REEL FREEDOM CHARTERS
REEL FREEDOM CHARTERS
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At Southern Escapes, our mission remains unchanged: delivering excellence through unmatched fishing adventures. Starting June 1, 2026, Reel Freedom is launching an upgraded charter menu, featuring new pricing options, premium amenities, and bespoke add-ons.
Choose Your Adventure:
Pura Vida Lite (Half-Day / Inshore-Nearshore): Quick saltwater therapy for tight schedules, full itineraries, or families trying Costa Rican fishing for the first time.
Pelagic Sprint (3/4 Day / Offshore): High-impact offshore targeting Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Dorado. Perfect for groups short on time or testing their offshore legs.
Pelagic Express (Full Day / Offshore): Our signature experience. A complete day on the water targeting premier offshore gamefish.
Pelagic Deluxe (Extended Day / Offshore): For the anglers who always want 'just one more.' Extends your day past standard charter limits.
Pelagic Pursuit (2 Days, 1 Night / Ultimate Offshore): The ultimate bucket-list trip for heavy hitters (max 4 guests). Overnight targeting massive Blue/Black Marlin and giant Yellowfin Tuna.
What Is Included:
All-Inclusive Gear: High-end rods, reels, tackle, and expert Crew.
Signature Lunches: Included on all trips except Pura Vida Lite
What is Not Included: Costa Rican fishing licenses (can be purchased online in advance).
Tailor your trip with our premium upgrades:
Connectivity: High-speed onboard Wi-Fi.
Media: Professional photo, video, and drone packages with full editing.
Catering: Premium culinary menus, fine wine, and top-shelf liquor.
Celebrations: Custom arrangements for your special occasion.
Private Stewardess: Elite onboard service to bartend, prep, and serve premium culinary items.
At Southern Escapes, our mission remains unchanged: delivering excellence through unmatched fishing adventures. Starting June 1, 2026, Reel Freedom is launching an upgraded charter menu, featuring new pricing options, premium amenities, and bespoke add-ons.
Choose Your Adventure:
Pura Vida Lite (Half-Day / Inshore-Nearshore): Quick saltwater therapy for tight schedules, full itineraries, or families trying Costa Rican fishing for the first time.
Pelagic Sprint (3/4 Day / Offshore): High-impact offshore targeting Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, and Dorado. Perfect for groups short on time or testing their offshore legs.
Pelagic Express (Full Day / Offshore): Our signature experience. A complete day on the water targeting premier offshore gamefish.
Pelagic Deluxe (Extended Day / Offshore): For the anglers who always want 'just one more.' Extends your day past standard charter limits.
Pelagic Pursuit (2 Days, 1 Night / Ultimate Offshore): The ultimate bucket-list trip for heavy hitters (max 4 guests). Overnight targeting massive Blue/Black Marlin and giant Yellowfin Tuna.
What Is Included:
All-Inclusive Gear: High-end rods, reels, tackle, and expert Crew.
Signature Lunches: Included on all trips except Pura Vida Lite
What is Not Included: Costa Rican fishing licenses (can be purchased online in advance).
Tailor your trip with our premium upgrades:
Connectivity: High-speed onboard Wi-Fi.
Media: Professional photo, video, and drone packages with full editing.
Catering: Premium culinary menus, fine wine, and top-shelf liquor.
Celebrations: Custom arrangements for your special occasion.
Private Stewardess: Elite onboard service to bartend, prep, and serve premium culinary items.
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (40)
Reviews (18)
Steven S5.0Great trip. Stan is a great host and captian.
Pelagic Express on May 16, 2026The wife and I had a great trip. We caught a bunch of new fish for us. the boat was great and we really could not have asked for me. We will be back to CR and book with Stan again.
Lisa Trebilcock5.0VerifiedCaught the Big One!
Pelagic Sprint on December 2, 2025 • 5 adultsNo sooner did we say, “we’d love a big marlin,” a big one hit the line! Followed by a sailfish! We were thrilled. Captain Stan and crew really delivered. Highly recommend. Not to mention a delicious lunch, and seeing tons of dolphin and a couple sea turtle. Great 3/4 day! Thank you, Captain Stan and crew!
FishingBooker Member5.0Unforgettable days on the water with Captain Stan and the Reel Freedom Crew!
Pelagic Express on May 5, 2025We had the absolute pleasure of fishing with Captain Stan on the Reel Freedom out of Quepos, Costa Rica—and what an incredible experience it was! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Captain Stan is the real deal—professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He put us right on the fish, and we had non-stop action throughout the day. His years of experience and calm confidence made the whole trip smooth and exciting. A huge shoutout to the mates onboard—these guys were phenomenal! Friendly, hardworking, and incredibly skilled, they made sure everything ran like clockwork. Whether it was rigging lines, helping land the catch, or just keeping spirits high, they were top-notch the entire time. And we can't forget Michele, Captain Stan's wonderful wife. From the moment we booked the trip, Michele was warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful in making sure everything went off without a hitch. You can tell this is more than just a business—it’s a true family-run operation built on passion and pride. If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Quepos, look no further than Reel Freedom. Thanks again to Captain Stan, Michele, and the amazing crew—we’ll definitely be back!
Chad MichaelsenRepeat angler5.0VerifiedEpic Sailfish day!!
Pelagic Express on April 23, 2025 • 7 adultsWe had an amazing day on Reel Freedom. I've fished out of Quepos numerous times and our entire group thought Reel Freedom, Captain Bill and his team ran a spectacular boat. We had a rather large group of friends and all 7 of us caught sailfish - ended up landing 11 overall. Not only did Bill put us on the fish but his guys were great at keeping everyone engaged. The equipment was top notch and the boat was perfect for a larger group. Lunch was excellent !! I would absolutely go fishing with this crew when I am in Quepos and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to catch fish during their stay in Quepos!.
Heather Modzelewski5.0Full Day of REEL Fun!!!!
Pelagic Express on March 25, 2025We had the best time out with these guys. They helped us check of another bucket list fish!!! 12 sailfish in total during our trip. The boat is fully equipped with everything you need to catch some great sports fish and to satisfy your cravings for lunch from Butcher Block. (Check them out for dinner after you go fishing they are right in the Marina!!! ) The crew is very knowledgeable about the fish you are looking to catch and will bring you to the location to catch your dream fish!!!! There is AC and a head on board, so no need to worry about booking long trips. Capt Stan has you covered!!!!
Andrew HainsworthRepeat angler5.0VerifiedSimply the Best Fishing Charter Experience
Pelagic Sprint on April 12, 2025 • 4 adultsStan and his crew were friendly, welcoming and hospitable from the second we arrived at the marina. We caught a total of 12 sailfish and had an absolute blast all day. By far the best lunch I’ve ever had on a charter boat, they brought us brisket sandwiches, salads and Texas Twinkies from the best local restaurant Butchers Block I was absolutely stunned by how good it was. Basically I felt as if I was treated like a king for the day and was reeling in fish what felt like half the time. Absolutely phenomenal experience!!!!
Pat Keenan5.0Full Day on Reel Freedom with Stan Cook
Pelagic Express on May 9, 2025One of the best charters I’ve been on. The crew was dialed in — super helpful when we were on sailfish, tuna, and mahi. Solid gear, great guidance, and nonstop action. Between bites, they served fresh pineapple and a killer burrito for lunch. And the fresh sashimi on deck? Next level. If you’re looking for a serious fishing trip with a crew that knows their stuff, this is it.
Jodie Sechler5.0VerifiedBucket List Success - AMAZING!
Pelagic Express on May 9, 2025 • 7 adultsStan and his crew are 1st class! These guys know what they are doing. So impressive! They served healthy fresh fruit, amazing beef, brisket, sandwiches, fresh guacamole, and salsa, just AMAZING….Everything! I would highly recommend this charter! We caught everything on our list, swordfish, tuna, and mahi! It was a perfect day!
John Kreiner5.0Pelagic Rockstar Lifemed Team on Reel Freedom
Pelagic Express on January 10, 2025I have been fishing for 25 plus years off shore and by far my experience with Stan and his crew on Reel Freedom was the best. Highly recommend if you’re in the Queops area to give him a call. 1st class all around!!
Dianna BicknellRepeat angler5.0VerifiedSouthern Escape with Captain Stan
Pelagic Sprint on December 31, 2024 • 5 adultsOur family of five enjoyed this tour. On vacation from Georgia. First time deep sea fishing experience. We got a sailfish and some smaller species. The boat was plenty comfortable, with nice seating area. The crew was great as well. We recommend.
Rating
Anglers' gallery (40)
All reviews (18)
The wife and I had a great trip. We caught a bunch of new fish for us. the boat was great and we really could not have asked for me. We will be back to CR and book with Stan again.
Thanks Steve! It was a pleasure and cant wait to see you again.
No sooner did we say, "we'd love a big marlin," a big one hit the line! Followed by a sailfish! We were thrilled. Captain Stan and crew really delivered. Highly recommend. Not to mention a delicious lunch, and seeing tons of dolphin and a couple sea turtle. Great 3/4 day! Thank you, Captain Stan and crew!
We had the absolute pleasure of fishing with Captain Stan on the Reel Freedom out of Quepos, Costa Rica—and what an incredible experience it was! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Captain Stan is the real deal—professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He put us right on the fish, and we had non-stop action throughout the day. His years of experience and calm confidence made the whole trip smooth and exciting. A huge shoutout to the mates onboard—these guys were phenomenal! Friendly, hardworking, and incredibly skilled, they made sure everything ran like clockwork. Whether it was rigging lines, helping land the catch, or just keeping spirits high, they were top-notch the entire time. And we can't forget Michele, Captain Stan's wonderful wife. From the moment we booked the trip, Michele was warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful in making sure everything went off without a hitch. You can tell this is more than just a business—it's a true family-run operation built on passion and pride. If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Quepos, look no further than Reel Freedom. Thanks again to Captain Stan, Michele, and the amazing crew—we'll definitely be back!
We had an amazing day on Reel Freedom. I've fished out of Quepos numerous times and our entire group thought Reel Freedom, Captain Bill and his team ran a spectacular boat. We had a rather large group of friends and all 7 of us caught sailfish - ended up landing 11 overall. Not only did Bill put us on the fish but his guys were great at keeping everyone engaged. The equipment was top notch and the boat was perfect for a larger group. Lunch was excellent !! I would absolutely go fishing with this crew when I am in Quepos and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to catch fish during their stay in Quepos!.
If you are looking for an amazing off shore fishing experience in some of the best fishing waters in the world, I highly recommend Southern Escapes on the Reel Freedom. Stan Cook and his entire crew are a highly skilled fishing team that go above and beyond to make your trip one to remember. The boat is perfectly outfitted for fishing as well as relaxing whether on the upper deck enjoying the views under cover or the a/c cabin with full bathroom and amenities. I have fished my entire life both with family/friend's boats as well as charter boats and the Reel Freedom was the best experience to date. We landed 12 sailfish with the first hit being a double down which was a great way to start the morning. Definitely a bucket list checked off. We fully intend on visiting the beautiful country of Costa Rica again and will most certainly go back to Stan and the crew of Reel Freedom!
FAQs about REEL FREEDOM CHARTERS
- US $1,600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 6 guests - Pura Vida Lite (4 hours)
- US $2,400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 6 guests - Pelagic Sprint (6 hours)
- US $2,800 per group, additional US $98 per person after 6 guests - Pelagic Express (8 hours)
- US $3,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 6 guests - Pelagic Deluxe (10 hours)
- US $5,800 per day per group - Pelagic Pursuit (2 days)
- Toilet Reel Freedom has (1) bathroom. The bathroom has a standard, marine toilet similar to what you would find on land, handwashing sink and a shower. (shower not available to single day charters)
- Air conditioning
- Fighting chair
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Bed
- Flybridge
- Live bait well
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Multimedia system
- Outriggers
- Tuna tubes
- Ice box
- Radar
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait (Before we make our run offshore, our first priority of the morning is getting live bait, depending on the species we are targeting that day. Mother Nature controls the schedule here—availability changes daily, sometimes it's fast, sometimes it requires pa)
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Expert cleaning and fillet service is included with each charter. Our crew completes this process prior to docking. Your catch is expertly filleted and bagged for you to take home for dinner. Take all of it or some of it, whatever you don't take will be d)
- Snacks (We have you fully covered with fresh fruit as a snack, your lunch, water, soda, and beer—all included with your charter. Just show up ready to fish, and let us handle the rest.)
- Drinks (Water, soda, and local beer are included with your charter. If you have any special requests, we are happy to accommodate with advance notice and an additional charge.)
- First mate (Ready for an unforgettable trip with the best in the business? Meet Garden Smith, our Costa Rican born and raised first mate and relief captain. Garden knows these pelagic waters like the back of his hand, and his passion for fishing is truly contagious. )
- Lunch (Lunch is included and catered directly from the highly reviewed restaurant The Butcher Block, located at Marina Pez Vela and go to location for post fishing beverages, air conditioning and fish stories.)
- Inshore fishing
- Offshore fishing (How far offshore we travel depends entirely on the specific trip you purchase. For our full-day and extended-day charters, we go as far out as we need to go to put you on the fish. For shorter trips, we maximize your time by hitting our proven, secret hon)
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Popping
- Fly fishing
- Deep sea fishing
- Cero Mackerel
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Marlin (Black)
- Marlin (Blue)
- Marlin (Striped)
- Roosterfish
- Sailfish
- Snapper (Cubera)
- Tuna (Yellowfin)
Your captain
Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Captain Stan is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, entrepreneur, and professional angler with over a decade of experience guiding in Quepos, Costa Rica. From running charter vessels for his Special Operations brethren in North Carolina after retirement to commanding his fourth offshore boat today, Stan operates his business alongside his wife, Michele—who passionately champions women in sportfishing—and their famous boat dog, Coco of Quepos.
Garden S.
First mate
Michele C.
Business partner
Bill C.
Captain
Stan C.
Captain
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
How you can pay
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Bank transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Quepos right now
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Black)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (Striped)
Roosterfish
Sailfish
Snapper (Cubera)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Compare similar fishing charters
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