Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica – Kurt Van Dyke, a 66-year-classic California surfer and longtime hotel owner in Costa Rica, was found murdered Saturday in his home near Cahuita, according to reports from Costa Rican authorities and surf publications. The incident, currently being investigated as a robbery gone wrong, has sent shockwaves through the surfing community and raised concerns about safety in the typically tranquil Caribbean region of the country.
Van Dyke, a prominent figure in the Santa Cruz surfing scene and part of the family behind Van Dyke Farms in Gilroy, California, had resided in Costa Rica for many years, operating the popular Hotel Puerto Viejo in the beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The attack occurred at an apartment in Hone Creek, Cahuita, according to the Tico Times. The investigation is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest a violent struggle and robbery were central to the crime.
Details of the Attack
Authorities responded to a report at approximately 10:50 a.m. On Saturday, February 14, 2026, according to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) in Costa Rica. Upon arrival, investigators found Van Dyke’s body displaying signs of both asphyxiation and multiple stab wounds. He was discovered under a bed with a sheet covering his head, and a knife was reportedly found nearby.
Van Dyke was with his 31-year-old girlfriend, identified only by her last name, Arroyo, at the time of the intrusion. Two armed men forcibly entered the apartment, holding the couple at gunpoint and confining them to a room. The assailants then reportedly assaulted Van Dyke and stole valuables, including one of the couple’s vehicles. Arroyo survived the ordeal, though she was bound by the intruders.
A Beloved Figure in the Surfing Community
News of Van Dyke’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief from friends and fellow surfers. “My brother was a very benevolent, giving person who would help just about anybody,” Kurt’s brother, Peter Van Dyke, shared with the San Francisco Chronicle. “Kurt would never hurt anybody, and he was always there when you needed him. Everyone that he met knew this about him.”
Van Dyke’s impact extended beyond the surf community. He was a respected business owner who contributed significantly to the tourism economy of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Hotel Puerto Viejo, which he owned, was a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Roger Sams, president of the Southern Caribbean Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, noted that even as the Limón province experiences issues with drug trafficking and organized crime, the smaller beach towns where Van Dyke lived typically see only petty crimes like theft and break-ins.
Investigation and Concerns
The OIJ is actively investigating the murder, collecting evidence at the scene, including potential fingerprints and security footage from nearby properties. They are also interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the events leading up to Van Dyke’s death. As of Monday, February 16, 2026, no arrests have been made.
While the motive appears to be robbery, officials are exploring all possible angles. The theft of a vehicle alongside other valuables suggests a financial motive, but the level of violence raises concerns about other potential factors. The incident has prompted discussions about security in the area and the potential for increased criminal activity.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward.
The loss of Kurt Van Dyke is a tragedy for his family, friends, and the Costa Rican community he called home. The investigation remains active, and authorities are working to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most peaceful communities to violent crime.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding Van Dyke’s death and the identities of those responsible. The focus will remain on securing justice for Van Dyke and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the region.
Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
