Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What they are marketing is more than just a boat ride — it is an all-encompassing ex-
perience. “We created a one-day tour from San Jose or anywhere in the country,” Jose ex-
plains. “We pick up the people; we offer transportation from wherever they are. We offer
them three complete meals, and it comes with a bi-lingual guide who helps and explains
a bit about Costa Rica. We give them a Costa Rican breakfast, then we come to Manuel
Antonio. From there we take them to the beach or to the National Park and the guide goes
with them and helps where he can. Then we escort our customers to Raphael's restaurant.
It's a great place with a nice view and an excellent Costa Rican cuisine. After that we go
to the marina and give people all the instructions. It's not just a catamaran tour - it's an
adventure.”
Donna Reynolds owner of Mango Moon says, “It's a great vessel for handling private
occasions like my friend's wedding, which was amazing. The boat was steady and there
was plenty of space for the wedding and reception.”
English teacher Doreen McLennan says, “Ocean King is my favorite. The food is ex-
cellent, the staff is good and everything is so clean. I really enjoy seeing the dolphins.”
What they offer on board the Ocean King is indeed comprehensive. “We are the only
all-inclusive catamaran tour,” Jose says with pride. “We don't want to charge for extras.
We give them a special price for a special package with everything included.” 'Everything'
is exactly what he means too. The Ocean King has two main decks. On the upper level
guests can sunbathe, relax and take one of the custom waterslides that end in the water at
the boat's stern. More adventurous souls can use one of the trampolines set in the bow or
leap right from the upper deck into the ocean thirty feet below! Downstairs is the covered
deck with a fully stocked bar and twin Jacuzzis for relaxing, as well as plenty of space to
enjoy the 360 degree views. The Ocean King has an on-board chef so all the food is pre-
pared fresh and the well trained crew can provide equipment and advice for snorkeling or
swimming for all ages.
“This is an experience for all kinds of people,” says Johanna from the Quepos Market-
ing office. “Anyone who wants to go can go.” There are even lifejackets for young chil-
dren, so no one needs to miss out.
For those who want to be on but not in the water, the beauty of Manuel Antonio's nat-
ural inhabitants is usually on display. “We have the whale season beginning in August and
finishing at the end of October,” Jose says. “For the last two years we have had great shows
with the whales. These emperors of the ocean come up to within two meters from you, and
they're 17 meters long. Imagine that! It's spectacular. And on about 70% of our trips we
see dolphins because this is their turf.” Turtles, seabirds and abundant sea life are also on
display to Ocean King guests.
Allofthiscanbeenjoyedwithadrinkinhand,becauseoftheOceanKing'sthoughtful
approach to the all-inclusive package. “It was an experiment!” Jose laughs. “If you have an
open bar, people focus on that and try to drink everything they can, so we tried to provide
