Captain Willy Vega

Captain Willy Vega has spent more than 26 years at sea, building a lifelong career around fishing, navigation, and ocean exploration. His journey began at the age of 16, when he attended Nautical Mechanics School in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Shortly after graduating, he worked as a mechanic aboard Chinese long-line commercial ships, where he discovered his passion for sportfishing.

For five years, Willy worked on a mother ship in the North Pacific that also operated as a scuba diving vessel. During this time, he became a certified Dive Master and gained extensive experience with marine ecosystems. Later, he served as a mechanical engineer on a private yacht based in Playa Flamingo, leading long voyages across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.

It was during this chapter that Willy met Randy Wilson, one of the pioneers of sportfishing tourism in Tamarindo. Under his mentorship, Willy deepened his knowledge of the industry and decided to pursue his dream of starting his own company.

In 2007, Willy founded Tamarindo Tours Discovery, which has since become one of the region’s most trusted operators. For more than 16 years, he has welcomed visitors from all over the world, sharing the thrill of inshore and offshore sportfishing, snorkeling, tubing, sunset cruises, and wildlife encounters. His mission has always been to combine professionalism, safety, and fun with a deep respect for the ocean.

Beyond his work as a captain, Willy has also been active in the political and social aspects of Costa Rica’s fishing industry. He has represented Guanacaste at the Costa Rican Institute of Fishing and Aquaculture, served as President of the Nautical Association of Playa Tamarindo, and currently sits on the board of directors of Guanacaste’s largest fishing organization, which unites more than 40 groups.

Today, Captain Willy continues to lead every tour with passion, expertise, and genuine care for his guests, ensuring that whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-time adventurer, your time on the water will be an unforgettable experience.