Our Story
At the heart of every journey is a crew of dreamers.
Meet the people
behind the magic
We're not a company. We're a handful of friends and family, rooted in this place, building something slow and real.
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.
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.
Dreams don't grow alone. As our vision deepened, more hands joined the work. Two kindred spirits came together with us in Playa Cacao, 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.
Come as guests, leave as friends
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. 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.
The Captain
& Crew
Meet your expert guides →
Our Sustainability
How we protect the gulf →
Ready to explore the gulf?
Planning
Ahead?
If you’re still exploring ideas, our notes from the gulf can help. Seasonal wildlife, hidden corners, and small observations from life in one of the most biodiverse places in Costa Rica.