Meet our Crew
Behind every unforgettable day on Kephas is a team of passionate professionals who know these waters better than anyone. From our captain and private chef to our bilingual guides, every member of our crew is dedicated to making your experience extraordinary from start to finish.
Meet Bryan González — Founder & Captain
Bryan González grew up in San Ramón, Costa Rica, far from the ocean but always drawn to it. When he first arrived at Papagayo Gulf, he knew he had found his place in the world.
His story didn't begin with a luxury catamaran. It began with a single jet ski and a handful of guests from the Four Seasons who wanted to see something real. Bryan didn't offer them a scripted tour. He showed them his Costa Rica, the hidden bays, the marine life, the warmth of the Pacific coast, the way a local sees it. They loved it. And he never looked back.
From that one jet ski, Bryan built Tropical Explorers with patience and purpose. Sport fishing and water activities in 2015. Personalized land tours through Costa Rica's volcanoes and rainforests in 2016. A complete fleet of water experiences by 2019. And in 2023, the proudest milestone of his journey: the launch of Kephas, Tropical Explorers' luxury catamaran, the experience he had always envisioned since day one.
Today, with more than 25,000 guests welcomed and over 15 years on these waters, Bryan's philosophy remains exactly what it was at the beginning. Every person who steps aboard deserves to feel like a guest, not a customer. Like a friend discovering Costa Rica for the first time, guided by someone who genuinely loves every corner of it.
When you spend a day with Tropical Explorers, you spend it with Bryan's team, people handpicked for their passion, expertise, and dedication to making your experience extraordinary. And more often than not, you'll find Bryan himself on the water, making sure your day is everything it should be.
— Bryan González, Founder & Captain
Tropical Explorers Costa Rica · Est. 2012
Kephas Team
Luis · Sailor & Navigation Assistant
The quiet force behind every smooth journey. Luis works alongside Captain Kadir to ensure the boat runs perfectly and your safety and comfort are always the priority.
Elías · Bartender & Guest Experience
Your go-to for good vibes and great drinks. Elías keeps the atmosphere lively and your glass full, making sure everyone onboard feels welcome from start to finish.
Captain Kadir · Captain & Activity Director
The one who keeps everything running perfectly. Kadir navigates the waters of Papagayo Gulf with expertise while personally overseeing every activity of your day, so you never have to worry about a thing.
Ingrid · Private Chef
Ingrid turns every meal into a highlight of your trip. She prepares fresh gourmet dishes tailored to your group's preferences and dietary needs, because great food is part of the experience.
Luis
Kadir
Elias
Ingrid
About Tropical Explorers
For over a decade, Tropical Explorers Costa Rica has been creating unforgettable moments on the waters and shores of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. What began in 2012 as a small operation with a handful of jet skis has grown into one of Papagayo Gulf's most trusted names in premium ocean experiences, with more than 25,000 guests welcomed and every one of them treated as our only one.
Whether you're staying at a luxury resort in Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panamá, or Playa del Coco, our team is here to make your time on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica truly extraordinary.
Our Story: A Decade of Passion for the Sea
Our passion for the ocean has shaped every step of our journey. We started in 2012 sharing the thrill of jet skis with adventurous travelers visiting Guanacaste. By 2015, we expanded into sport fishing and recreational water activities. In 2016, we brought guests beyond the coast with curated land tours across Costa Rica's most stunning landscapes, from volcanoes to rainforests.
We've continued to grow ever since: upgrading our equipment in 2019, and in 2023, proudly launching our luxury catamaran, our most refined experience yet, designed for guests who seek privacy, comfort, and a touch of the extraordinary on the Pacific waters of Costa Rica.
What Sets Our Tours Apart
We don't believe in cookie-cutter tours. Every experience we offer is tailored to who you are and what you love, whether that's a quiet sunset cruise with someone special, an adrenaline-filled day on jet skis with friends, or a private family adventure aboard our luxury catamaran.
Our offerings include:
Private luxury catamaran tours with chef and open bar
Jet ski rentals and tours in Papagayo Gulf
Sport fishing charters
Snorkeling and water activities
Private land tours across Guanacaste and beyond
Hotel transfers and private transportation
Expert guides: naturalists, adventure specialists, and local insiders
Behind every tour is a team of seasoned professionals: captains, chefs, guides, and crew who take genuine pride in what they do. That's why our guests don't just leave with photos, they leave with stories.
Why Travelers Choose Tropical Explorers
Choosing the right tour operator in Costa Rica can be overwhelming, with so many options available online. Our guests choose us because we offer something most platforms can't: fully private, all-inclusive premium experiences backed by 15+ years of operation in the Papagayo region. From the moment you reach out to the moment you step off our catamaran, every detail is handled by people who know these waters and care about your experience.
More Than Tourism: Our Commitment to Costa Rica
Costa Rica has given us so much, and we believe in giving back. Throughout the year, we actively participate in environmental initiatives such as beach cleanups and recycling projects in Guanacaste, and we welcome guests who'd like to join us.
We also host an annual Christmas celebration for underprivileged children in our community, made possible by our team, our sponsors, and the generosity of guests who choose to contribute.
Every tour you take with us doesn't just create your memory, it helps support the people and the place that make Costa Rica unforgettable.
Welcome Aboard
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a special celebration in Papagayo, Guanacaste, we can't wait to share our piece of paradise with you.
Get in touch today and let's start designing your unforgettable Costa Rica experience.
Frequently asked questions
What payment methods do you accept?
To secure your reservation, we require a deposit that is part of the total tour price, payable via:
International wire transfer (no additional fees)
PayPal (includes an 8% processing fee)
The remaining balance can be paid on the day of the tour, either in cash (USD) or by wire transfer before the experience. Once your deposit is received, you'll receive a written confirmation with all the details of your tour, and your date is fully secured.
With over 15 years operating in Papagayo Gulf and 25,000+ satisfied guests, you can book with complete peace of mind. Payment instructions are shared through secure channels, and our team is available to answer any questions before, during, and after your booking.
What's included in the catamaran tour?
Your premium experience includes the full private catamaran with professional crew, a private chef preparing fresh meals onboard, an open bar with premium liquor, beer, wine, and cocktails (all unlimited), snorkeling gear, water activities, and stops at the most beautiful spots in Papagayo Gulf. No hidden costs, no surprises, everything is taken care of so you only worry about enjoying.
Is this a private tour or shared with other guests?
Every catamaran tour is completely private, only your group onboard. This is what sets us apart from typical group tours: you get the boat, the crew, and the chef exclusively for your party. Your day, your pace, your experience, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family celebration, or a group of friends.
Why is the catamaran tour priced the way it is?
Our catamaran tours range from $1,950 to $6,000 because this is a fully private, all-inclusive luxury experience, not a shared boat ride. The price reflects a private catamaran, professional crew, private chef, premium open bar, water toys, and over 15 years of experience crafting flawless days at sea. When you split the cost across a group of 6 to 10 guests with absolutely everything included, our guests find it's one of the best values of their entire trip.
What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
We keep our policy simple and fair. Cancellations more than 5 days before the tour receive a 100% refund of the deposit. More than 48 hours before, you get a 75% refund. If we ever need to cancel due to weather or operational reasons, you receive a full 100% refund, no questions asked. Your safety and experience always come first.
How do I book and secure my date?
Dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season and for sunset tours. To lock in your preferred date, simply contact us and check availability and reserve with a deposit. Once confirmed, your date is fully secured and we handle every detail from there. We recommend booking as early as possible to guarantee your spot.
Should I book directly with you or through Viator?
You'll find us on Viator and other platforms because that's where many travelers start their search, and we want to be there. However, booking directly with us gives you the best experience: faster responses, full flexibility to customize your day, and direct communication with our team from the moment you reserve until you step off the catamaran. Either way, you're getting the same premium private experience that has earned us over 25,000 satisfied guests in 15+ years.
Exclusive tailored experiences on the open sea. Make every minute count!
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