Papagayo Charters invites you to join them on Costa Rican angling adventures and experience the best of what the waters of Playa de Ocotal have to offer! Captain Nelson is a passionate fisherman and a dedicated captain who will get you on the best catch of your life.

Inshore or offshore trip, half day or full, it is entirely up to you to decide — your captain will take you out and show you some of the hottest fishing grounds around.

More experienced anglers that want the thrill of the chase and are eager to battle big gamefish. Billfish fans would definitely want to book an offshore trip. Pacific Sailfish, Striped or Blue Marlin are the upper crust you’ll be going after, as well as Bull Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Roosterfish that won’t go down without a fight.

Go on an inshore trip when you’re in the mood to admire the gorgeous coastline of Costa Rica and want to hook anything from Amberjack and Red Snapper, to Bonito and Jack Crevalle. Your little ones will have lots of fun on these trips too, so bring them along for a fishing outing to remember.

Your ride for the day is the “Tuna Fish” — a 30’ Phoenix Tournament Yacht made ​​of fiberglass, powered by a 450 HP Cummins engine. The vessel is fully equipped to take up to 5 anglers fishing, built for long-range high-speed runs to get you on the fish fast.

Fishing gear that includes rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and lures will wait for you on board. Snorkeling equipment is also available upon request, in case it gets too hot from being face to gills with the fish. Bottled water, sodas, and snacks are also provided, as well as lunch on full day trips.

Want your impressive catch cleaned? Capt. Nelson’s first mate will take care of that for you, and help you out throughout the trip, so tipping him at the end of it is encouraged.

Let Papagayo Charters take you on your next fishing trip and you’ll have such a great time, that you’ll always be back for more!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip - Inshore (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $904
    Be an early bird and start your morning with a fishing trip that will keep you on the trail of Amberjack, Bonito, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Roosterfish, Jack Crevalle, and the list goes on. Whether you come with your family or angler friends, great fun and an even better catch is guaranteed.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Spearfishing
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Roosterfish
    Roosterfish
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Bonito
    Bonito
    Needlefish
    Needlefish
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip - Inshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $904
    Half day inshore fishing is a great pick for those who want to enjoy Costa Rica's landscapes on a 4-hour fishing charter. You will be fishing in the middle of the Gulf of Papagayo where you could catch Mahi Mahi, Roosterfish, Bonito, Red Snapper, Jack Crevalle, Amberjack, and much more. Take your family, friends, or your partner fishing, and enjoy Costa Rica from another angle. Will be worth every penny!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Spearfishing
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Roosterfish
    Roosterfish
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Bonito
    Bonito
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $990
    Experience a 6-hour trip for offshore or inshore fishing charters at the Gulf of Papagayo. Your captain will take you to try different types of fishing and see the vast variety of local sea life along the Gulf of Papagayo coastline. You can target various species like Sailfish, Marlin, Bull Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, and many more!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Spearfishing
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Marlin (Blue)
    Blue Marlin
    Roosterfish
    Roosterfish
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Rainbow Runner
    Rainbow Runner
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    US $1,113
    The full day trip is the perfect choice when you want to experience going after Billfish such as Striped or Blue Marlin and Pacific Sailfish in the waters of Gulf of Papagayo. Offshore trips usually take place 25-30 miles away from the coast. If you prefer inshore fishery, then you might hook anything from Roosterfish, Amberjack, and Wahoo, just to mention a few.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Spearfishing
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Yellowtail Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Marlin (Blue)
    Blue Marlin
    Roosterfish
    Roosterfish
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Barracuda (Pacific)
    Pacific Barracuda
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel

FAQs about Tuna Fish Sportfishing

Tuna Fish Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $904 per group - Half Day Trip - Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $904 per group - Half Day Trip - Inshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $990 per group - 3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs (6 hours)
  • US $1,113 per group - Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Tuna Fish Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet All boats provide enclosed toilet.
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling Equipment Available upon request for all guests
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Outriggers
  • Tuna Tubes 4 units
  • Ice Box
  • Radio

Trips booked with Tuna Fish Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (We need to spend sometime looking for live bait if anglers requested.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (No. This service is included on the price)
  • Snacks (Fruit, chips)
  • Drinks (Water, sodas, beers, juice)
  • First Mate (10-20% gratuity)
  • Lunch (Full day trip only: sandwich or requested)

Tuna Fish Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (Up to 35 miles)

Tuna Fish Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Tuna Fish Sportfishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Rainbow Runner
  • Roosterfish
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

Nelson Mendez
Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
5 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
13 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since December 2013
Captain Nelson Mendez will be your guide for the fishing trip on the Tuna Fish. He has fished around all Central and North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica looking for big game sportfish including Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Roosterfish, and Mahi Mahi. His ample experience in both inshore and offshore fishing makes him a well-rounded angler able and ready to target any pelagic species in the Gulf of Papagayo. Nelson is in love with every form of fishing — be it sportfishing, inshore or offshore, he truly commits to doing it all. He is simple, responsible, kind, and persistent, all the qualities that make an amazing captain. Nelson started fishing when he was 13 years old, and at the age of 18, he started working as the first mate and hasn't looked back since. Nelson also participated in 3 international fly fishing tournaments, where he made amazing results and won the third place once, and a second place twice.
Our Team
Adelso M.
Captain

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle

Boat specs

Phoenix (Sportfishing) originally built in 2000. Powered by a 450HP Cummins engine.

Length
30 ft
Capacity
5 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Up to 35 miles

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
All boats provide enclosed toilet.
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling Equipment
Available upon request for all guests
Live Bait Well

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
We need to spend sometime looking for live bait if anglers requested.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
No. This service is included on the price
Snacks
Fruit, chips
Drinks
Water, sodas, beers, juice
First Mate
10-20% gratuity
Lunch
Full day trip only: sandwich or requested

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
No min. age, life jackets supplied
No Smoking
You Keep Catch
Cleaning and filleting included
Catch and Release Allowed
Mandatory for Marlin, Sailfish and Roosterfish

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

Coco Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 10 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (17)
Full day bill fishing trip
Full day bill fishing trip
Full day bill fishing trip
+14
Angler rating
8
1
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
80%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
90%
Appropriate for children
60%
Satisfied with the boat
75%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 10 reviews
MIKE G.
Cataldo, ID
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day bill fishing trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore on July 2, 2021
I had previous experience with this boat and arranged to go with them again this year due to the service we received.  The...
MIKE G. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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Chis G.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day on the Water.

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore on April 10, 2018
Captain Nelson and his brother were great.  They picked us up on the beach of our resort to start the day.  They were both...
Chis G. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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Chis G. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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John C.
Safety Harbor, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day with Captain Nelson and Carlos

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore on July 14, 2017
It was a real dream of my husband’s to go deep sea fishing in Costa Rica. And this trip more than fulfilled it for him. Capt....
John C. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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John C. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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Albert A.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day 30'

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore on April 28, 2019
Requested thar we target roosters,yellowfin tuna, and a cubberra snapper. Captain got first two done and then we trolled....
Albert A. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
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  Nelson Mendez Captain replied

Phillip S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

January fishing trip

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore on January 31, 2020
Phillip S. recommends Tuna Fish Sportfishing
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