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!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (26)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
88%
Appropriate for children
75%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
86%
Recommend this charter
92%
Caught fish
100%
Jun 10, 2025
Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore
Mark review as helpful
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Nov 14, 2024
3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs
Fishing wasn't very good but not their fault. They went above and beyond to try to hook us up. Pun intended.
Fishing wasn't very good but not their fault. They went above and beyond to try to hook us up. Pun intended.
Jun 21, 2024
3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs
We had a good time on the Tuna Fish. Captain Nelson and Adelso are good hosts. We were picked up from the beach from Secrets Papagayo right on time as predetermined. Communication via Fishing Booker was easy and clear. There was an iced cooler with plenty of beverages with a wide range of choices. Snacks and fresh fruit hit the spot and were included with our 6 hour trip. We caught what was biting at the time. No complaints. Communication on the boat is good. I would book with this group again.
We had a good time on the Tuna Fish. Captain Nelson and Adelso are good hosts. We were picked up from the beach from Secrets...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Cataldo, ID
Jul 2, 2021
Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore
I had previous experience with this boat and arranged to go with them again this year due to the service we received. The captain and deckhand were friendly and professional. They worked hard to ensure everyone caught a bill fish, which we did. It was a very enjoyable outing. I will look them up again on my next trip to Costa Rica.
I had previous experience with this boat and arranged to go with them again this year due to the service we received. The captain...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Apr 10, 2018
Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore
Captain Nelson and his brother were great. They picked us up on the beach of our resort to start the day. They were both very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the day. We had a great day fishing too. We caught 6 Mahi and 6 yellow tuna. We even had a hookup of a big black marlin but unfortunately after the 3rd jump it spit the hook. The fish were cleaned for us on the boat right away. Great Day. Would fish with them again next time.
Captain Nelson and his brother were great. They picked us up on the beach of our resort to start the day. They were both very...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (26)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
88%
Appropriate for children
75%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
86%
Recommend this charter
92%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip - Inshore or Offshore on June 10, 2025
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs on November 14, 2024
Fishing wasn't very good but not their fault. They went above and beyond to try to hook us up. Pun intended.
Fishing wasn't very good but not their fault. They went above and beyond to try to hook us up. Pun intended.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Fishing - 6 Hrs on June 21, 2024
We had a good time on the Tuna Fish. Captain Nelson and Adelso are good hosts. We were picked up from the beach from Secrets Papagayo right on time as predetermined. Communication via Fishing Booker was easy and clear. There was an iced cooler with plenty of beverages with a wide range of choices. Snacks and fresh fruit hit the spot and were included with our 6 hour trip. We caught what was biting at the time. No complaints. Communication on the boat is good. I would book with this group again.
We had a good time on the Tuna Fish. Captain Nelson and Adelso are good hosts. We were picked up from the beach from Secrets Papagayo right on time as predetermined. Communication via Fishing Booker was easy and clear. There was an iced cooler with plenty of beverages with a wide range of choices. Snacks and fresh fruit hit the spot and were included with our 6 hour trip. We caught what was biting at the time. No complaints. Communication on the boat is good. I would book with this...
Mark review as helpful
Cataldo, ID
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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 captain and deckhand were friendly and professional. They worked hard to ensure everyone caught a bill fish, which we did. It was a very enjoyable outing. I will look them up again on my next trip to Costa Rica.
I had previous experience with this boat and arranged to go with them again this year due to the service we received. The captain and deckhand were friendly and professional. They worked hard to ensure everyone caught a bill fish, which we did. It was a very enjoyable outing. I will look them up again on my next trip to Costa Rica.
Mark review as helpful
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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 very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the day. We had a great day fishing too. We caught 6 Mahi and 6 yellow tuna. We even had a hookup of a big black marlin but unfortunately after the 3rd jump it spit the hook. The fish were cleaned for us on the boat right away. Great Day. Would fish with them again next time.
Captain Nelson and his brother were great. They picked us up on the beach of our resort to start the day. They were both very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the day. We had a great day fishing too. We caught 6 Mahi and 6 yellow tuna. We even had a hookup of a big black marlin but unfortunately after the 3rd jump it spit the hook. The fish were cleaned for us on the boat right away. Great Day. Would fish with them again next time.