Costa Rica Fishing Charters

224 Fishing Charters

Costa Rica Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Costa Rica

Top Costa Rica Destinations

Costa Rica: 224 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(225 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $515
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $375
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(290 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $530
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(127 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(150 reviews)
Playa Flamingo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(31 reviews)
El Jobo
Booked out!
Your dates are popular โ€“ we've run out of trips with this charter! Check out more below.
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(55 reviews)
Quepos
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,175
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
Puerto Jimรฉnez
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,350
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(80 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $375
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(17 reviews)
Coco
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $875

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Costa Rica

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Costa Rica are: Full list of top fishing charters in Costa Rica

The average price for a private 4 hour Costa Rica fishing trip is $571, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,094 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Costa Rica that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Costa Rica are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Costa Rica are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Costa Rica are:

Many fishing charters in Costa Rica provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Costa Rica are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Costa Rica?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Costa Rica are:
  • 3-hour fishing trips โ€“ $375
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ $615
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ $629
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ $692
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ $854
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ $949
  • 9-hour fishing trips โ€“ $1,040

Costa Rica’s angling scene is something that needs to be experienced to be believed. The country’s glassy blue waters are home to over 200 different IGFA records, with 22 for Billfish alone. The tropical rainforests inland give way to stunning beaches, which look out onto some truly productive hunting grounds. Hop aboard a Costa Rica fishing charter, and you could explore them all!
 
Some of the most sought-after inshore creatures live close to land in Costa Rica. On the Pacific coast, you’ll find Snook, Jacks, and the exotic Roosterfish, with Tarpon available in the Caribbean. Hit the reefs and a who’s who of dazzling fish awaits! On both sides of the country, you can go after Groupers and Snappers, with Barracuda and Mackerel available in the east.
 
However, the real prizes come offshore. Billfish is the name of the game for any serious angler in Costa Rica. While Blue Marlin can be caught on either side, the Pacific is where you’ll find Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin – along with Sailfish! Come and test your strength against these beasts, and you may even land yourself a tasty Tuna, Mahi Mahi, or Wahoo too. 
 
Inshore and reef fishing trips can last as little as four hours, giving beginners a great introduction to fishing. More experienced anglers can spend a full day on the water, and that’s required for offshore trips, where you can even spend multiple days at sea! Costa Rica fishing charters that suit all ages and abilities are available along both coasts, with Los Sueños, Jacó, and Quepos popular on the Pacific, and Limón on the Caribbean side.

 

Rules & Regulations

Every angler on a Costa Rica fishing charter will need a valid fishing license, and you can get yours online from INCOPESCA. Other than that, the only important rule you should know is that all Billfish and Roosterfish must be released. 
 
Costa Rica
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 27943 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

This is a great time to target Sailfish in the south of Costa Rica. Up north, rough seas and high winds can make getting offshore difficult. There are plenty of Snook and Roosterfish around, though.

February

Comb the river mouths for monster Snook and Roosterfish. Offshore, calm seas and low rainfall make for amazing angling in the south, where double-digit Billfish releases are commonplace.

March

March is a great time for loads of big game species. Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi: they’re all waiting offshore. You may need a long run to reach the best spots in the north, though.

April

The Offshore World Championships kick off in Quepos, with teams competing from around the world in what has come to be known as “The Superbowl of Sportfishing”. Book early to get your spot!

May

May is a month of change in Costa Rica. The wind drops off in the north, meaning much better Billfishing. In the East, this is a great time to try the amazing Tarpon fishing Costa Rica has to offer.

June

High humidity can sap your strength this time of year, making big game battles even tougher. That just means every catch is even more rewarding, though! Snook and Roosterfish are on fire inshore.

July

Launch out of Tamarindo or Playa Flamingo, and you could land Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin all in one day. That’s if the Sailfish don’t eat all your bait, as they’re around in force in July.

August

If you somehow get bored of double-digit Sailfish hookups and record-breaking Snook, head to the local reefs to battle monster bottom fish. Cubera Snapper are as fierce as any sportfish!

September

Temperatures can hit 90 during the middle of the day, and heavy rains can kill the offshore bite. Fish inshore for Jacks, Roosterfish, and Snook instead, or hit the reefs for Snapper and Grouper.

October

This is the wettest month of the year. Some captains take their own vacation in October, as the offshore bite is far from its best. It’s still miles better than most places are in their prime, though.

November

The rains ease off and both coasts enjoys consistently good fishing in November. Spend the day battling Marlin and Sailfish, and catch some tasty Tuna for dinner. It sure beats turkey!

December

If the thought of a white Christmas gets you down, head to Costa Rica’s beautiful coast to enjoy sunny skies, warm weather, and awesome angling. Nothing kick-starts seasonal cheer like epic Billfishing!

Costa Rica fishing calendar

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Be ready for anything with the ocean. It started with choppy waters, went calm for half the trip and stirred up to bigger swells the closer to noon it got. Iโ€™d strongly suggest morning as it was predicted rain every afternoon.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for anything with the ocean. It started with choppy waters, went calm for half the trip and stirred up to bigger swells the closer to noon it got. Iโ€™d strongly suggest morning as it was predicted rain every afternoon.
Warren  F.
Warren F.
I would highly recommend connecting with Henry and his crew if you want to have an amazing day out on the ocean. Definitely worth it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would highly recommend connecting with Henry and his crew if you want to have an amazing day out on the ocean. Definitely worth it.
Matt  M.
Matt M.
Pick Sea Breeze. Super efficient and productive. We walked from our hotel to the beach where they picked us up. No hassles. All planned out and executed at the highest level. A+
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Pick Sea Breeze. Super efficient and productive. We walked from our hotel to the beach where they picked us up. No hassles. All planned out and executed at the highest level. A+
James  P.
James P.
Fish in the morning this time of year. It rains almost every afternoon at some time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish in the morning this time of year. It rains almost every afternoon at some time.
Celeste  S.
Celeste S.
This is a great boat for experienced and new fisherman. Stable and fast. Plenty of room on board. Capt. had some great music while traveling which helps make a good day. David was great deck hand, kept all the gear and landed fish in order. Helpful with landing this fish, but gave us plenty of latitude to do what we where comfortable with handling the rods.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is a great boat for experienced and new fisherman. Stable and fast. Plenty of room on board. Capt. had some great music while traveling which helps make a good day. David was great deck hand, kept all the gear and landed fish in order. Helpful with landing this fish, but gave us plenty of latitude to do what we where comfortable with handling the rods.
Brad  S.
Brad S.
The fishing isnโ€™t as good as other points of the year, but still better than 95% of other countries.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The fishing isnโ€™t as good as other points of the year, but still better than 95% of other countries.
Ty  S.
Ty S.
Book with Daniel from Maryola tours. He will look after you and put you on fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Daniel from Maryola tours. He will look after you and put you on fish.
Wayne  W.
Wayne W.
My brother in law had never fished before and felt safe and was taken care of by the captain and crew. My two boys and I had the trip of a lifetime.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
My brother in law had never fished before and felt safe and was taken care of by the captain and crew. My two boys and I had the trip of a lifetime.
Terry  S.
Terry S.
Yes. This is not a marina with a pier so know that. You catch a taxi boat from the shore. Fishing is very good in this area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes. This is not a marina with a pier so know that. You catch a taxi boat from the shore. Fishing is very good in this area.
Spencer  T.
Spencer T.
remember that fishing is fishing. but with a professional guide, he will know how to put you on the fish every time
Excellent
5.0 / 5
remember that fishing is fishing. but with a professional guide, he will know how to put you on the fish every time
Olivier  C.
Olivier C.
My suggestion would be to use this captain and boatโ€ฆโ€ฆbest experience Iโ€™ve had with many charter experiences around the world !!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
My suggestion would be to use this captain and boatโ€ฆโ€ฆbest experience Iโ€™ve had with many charter experiences around the world !!!
MALACHI  H.
MALACHI H.
It was a little choppy for us, weather was a bit overcast. Show up early, bring your seasickness medicine of choice (we used peppermint oil which was great), sit back and relax and enjoy your time!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
It was a little choppy for us, weather was a bit overcast. Show up early, bring your seasickness medicine of choice (we used peppermint oil which was great), sit back and relax and enjoy your time!
Joshua  L.
Joshua L.
Be prepared for plenty of sun and a good fight when you get a fish on. The fish are beautiful and have some amazing colors to them.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Be prepared for plenty of sun and a good fight when you get a fish on. The fish are beautiful and have some amazing colors to them.
Brent  G.
Brent G. DeKalb, IL
Sun screen. Hydrate. Patience. Enjoy every second being on the ocean. Watch for leatherback turtles. We saw two giant ones mating! You might get a pelican to join you. If you are at risk of motion sickness, get the patch or whatever you need to stay healthy on the water.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Sun screen. Hydrate. Patience. Enjoy every second being on the ocean. Watch for leatherback turtles. We saw two giant ones mating! You might get a pelican to join you. If you are at risk of motion sickness, get the patch or whatever you need to stay healthy on the water.
Michael  O.
Michael O. Woodbury, MN
Summer is the slower part of the season so if possible book a longer trip to give more time
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Summer is the slower part of the season so if possible book a longer trip to give more time
Caleb  A.
Caleb A. Bluffton, SC
Check the weather first. When it rains to much the water is not clear enough.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Check the weather first. When it rains to much the water is not clear enough.
Wilhelmus  K.
Wilhelmus K. San Josรฉ, Provincia De San Jose
Know what fish is available and butting in what months so you go in the correct amount to catch what you want.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Know what fish is available and butting in what months so you go in the correct amount to catch what you want.
Larry  H.
Larry H. Provo, UT
Most boats are not at docks. You will take a water taxi so your feet will get wet. Make sure you have water shoes or are willing to go barefoot on a rocky beach.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Most boats are not at docks. You will take a water taxi so your feet will get wet. Make sure you have water shoes or are willing to go barefoot on a rocky beach.
Stephen  M.
Stephen M. Fort Worth, TX
Great scenery, and good variety for fishing. If you want to catch mahi and billfish book a full day and get out to deeper water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great scenery, and good variety for fishing. If you want to catch mahi and billfish book a full day and get out to deeper water.
Jared  S.
Jared S. Allentown, Pennsylvania
Be ready for a great experience! Just being out on the ocean was a great experience and the fishing is very enjoyable. Recognize there may be significant periods of waiting for the fish to bite.
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Be ready for a great experience! Just being out on the ocean was a great experience and the fishing is very enjoyable. Recognize there may be significant periods of waiting for the fish to bite.
Chester  W.
Chester W. New Market, MD

Crush Em Sportfishing
Crush Em Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(11 reviews)
We had such a great trip..they were so friendly an answered all our crazy questions my cheeks hurt I smiled so much we caught 2 sail an marlin an mahimahi 2 tuna it was great day lunch was fabulous an later the shushimi was fabulous made our day..
Cary  F.
Cary F.
Hidalgo Sportsfishing
Hidalgo Sportsfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(27 reviews)
We had such a wonderful and successful day out fishing with Jose and William! They were the best crew ever! Great experience All around! We caught two selfish and three mahi-mahi! What a day! Lunch was delicious! We will definitely book fishing tours with them every time!
Adam  W.
Adam W.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(225 reviews)
The Sea Breeze team met us promptly at 7am and was an absolute delight to be with for the half day trip. We caught fish all day long and had a great time. Darcy was an excellent hostess and offered us drinks, snacks and conversation while Captin Noah was putting us on the tuna and landed the el dorado (who unfortunately snapped off before getting in the boat). We had an excellent time and plan to book with the team again on our next trip.
Warren  F.
Warren F.
Bucket List Sportfishing
Bucket List Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(122 reviews)
We did a half day trip and it was perfect! Jeff met us at the marina and let us know everything we needed to know, great communication. Jose helped us pull in 3 mahi and a bonita. It was a fantastic experience!!
David  C.
David C.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(225 reviews)
From the beginning to end, this was a wonderful experience. The crew was friendly and always on the move for us to catch some fishes. We strongly recommend. Note : one of the crew member speaks french!
Olivier  B.
Olivier B.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(290 reviews)
best captain me and my 9 years old son catch 12 dorado and 1 sailfish its was a crazy day fishing we always remember thank you soo mush to captain and Enrique see you next year
Shannon  M.
Shannon M.
Bucket List Sportfishing
Bucket List Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(122 reviews)
Jeff and jose where great they had us on amazing fishing pretty much all day it was my adult kids first time ever going off-shore and it really spoiled them i cant wait to come back.
Michael  F.
Michael F.
Sea Star CR โ€“ 31' Big Eye
Sea Star CR โ€“ 31' Big Eye
Fishing charter in Coco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(17 reviews)
Dear captain and crew, Our family had such an amazing time on the vessel. The captain and crew accommodated our family the entire time, they had an amazing spread of fresh fruit, cervechie and sandwiches, absolutely amazing. They went above and beyond. We caught white marlin, sail fish and mahi!! Everything that we went out to catch, we caught. We had the best time catching tournament fish in the great Pacific. Tight lines my friends, Pura Vida, Much love, David, Stephanie, Odin and Luke
David  H.
David H.
Tiburon Azul
Tiburon Azul
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(36 reviews)
Had a fun day and enjoyed the open sea even though there were no fish to be had.
Dennis  K.
Dennis K.
Sea Star CR โ€“ 31' Big Eye
Sea Star CR โ€“ 31' Big Eye
Fishing charter in Coco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(17 reviews)
Me, two brothers and our 3 kids. Half day. Friendly and knowledgeable crew. Gerard set all lines quickly. First Mahi mahi jumped and shook off. 30 min later we nailed another one and all took turns reeling it in. My 10 year old son brought it close. Took home about 8 lbs of meat. Then right before heading home we hit a massive sailfish. The thing was flying out of the water. Took some photos and released. Amazing trip!
Micah  D.
Micah D.
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Playa Hermosa
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(59 reviews)
had great day on water with Juan Carlos and son. caught nice barracuda and will book again, reasonable rates
Richard  S.
Richard S.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(290 reviews)
We caught three Mahi Mahi, one sail fish and saw dolphins and sea turtles with a wonderful captain an amazing day...
Kayla  M.
Kayla M.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(150 reviews)
Captain Luis and his mate Julie weโ€™re awesome. Capt. Luis is a knowledgeable angler. Boat was super clean and the equipment is in great condition. I made a dumb mistake and thought I would pay the remaining balance through fishing booker, but I was wrong. Luckily I was able to settle up with them on the beach. Make sure you have CASH on you for your trip! Sorry again my friends!
Zack  N.
Zack N.
Coyote Sportfishing โ€“ SALSA
Coyote Sportfishing โ€“ SALSA
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
Incredible day, with Max and Jose!! These guys are great; they put me on fish all day. We caught countless Mahi and a huge Sailfish! They earned a thousand stars but I can only give them five!!!! I Will Be Back With Them Again! Thank You Max, Jose & Camila
Gregg  D.
Gregg D.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(150 reviews)
Had the best day with Luis and his wife. Caught two dorado and a sailfish in a couple of hours, would definitely book again!
Ryan  F.
Ryan F.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(290 reviews)
Excellent communication prior to our trip! We confirmed our target fish and desired outcomes prior to the trip, everything was easy and smooth with Captain Jorge, and he and his mate Enrique delivered! Multiple trophy sized Rooster, Mahi Mahi, and Jack were landed, and he even stayed out over the slotted time so we could land the big one. Great service from great people at a reasonable price. Tip well, they definitely deserve it. Thank you Jorge!
Robert  J.
Robert J.
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(2 reviews)
Within the first 15 minutes of the trip, we hooked our first sail fish and landed it. The captain spent the next hour or so, looking around for a second one which never materialized. We then ran out to a spot where we caught tuna at willโ€ฆI think we ended up with 15 yellowfin in the boat. From there, we trolled for mahi-mahi and sailfish, and caught 10 mahi-mahi. Along the way we also picked up a beautiful Wahoo! By all accounts it was an amazing day!
Anthony  J.
Anthony J.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(150 reviews)
Had a very nice day with my 6 yo son. Boat is extremely clean, Luis and his wife are very friendly and knowledgeable. Overall a great experience. Caught some fish, drinks and snacks provided, we saw some dolphins and turtles as well and they even took care of transportation from and to the hotel for us. Canโ€™t ask for more.
Philippe  R.
Philippe R.
Coyote Sportfishing โ€“ Flamingo II
Coyote Sportfishing โ€“ Flamingo II
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Very good
3.7 / 5
(17 reviews)
I went for Marlin but no cigar! Instead we had a raise of a sail and missed it sadly. We did catch two Mahi Mahi for some photo opportunities which I donated to the mate on board. Thatโ€™s fishing ; it was a tough day for all the boats. we tried hard and trolled for 7.5 hours. Nice welcoming people โ€ฆ. Always next time.
Tony  S.
Tony S.
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(80 reviews)
Easy booking, great crew! Our teenagers really wanted to catch a sailfish. We knew this was a tall order to fill but these guys delivered big with a 8.5 foot sailfish along with several other Mahi Mahi. Thanks for memories for a lifetime!
Bianca  M.
Bianca M.