos,
and is well marked with road signs. When you pass the exit for Quepos,
keep going straight and you'll come to a 42 km stretch of dirt road
heading South to Dominical.
When you
reach Dominical the road is paved, and you are 3 1/2 hours from Pt.
Jimenez.
Continue down the coast highway south to Chacarita. There is a gas
station on the corner and a sign for Pt. Jimenez. Turn right. The
road is paved to Rincon (42 km) south of Chacarita.
At La Palma, turn left for Pt. Jimenez and continue on only 1/2 half
hour from there. The road leads you right into Pt. Jimenez.
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Is
Costa Rica a safe country for travel?
Yes, tourists have been traveling here for years, with almost NONE
of the problems that you hear about in other Central American countries.
The Government is very stable and has been a Democratic Republic since
1949. Costa Rica has no army, navy, or air force. There are however
border patrols in place on the borders of Nicaragua and Panama.
What
about crime in Costa Rica?
Violent crimes against tourists almost NEVER happen in this country.
Theft is the only major problem you need to be aware of. When you
do hear about people being ripped off, it usually happens when they
leave things locked in their vehicles. "But I only left it for
10 minutes," is a common complaint. REMEMBER: If you wouldn't
leave your valuables in your cars at home, WHY WOULD YOU DO IT HERE?
Just don't give anyone the opportunity.
Do
I have to be able to speak Spanish to enjoy Costa Rica?
No. The country is absolutely gorgeous and you will encounter many
"Gringos" (Americans) when traveling in the country. Although,
a little Spanish would certainly help with directions and to be able
to talk with the locals. When you are in restaurants, hotels, and
other "Tourist Type Places" most of the employees do speak
very good English. Remember: if you just make an effort at speaking
"their" language they will appreciate that, and most people
will respond positively to you.
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How
do we get from the International Airport to our hotel in San Jose?
We work with a very reliable Tour Company in San Jose. They have several
minivans, and very good, SAFE drivers who speak English. One of our
drivers will pick you up at the airport, and deliver you to your hotel.
Then the following day, they will pick you up and deliver you to the
commuter airport
for your flight to Pt. Jimenez. Or if you are driving, they will assist
you with getting your rental car squared away.
How
do I book an in-country flight in Costa Rica?
Just give us a call and we can make all the arrangements for you.
It is that easy.
There are advantages to having us make the reservations for you:
1) It is a local call for us, and the connection may be better.
2) Since we are familiar with the schedules of local flights, we can
save you time and avoid problems with the proper connection times
for you and your group.
3) If there ARE any problems with your local flights, we can take
care of them for you from here locally.
It is ALWAYS
better to have a "travel agent" make those arrangements
for you. We have years of experience and we are here to help you.
Which
rental car companies operate in Costa Rica?
Most of the major car rental companies in the United States operate
in Costa Rica. (Avis, Hertz, Budget, National, Thrifty, etc.) There
are also several Costa Rican companies available to use. There are
desks at the International Airport for most of these.
NOTE: Some
rental companies will deliver your car to your hotel, and save you
a trip downtown. Be sure to ask when you make reservations. It is
recommended you make reservations for a vehicle before you arrive
in Costa Rica.
What
kind of rental car should I get?
If you are planning on driving down to the Osa Peninsula, you will
need to rent a 4 Wheel Drive.
Here's an Inside tip: Usually the first time people rent a 4 X 4 in
Costa Rica they typically rent the cheapest vehicle available. (I
know I did it, too.) And that was the last time I ever did that! The
smallest, least expensive vehicles don't have the suspension or the
clearance to keep you comfortable on the dirt roads. Do yourself a
favor. Spend just a little more the first time around. (Trust Your
Guide.)
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 How
do I exchange money in Costa Rica?
You can change your US dollars into colones (the local currency) at
any bank in the country. You will be asked to show your passport.
As of June 2004 the exchange rate is 433 colones to 1 US dollar. The
dollar is accepted at most hotels and restaurants.
May
I use credit cards in Costa Rica?
Credit cards are widely accepted in the country but keep in mind,
there is a 7% fee to use them for purchases.
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Reservations:
How do I make reservations with Osa Sport Fishing?
We require a $500.00 deposit per person 45 days in advance of your
arrival to guarantee your rooms and fishing days. You may call our
toll free # in the U.S., or our Office # in Costa Rica, or you may
email us at info@fishosa.com.
We accept
Visa or Master Card over the phone for your deposit. We will also
accept a Personal Check (in U.S. only) for your deposit. If sending
a check it must be received a minimum of 45 days in advance of your
arrival. Note: Personal Checks WILL NOT be accepted for payments made
IN Costa Rica. Final Payment in Costa Rica may be made with cash,
credit card, or traveler's checks.
Cancellations
and Refunds:
How do I get a refund if I have to cancel my reservations?
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If
we receive a written notice no less than 30 Days in Advance of your
arrival, you will receive a Full Refund of your Deposit.
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With
a written notice received 21 to 30 Days in Advance of your arrival,
you will receive a 50% Refund of your Deposit.
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Less
than 21 Days Advance notice will result in Full Loss of your Deposit.
NO Shows will receive NO Refunds.
Note: If you have to cancel on short notice and we can re-book your
package dates we will be happy to give you a full refund.
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Fishing
Information
How
many people can fish on each boat?
We can fish 5 people comfortably offshore on the 30 ft. Stamas and 3
people comfortably inshore on the 22 ft. Pro-Line. Both boats have full
electronics, and all safety equipment.
 What
should I bring with me for a day of fishing?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. We will provide EVERYTHING
else including lunch, beverages, beer, and a great time!
What
kind of equipment do you use on the fishing boats?
The 30 ft. Stamas has a full tuna tower and all modern electronics including
GPS, and depth sounder / fish finder. We fish exclusively Shimano and
Penn Reels with heavy duty rods. The boat is rigged with Rupp outriggers,
and downriggers. There is lots of shade, music and a large V-berth.
The 22' Pro-Line
has all modern electronics including GPS and a depth sounder / fish
finder. And we use the same quality rods and reels as on the Stamas.
What
about safety equipment on board?
All of our boats have the necessary required Coast Guard equipment,
including life jackets, fire extinguishers and VHF radios.
** Our Boats And Crew Are Fully Insured. **
More
about the boats and equipment.
Can
we keep our catch?
Yes, we will send the fish you catch back with you so you can
have it cooked for you at your lodge or at a restaurant in town.
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What is considered customary for tipping the crew?
Tipping is greatly appreciated by the crew. Typically 15% to
20% is the norm. The mates on these boats live off their tips. Please
be kind.
Can we share a fishing trip with other anglers?
Yes, but you have to invite them and make the arrangements
with the other anglers. We prefer not to match up groups of people who
don't know each other.
How far do you have to run to get to the fishing grounds?
We are very fortunate fishing here on the Osa Peninsula. Most
days we do not have to run farther than 5-10 miles to fish offshore.
Fishing inshore is typically done along the river mouths and / or at
the Rock of Matapalo which is no more than a 30 minute ride from the
dock.
What are the sea conditions like offshore?
Calm, Calm, Calm. The ocean typically stays flat and calm most
of the year. It may be hard to believe but its true. In the rainy season
it can get a little choppy from time to time but during the busy time
of the fishing season (December to April) it is flat, with slow rollers.
Inshore fishing on The Gulfo Dulce is almost always flat. If there is
a one foot chop on the Gulf, the locals consider it rough.
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What
Kind of Background and Experience Do Your Captains Have?
 Captain
Mark Corn was raised in South Florida, the fishing capital
of the world. He has fished all his life throughout Florida, the Bahamas
and the Pacific side of southern Costa Rica, where he holds an open-class
world's record.
With seventeen years as a Captain in the Atlantic and 10 years off the
Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, he is very knowledgeable in all aspects
of Inshore and Offshore sport-fishing. Mark is a great guy to fish with.
After all these years he still gets excited about going out on the hunt.
In
2003 there was an addition to the Corn family... Lee Fonseca Corn...
Mark's son. He is a cute little boy, just over a year old and has already
been out many times on the boats. He loves it and we will not be surprised
if he follows in Mark's footsteps, as he gets older.
 Captain
Kay Condon grew up on the water fishing, sailing, and diving
in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. She has been a licensed Captain
since 1994. After years of running parasail boats, snorkel boats, and
sailboats in Key West, she was ready for a change. She moved to the
Bahamas for 2 years where she lived onboard and operated a 36 ft. sailing
catamaran taking groups on week-long charters and cruising extensively
throughout the Bahamas.
Her
Bahamian friends nicknamed her The Huntress, because
of her successful "hunting skills" while fishing and diving for lobsters,
fish, and conch.
After
moving back to Key West, she started traveling and fishing in Costa
Rica. THAT WAS IT! She immediately fell in love with the incredible
fishing, the beautiful scenery, and the wonderful people in Costa Rica.
She has been fishing in the local waters off the Osa Peninsula for the
last 4 years and is convinced... this is where she will spend
the rest of her life.
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Our
TOLL Free Telephone in the US is:
1-877-FISHOSA
Our Office Telephone in Costa Rica is:
011-506-735-5675
You may email us directly at:
info@fishosa.com
Or
You May Use Our
Interactive Reservation Form
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