Home

Costa Rica Sport Fishing

Here’s a detailed guide to sport fishing in Costa Rica by major region, including reputable companies/charters with contact info and pricing examples where available. Costa Rica offers excellent fishing year-round — from billfish and tuna offshore to roosterfish and snapper inshore
1. Central Pacific – Quepos / Manuel Antonio.                        This region (Marina Pez Vela) is one of Costa Rica’s most famous sport fishing hubs — excellent for marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, and more.
🔹 Charters & Contact Info
  • Jackpot Sport Fishing – Highly rated charter out of Quepos marina. Phone: +506 8458-4997,                                   Website: www.jackpotsportfishingcostarica.com            
  • Hidalgo Sportsfishing – Very high rated service at Marina Pez Vela. Phone: +506 8560-7856
  • Reel In Luxury Sport Fishing – Premium charter around Quepos & Manuel Antonio. Phone: +1 888-322-1268,       Website: www.fishingqueposmanuelantonio.com
  • Quepos Fishing – Excellent local charter with strong reviews. Phone: +506 8664-7672,                                             Website: www.queposfishing.com
  • Quepos Fishing Charters Costa Rica – Another trusted Quepos option. Phone: +1 800-251-5906,                           Website: www.queposfishingcostarica.com
💰 Typical Pricing (examples)
  • Full day offshore trips in Quepos area often start around $780+ USD and can be $1,500–$2,000+ depending on length of trip and boat size. Half-day inshore trips typically start around $640 USD. Boat pricing and inclusions vary (gear, lunch, drinks, licenses)
🐟 2. North Pacific – Guanacaste (Tamarindo / Coco / Papagayo / Flamingo)                                                               Great for big game offshore species (billfish, tuna, mahi-mahi) and roosterfish inshore.
🔹 Charters & Contact Info
  • Go Fish Costa Rica – Top-rated operator based in Playa Langosta near Tamarindo. Phone: +506 2653-0709,           Website: www.gofishcr.com
  • Tamarindo Costa Rica Sportfishing – Local Tamarindo charter. Phone: +506 8569-3516
  • Papagayo Gulf Sport Fishing - North Pacific Tours – Based around Playa Hermosa / Coco. Phone: +506 8398-8129, Website: www.northpacifictours.com
💰 Typical Pricing (examples)  From aggregated charter listings:
  • In the Tamarindo area, half day trips can range from $435–$900+ USD depending on boat size, and full day trips from $750–$1,600+ USD.
Note: These prices vary by boat length, included gear/food, and whether a private charter or shared trip.
🌊 3. Central Pacific – Jaco / Los Sueños / Herradura.         Excellent access from San José (domestic drive) with diverse fishing — offshore billfish and tuna, inshore roosterfish and snapper.
🔹 Charters & Contact Info
  • Costa Rica Fishing Experts – Jaco beach charter with a good reputation.                                                                Phone: +506 8310-8393,                    Website: www.costaricafishingexperts.com
  • Captain Tom's Los Suenos Big Game Sportfishing – Based at Los Sueños Resort & Marina.                         Phone: +506 2637-8994, Website: www.captaintoms.com
  • (Additional operators in Jaco area: Whisper Sportfishing – [email protected] or +1 800-213-7091)
  • ​
💰 Typical Pricing (examples)From the Los Sueños area:
  • Larger full day sportfishing boats often cost $2,100–$3,250+ for a full day. Half days run $1,800–$2,750+depending on vessel size and package
🐠 4. Southern Pacific / Osa PeninsulaMore remote and less crowded — great for big game offshore and unique fishing experiences.
🔹 ExamplesWhile there aren’t large marinas like Quepos or Los Sueños, many lodges and adventure companies in Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay, and Uvita offer fishing trips ranging from inshore topwater fishing to offshore charters (contact the lodge or local tour office to book).

📍 General Pricing Tips
  • Half Day Inshore: Roughly $400–$1,000+ USD.
  • Full Day Offshore: Typically $1,000–$3,000+ USD depending on size and luxury of boat, crew, and provisions.
  • Many charters include fishing licenses, tackle, bait, snacks, and drinks — always confirm what’s included when booking.
🧭 Species & Seasons
  • Marlin & Sailfish: Most consistent from December–June (prime sportfishing season).
  • Roosterfish & Snapper: Good year-round inshore targets around Guanacaste and Central Pacific.
  • Tuna & Mahi-Mahi: Strong offshore catches depending on currents and season.
Quick Booking Tips                                                                                                                                                                                                            ✔ Book in advance, especially in peak months (Dec–Apr).
✔ Confirm inclusions (meals, drinks, licenses).
✔ Ask about gear/clothing each operator provides.
✔ Consider group/shared charters if pricing is high for private trips — sometimes more affordable per person.