Costa Rica Fishing Charters

The best out of 224 charter fishing deals in Costa Rica - enter dates to check availability

Top Costa Rica Destinations

Costa Rica: 224 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(33 reviews)
El Jobo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(327 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $530
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(145 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $622
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(89 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $375
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(87 reviews)
Quepos
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,275
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(176 reviews)
Playa Flamingo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(74 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $950
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(264 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $575
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(157 reviews)
La Fortuna
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $175
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(115 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $350

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 US $577, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,146 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€“ US $175
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $408
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $642
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $538
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $964
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $768
  • 9-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,062
  • 11-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $2,362

Fishing in Costa Rica

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
4.7 / 5
Based on 28446 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Costa Rica Fishing Seasons

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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Featured photos from Costa Rica

What anglers said about fishing in Costa Rica

Definately go out and give it a try! It was the experience of a lifetime for me and my son's!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definately go out and give it a try! It was the experience of a lifetime for me and my son's!
Amberjack Tours Bespoke Sport Fishing
Amberjack Tours Bespoke Sport Fishing
We caught a bad moon cycle and the fishing was a little slow.(some days are like that) however We did catch a really nice trophy size cubera.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We caught a bad moon cycle and the fishing was a little slow.(some days are like that) however We did catch a really nice trophy size cubera.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Great crew that takes care of all of your needs. Very nice boat with padded seats and nice shad.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great crew that takes care of all of your needs. Very nice boat with padded seats and nice shad.
Luminare Sport Fishing
Luminare Sport Fishing
Make sure species you want to catch are present in the area, different season=different species
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure species you want to catch are present in the area, different season=different species
Cowboy Fishing Boat
Cowboy Fishing Boat
Iโ€™ve never been any other time but we caught fish on our bucket list, so Iโ€™m more than happy
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Iโ€™ve never been any other time but we caught fish on our bucket list, so Iโ€™m more than happy
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Make sure your captain takes the time to catch live bait if you're fishing inshore! The more bait you have, the better.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure your captain takes the time to catch live bait if you're fishing inshore! The more bait you have, the better.
Quepos Osmak Fishing CR
Quepos Osmak Fishing CR
Ask questions about the condition of the boat. I assumed that the A/C would be working to help cool our group. The boat we went on the fishing trip was a bit outdated and the AC wasn't working. It was a very hot and humid day on March 13. Make sure to eat something before the trip or take snacks. People that aren't used to the culture might not always enjoy what the boat has to offer for snacks/meals.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Ask questions about the condition of the boat. I assumed that the A/C would be working to help cool our group. The boat we went on the fishing trip was a bit outdated and the AC wasn't working. It was a very hot and humid day on March 13. Make sure to eat something before the trip or take snacks. People that aren't used to the culture might not always enjoy what the boat has to offer for snacks/meals.
Alpha Mike Sport Fishing
Alpha Mike Sport Fishing
Can't control the weather but these guys were amazing. It does gets really hot so alot of sun screen and liquid is a must.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Can't control the weather but these guys were amazing. It does gets really hot so alot of sun screen and liquid is a must.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
We had rough seas and high wind. The captain navigated this well. Make sure you are ready for the weather and the seas. Great trip with a great captain.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We had rough seas and high wind. The captain navigated this well. Make sure you are ready for the weather and the seas. Great trip with a great captain.
Tiburon Azul
Tiburon Azul
There are better times of the year but we are here now and we had a great day. A bad day fishing is better than a good day in the office!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
There are better times of the year but we are here now and we had a great day. A bad day fishing is better than a good day in the office!!
Aguja Sport Fishing
Aguja Sport Fishing
Absolutely! This was my sisters first time out to sea and she caught a beautiful sail fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely! This was my sisters first time out to sea and she caught a beautiful sail fish
Nauti Ventures
Nauti Ventures
Get ready to catch. I had at least 6 opportunities and only landed 3, hooks seemed to keep popping
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Get ready to catch. I had at least 6 opportunities and only landed 3, hooks seemed to keep popping
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Be prepared for afternoon heat. PRE hydrate. If prone to seasickness, reconsider. Dont drink too much alcohol, makes it hard to fight big fish. Remember some fish are compulsory catch and release. Billfish often explode spectacularly out of the water, keep cameras ready. The biology of the ocean is not under your control; if fish dont hit thats life. Likewise they may hit big time; be ready. Crews are lifelong experts, trust them to do a brilliant job. Pura vida and good fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for afternoon heat. PRE hydrate. If prone to seasickness, reconsider. Dont drink too much alcohol, makes it hard to fight big fish. Remember some fish are compulsory catch and release. Billfish often explode spectacularly out of the water, keep cameras ready. The biology of the ocean is not under your control; if fish dont hit thats life. Likewise they may hit big time; be ready. Crews are lifelong experts, trust them to do a brilliant job. Pura vida and good fishing.
Amy's Dream
Amy's Dream
It wasnโ€™t the best fishing ever but to catch mahi when there not hot was great. We saw tons of porpoises and lots of life. We didnโ€™t get any billfish but from hearing it says there hot.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It wasnโ€™t the best fishing ever but to catch mahi when there not hot was great. We saw tons of porpoises and lots of life. We didnโ€™t get any billfish but from hearing it says there hot.
Talking Fish - 38โ€™ Topaz Express
Talking Fish - 38โ€™ Topaz Express
Absolutely. It was my wifeโ€™s first time fishing and she had an absolute blast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. It was my wifeโ€™s first time fishing and she had an absolute blast.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
I would recommend anyone thatโ€™s going to fish for the first time or the 15th time to use this captain and his boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would recommend anyone thatโ€™s going to fish for the first time or the 15th time to use this captain and his boat
Tiburon Azul
Tiburon Azul
Ask the captain to explain what the plan was, we were unsure so asked. We did some inshore fishing. They help hook fish and you reel it in. They knew the spots and were excellent at fishing. Recommend the crew and boat.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ask the captain to explain what the plan was, we were unsure so asked. We did some inshore fishing. They help hook fish and you reel it in. They knew the spots and were excellent at fishing. Recommend the crew and boat.
Quepos Osmak Fishing CR
Quepos Osmak Fishing CR
Couldn't believe how much we caught. Ended up heading in early because one of our kiddos was really sea sick the but crew even helped him catch a huge sailfish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Couldn't believe how much we caught. Ended up heading in early because one of our kiddos was really sea sick the but crew even helped him catch a huge sailfish.
Three Brothers by AquaQuepos
Three Brothers by AquaQuepos
You will get wet from ocean spray. Bring clothing appropriate for the conditions. I had a waterproof wind breaker. It helped
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You will get wet from ocean spray. Bring clothing appropriate for the conditions. I had a waterproof wind breaker. It helped
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Do not go to catch, go to fish. Itโ€™s the experience that matters and catching is the reward.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Do not go to catch, go to fish. Itโ€™s the experience that matters and catching is the reward.
Dia Tuanis Sport Fishing
Dia Tuanis Sport Fishing

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Costa Rica?

Coyote Sportfishing โ€“ SALSA
Coyote Sportfishing โ€“ SALSA
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(38 reviews)
Booked the โ€œSalsaโ€ for two days - Monday and Wednesday. Captain Jose and crew mate Cesar were very welcoming and informative about Costa Rican fishing. Caught multiple Yellowfin Tuna and a big Mahi Mahi, with plenty of drinks, snacks, food, and laughs. I highly recommend fishing with coyote when you come down to Tamarindo or nearby towns.
Dan  M.
Dan M.
Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner
Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(145 reviews)
60 pound wahoo in the first 15 minutes of fishing. Gerald bled, filleted, packaged and stored within minutes of landing it. The result was 40 pounds of fresh, usable fish.
Garry  C.
Garry C.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(327 reviews)
Goal was a rooster and cubera. Unfortunately the rooster didnโ€™t cooperate but that wasnโ€™t for lack of trying.(nobody else caught any that day either) They made up for it by putting us on a really nice trophy size cubera. We caught several yellow tail snapper and Spanish mackerel as well. If a rooster isnโ€™t a specific goal for you just skip it and head for the bottom fishing, there will be more action. Captain and Crew were great.
Jordan  H.
Jordan H.
OutCast - 27โ€™ Dusky in Tamarindo
OutCast - 27โ€™ Dusky in Tamarindo
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(5 reviews)
Caught a 50 pound Wahoo and 6 other smaller rock fish on our 5 hour tour! Was amazing!
Will  M.
Will M.
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(115 reviews)
We went on a half day fishing trip and were pleasantly surprised with our catch. Highlights were a grouper and a mahi mahi that made it in the boat and a sail fish that jumped out of the water at our bait but did not bite. We also had several dolphin sightings with a few that swam along the front of the boat. Captain Luis and 1st mate Mauro were both top notch and very helpful. The fresh, on the fly, ceviche dished up by the crew was a nice touch too!
Chris  V.  W.
Chris V. W.
Soleil Sport Fishing
Soleil Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(157 reviews)
Could not ask for better captain and crew great experience and beautiful day! 10/10 great value would go again!
Elliot  H.
Elliot H.
Luminare Sport Fishing
Luminare Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(122 reviews)
We went for a full day and while it was a bit slow we still had three sailfish bites and landed two very large ones (8ft and 9.5ft). We found a ton of spinning dolphins so we were able to hook up five tunas, landed three. The communication booking, boat, crew and experience were all great.
Scott  Z.
Scott Z.
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(14 reviews)
Iโ€™ve been on a lot of deep sea charters and this was the best by far. We had a lot of fun and caught some great fish including a 90 pound tuna
Mark  S.
Mark S.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(327 reviews)
We caught a good number of fish, Captain and deckhand where great in every aspect. Would definitely recommend him and would choose him again.
Chris  S.
Chris S.
Hidalgo Sportsfishing
Hidalgo Sportsfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Very good
4.0 / 5
(56 reviews)
Fishing was slow but had a great time with Hose and his mate. Jose was very knowledgeable and gave us some tips on what else to do while in Costa Rica. Him speaking, English was really nice for us from Wisconsin USA.
Sean  K.
Sean K.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(176 reviews)
Today was a beautiful rainy day even though we did not catch any big fish. We caught 8 Bonitos (small Tuna), saw several turtles, dolphins, Manta Ray and even saw a water spout. The boat was clean, with good gear and the crew was great!
Shannon  M.
Shannon M.
Jackpot Sport Fishing
Jackpot Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(64 reviews)
An awesome day fishing on the โ€œGreat Dayโ€. Crew really knew the waters and put us on the fish we wanted.
Christopher  K.
Christopher K.
Snook Sportfishing
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(327 reviews)
Captain Jorge got us on fish shortly after getting to our spot. We went 5 for 5 on yellowfin and caught several sailfish. We had a blast, the captain and first mate were on their game! Would definitely recommend Snook Sportfishing.
Dan  B.
Dan B.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(264 reviews)
Captains Noah and Darcy were amazing! Put us in fish all day. They were kind, friendly and worked hard for us! Our first trip to Costa Rica and it did not disappoint. Highly, highly recommend!
Josh  B.
Josh B.
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(115 reviews)
Trip was fantastic. Nick was easy to deal with. Captain and 1st mate made the trip. Slow start but ended with a bang. Got on a school of Tuna. Didnโ€™t land any but hooked up a couple. Saw amazing dolphins, rays, tuna and a whale! Lastly hooked up and landed a sailfish! Was a great day oof fishing.
Robin  T.
Robin T.
Nauti Ventures
Nauti Ventures
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(87 reviews)
We were in Costa Rica on vacation and booked a 3/4 day offshore trip with Nautiventures (party of 8). 4 adults and 4 children (ages 10-14). Fishing was awesome - Captain Eric put us on some Yellowfin tuna, Mahi and Sailfish. The mates prepared fresh fruit, sashimi dip/tortillas and chicken/fried rice. The entire crew was friendly, responsible and worked hard to create a great experience for all. Thank you!!
Eric  M.
Eric M.
Luminare Sport Fishing
Luminare Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(122 reviews)
Great day out on the water catching Sails, Tuna, and Wahoo! Top notch crew and shimano tackle. Very clean boat with nice shade and seating for sunny days. Would definitely fish with them again!
Daniel  G.
Daniel G.
Idra Sportfishing Inshore Specialist
Idra Sportfishing Inshore Specialist
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(20 reviews)
If youโ€™re looking for a great time catching Rooster Fish(or any fish for that matter), Ricardo and Christian should be your first choice! The crew was very knowledgeable on catching rooster fish, good at coaching you on technique, and their communication throughout the whole experience was great. We came for roosters and they put us on two big fish. The only thing I would do different is book a full day if we had more time!
Cory  P.
Cory P.
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Playa Hermosa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
The captain is very experienced and the tour is well organized. We caught one tuna, four snappers, several small fishes. Best tuna sashimi we ever had! Also saw dolphins and a turtle, and pelicans and seagulls fight for the fish bones. Overall a unique and fun experience.
Sophie  X.
Sophie X.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(176 reviews)
It took awhile to find the fish but we really enjoyed the boat, the scenery, and the hospitality. Once we found the fish it got even better. Some Bonita and then a monster sail fish! Luis was great helping us get them on and in. Refreshments throughout.
David  S.
David S.

Top Fishing Techniques in Costa Rica

Top Targeted Species in Costa Rica