Chuck Medina of Chuck’s Tours shares our beautiful area with others with pride!
Recently, two gals staying at our Boutique Hotel asked if I knew someone who could take them to San Sebastian. I had heard of a fellow who did such tours and hired him even though I had never used him before. All day long I questioned my choice, saying to my hubby; “Oh my gosh, I just sent two ladies with an absolute stranger up into the mountains. What was I thinking!?” Thank heavens they returned, cheering the fabulousness of Chuck Medina! They’d been picked up early that morning and were taken for a fabulous breakfast, toured the historic town, visited a tequila distillery, coffee establishment, had lunch, saw scenery, and after an afternoon snack, returned around 5:00 pm. Their only complaint was that there was too much food!
Since that day we “share Chuck” with many guests, neighbours, and on social media. He truly is a rich mine of information and expresses delight in all he shares on his personalized tours.
Chuck takes folks to neighbouring towns, whale watching, snorkeling, and to the Marieta Islands. He arranges fishing trips; both deep-sea and closer to home on local fishermen’s panga boats. He and his team will also arrange airport pickups… just ask him, he’s here to serve you!
The main goal of his business, ‘Chucks Tours’, is to make sure his customers have the most fun possible creating great memories. He told me “I’m proud to be an ambassador for La Cruz and letting people know all the great things to do here; I love seeing smiles on people faces and building memories. I like the changes and improvements to La Cruz, all changes for the better! The street repairs help the economy, La Cruz just keeps getting better and better.” He said he loves “When customers walk out of my office with a happy face and I appreciate returning customers. I’ve sold a lot of happy memories.”
In both 2018 and 2019 Chuck was awarded Guide of the Year! He said “The challenge became to elevate my customer service to the best of my abilities. His most overwhelming moment was taking a group fishing and not catching any fish… that’s why they call it ‘fishing’ not ‘catching’ Chuck, cut yourself some slack, I say!
Chuck said 60% of his customers are Canadians, 35% Americans and 5% Mexicans. Being bilingual helps him to look after them all.
Chuck moved to La Cruz in 2014 appreciating the great opportunity to start his life over again. He was doing rehab work with a heroin addicted client in 2013 and then decided to move here. One of the highlights of his life was becoming a drug counselor and helping youth and others with addictions. Chuck is most proud that he has been sober (from alcohol) for 20 years.
He’s inspired by and LOVES working in paradise and the beautiful surroundings. He told me “Off-shore fishing is my favorite thing to do!” When at home he cooks Tex/Mex food which is hard to find here in the Bay; his favorite dish is a grilled fajita botana platter.
Chuck’s favorite cause in La Cruz is helping Doña Mari with basic things, for example Chuck`s Tours takes her cans to the recycling center in a big dump truck. Chuck would most like to help the communities up on the hill out with the basic needs – water, lighting, and sewer. He wishes the plaza remained as before when kids played futbol there. If you can help Chuck’s Tours to help others contact him here.
When asked what one thing do you think people ‘about town’ don’t know about you, he answered “Most people thing I’m a gringo (American) but I am 100% Mexican.” Chuck’s most proud of his family and his grandkids. His favourite quote is “Let no stone go unturned.”
Chuck ends our interview saying, “Vacation here and enjoy the slow paced and small crowds. I do my best every day to help my community here in La Cruz. That he does!
You can contact Chuck at 322 142 4046 or http://www.chuckstours.com/
