Hooked on Adventure in Costa Rica

From sailfish and yellowfin tuna to sunsets above the clouds, Christie Goudeau’s family trip to Jaco was one for the books.

For Christie Goudeau, family time is best spent making memories outdoors—and her recent trip to Jaco, Costa Rica, was no exception. Inspired by her twin boys, Andre and Henri, who wanted to go sport fishing, the Goudeaus set off on an adventure that blended relaxation, excitement, and a few unforgettable catches.

The family’s first big highlight was a fishing charter out of the world-renowned Los Suenos Resort marina. Together, they reeled in two sailfish and two yellowfin tuna. “Fishing with my boys is one of our favorite activities to do together,” Christie shares. “Henri and my nephew, Ascher Luke, each caught huge sailfish, which we released. Andre caught a 45-pound yellowfin tuna that we immediately brought to a beachside restaurant, where they cooked it three ways for us. There was so much tuna that it even fed the band and the kitchen staff! It was such a proud moment for Andre.”

The trip didn’t stop at fishing. The Goudeaus and their crew rode ATVs through rivers and along the beach, tried their hand at surfing, and made the most of everything Los Suenos had to offer. “We planned all of our activities in the morning and enjoyed the resort in the afternoons—multiple pools, complimentary SUP boards, kayaks, volleyball, golf, tennis, and even a swim-up bar,” Christie says.

One of the most memorable meals came from Villa Caletas, a stunning restaurant perched “above the clouds.” Christie describes it as a must-see, with its outdoor amphitheater that offers a breathtaking sunset experience. “It left me speechless,” she says.

Looking back, the trip was more than just a getaway—it was a chance to watch her boys grow closer before beginning their freshman year at Ascension. “This was such a special time for me to watch the boys bond and really enjoy this experience together as brothers and friends,” Christie reflects.

For neighbors planning their own adventure, Christie’s advice is simple: Jaco offers both thrilling activities and relaxing escapes, but the true highlight is the opportunity to create lasting memories.