March 6, 2006

This was our first trip to Costa Rica and the stories are true. Perfect weather, beautiful scenery, friendly helpful people, good food and drink, bad roads.

In Tamarindo we did not experience the pushy sales tactics of the Caribbean and were free to shop comfortably and ask questions. Every day was a new experience with monkeys, turtles, volcanoes, rain forests and the savannah. Truly spectacular.

Our most memorable experience, hands down, was the time spent with the staff and crew of Mandingo sailing. It all started via the internet with Maria answering all of our questions and concerns. Her description of the tours was, I thought at the time, a little over exaggerated and to good to be true so we booked. In hindsight Maria did well to describe an experience that words can not.

Our snorkelling tour began with transportation from the resort were we were greeted and orientated by Maria. The boat trip to the sites was spectacular with dolphins alongside the boat, jumping rays, and whales breaching in the scenic distance. I would have been happy if I never got in the water.

The snorkelling was safety first and the gear was top notch. Great sites for beginner and experienced swimmers.

Puffer fish, trigger fish, octopus, star fish, lots of hard coral and schooling fish. The oceans diversity was right there in front of us with interpreters that could plain language describe all the unique relationships.

So my hat is off to Jimmy the pilot who was never without a smile Marjorie the interpreter who kept us safe and informed and Santiago the deckhand who snuck up on me in the water and stuck an octopus on my arm. Way cool!

The trip was accessible and comfortable, the sites had something for everyone, and the hospitality of the crew put the whole thing over the top.

The sunset cruse aboard the Lemuria was more of the same. This is the part were I find myself wanting for words.

Picture yourself comfortably seated on a vintage style twin mast schooner in the Pacific with the salt air in your face and the wind in your hair. Andree the skipper was competent and knowledgeable, Jimmy and Santiago were always ready to lend a hand if need be, and Helen the galley hand kept the snacks and refreshments coming.

Now go back to my earlier description and add to that a spectacular Pacific sun set.

The professional staff at Mandingo sailing were focused on providing every one of their charges with the experience of a lifetime and I have to say they achieved their goal. But don't take my word on it, speak with Maria to begin an adventure you will never forget.
Dave and Shelly



February 10, 2005

Dear Andree & Maria,
Pura Vida!!! Three weeks ago we had the memory of a life time. After snorkeling in the A.M. and seeing three whales, turtles, fish, etc... we decided to take- up your invitation to sail into the sunset. What a delight! Andree, you, & your two helpers gave us an unforgettable, enchanting and romantic ride that still lingers today. You created wonderful ,endless ,memories for the four of us. We are forever grateful. You make dreams come true. You might not think that the trip was exciting for you & your crew. It was just another day's work. But for us it was mysteriously magical. " It only happens in the movies." When we return again , we look forward to joining you on several more adventures. For now we will enjoy the memories and pictures. If you are interested in some pictures, especially, of the sunset with the birds in view and of Sue and others, just let me know.
Gratefully ciao,
Phil & Sue Simeone



January 23, 2005

Thank you so much for the wonderful experience! The sailing trip we took on Friday made our day, and was a wonderful way to end our time in Costa Rica. Having worked in the tourism field, as river guides, you did a wonderful job. We really appreciate your effort and obvious love for what you do.
Thank you!
Matt and Rene Webster



January 10, 2005

Maria/Andree,
Just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for your tour. This was the highlight of Marjorie and my trip to Tamarindo. Your restaurant recommendations were also terrific. Eating in the hotel was very poor as compared to the direction you sent us. Again, thank you for making my stay in Tamarindo very special.
Marjorie and Billy



December 25, 2004

Hello Maria and Andree
I have to say what a wonderful time we had, and we have great memories of our trip. We are really thinking about doing it again and hopefully sailing with you again. I will keep in contact and let you know if we can make it happen. Good wishes to all, we hope you have a wonderful and prosperous new year.
Much love from Ann and Jim



December 15, 2004

Andree and Maria,
Thank you for making a 25th Anniversary a most memorable occasion. We have made all of our friends jealous I have enclosed pictures. Maria, your phone call afterwards was the icing on the cake. May your family have a great and safe holiday season and we have plans to return to Costa Rica.
Thanks again,
Jim and Cindy Jones