Contributor

Michael Kaye

CEO & Founder of Costa Rica Expeditions

Born December 11, 1941, a river guide for many years, Michael was the first to run Costa Rica's white water rivers. Michael and his wife, Yolanda started Costa Rica Expeditions as a white water rafting company in the fall of 1978. The company which includes two wilderness lodges has grown into one of the world’s premiere destination-based tour operators. Widely considered a pioneer in sustainable tourism, in a June 1981 brochure Kaye wrote: "Our goal is to create unique travel experiences that transcend conventional sightseeing and travel. Our dream is to promote the type of tourism which is mutually beneficial and nourishing to both the visitor and the visited." That vision continues to guides the company. Over the years Costa Rica Expeditions, has been awarded Trip of a Lifetime by National Geographic, Critic’s Choice Award Travel & Leisure Magazine, Top 3 Best Values in the World Travel & Leisure Magazine, Travel Specialist for Costa Rica Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and Trusted Travel Expert for Costa Rica Wendy Perrin. The company is also the number one tour operator for San Jose, Costa Rica in Trip Advisor Despite being awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Adventure Travel Trade Association.In October 2007, Michael continues to actively manage Costa Rica Expeditions. Michael and Yolanda live in a suburb of San Jose Costa Rica. They travel fairly often, always with their tandem bicycle. They spend at least a couple of months each year in Manhattan, which Michael calls "the greatest secret bicycle destination in the world.” They have two adult children, Brenda and Hilton, and three grandchildren.