Meet the people behind the magic

At the heart of every journey is a crew of dreamers — people who fell in love with Golfo Dulce and never looked back. We’re not a company. We’re a handful of friends and family, rooted in this place, building something slow and real.

Born in Belgium, reborn in Costa Rica

We’re Maarten and Bram. In 2015, we left Belgium chasing sunlight and saltwater. We landed in southern Costa Rica and never left. Over time, our lives wove into the rhythm of the land — living among families, learning from neighbors, growing food, and building a life that feels true.

A farm in the cloud forest

In 2018, we found our own patch of soil — a piece of cloud forest where we began planting roots, literally. With years of hands-on experience, we started our permaculture farm, working with the land instead of against it. It’s still growing, still teaching us.

From friends to family

Dreams don’t grow alone. As our vision deepened, more hands joined the work. Three kindred spirits came together with us in Golfito, and Rio Leon was born — a small team with shared values, a lot of laughter, and the kind of connection you can feel when you step on board.

Meet the crew

Carlos – The local maestro
Born and raised in Golfito, Carlos is a captain, a guide, and a walking encyclopedia of local nature and culture. His deep roots and calm presence shape every exploration.

Haze – The culinary alchemist
Our gifted vegan chef, Haze brings the harvest to life. From our farm to your plate, she crafts meals that are as thoughtful as they are flavorful — and always unforgettable.

Martin – The digital hand 
Maarten helps carry our story into the world. He’s also Johnny’s right hand on the farm, bridging pixels and plants in one quiet rhythm.

Bram – The storyteller with a lens
With his camera and drone, Bram captures what words can’t. His images preserve the magic of each moment — the way the light fell, the dolphin turned, the smile you didn’t notice.

Johnny – The earth whisperer
Johnny is the soul of our farm. With patient hands and a fierce love for the land, he keeps the ecosystem thriving — blending ancient knowledge with quiet innovation.

Where two worlds meet

We are a blend — of Belgian roots and Costa Rican soil. Two continents, one heartbeat. We mix cultures, languages, and ways of seeing, and let that richness flow into everything we do.

Come As guests, leave as friends

Choosing Rio Leon means joining a small family of explorers who believe in nature, beauty, and doing things with care. We’re not selling a product. We’re opening the door to something we love deeply. Come see for yourself.