Costa Rica Fishing Charters

The best out of 223 charter fishing deals in Costa Rica - enter dates to check availability

Top Costa Rica Destinations

Costa Rica: 223 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(33 reviews)
El Jobo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(143 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $622
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(321 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $530
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(86 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $375
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(86 reviews)
Quepos
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,175
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(172 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
(259 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $575
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(113 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $350
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(153 reviews)
La Fortuna
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $175

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 $580, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,148 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 $630
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $538
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $954
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $774
  • 9-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,054

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 28386 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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Prepare yourself for the angry Costa Rican sun โ˜€๏ธ! The fishing is great, but Mother Nature will make you pay for every catch!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Prepare yourself for the angry Costa Rican sun โ˜€๏ธ! The fishing is great, but Mother Nature will make you pay for every catch!
Cowboy Fishing Boat
Cowboy Fishing Boat
You should wear protective clothing. We got burnt up pretty good would wear long sleeves, pants and hat to shade face, neck and plenty of sunscreen. If you don't want to be embarrassed tack on 20% of trip price (what you pay captain) for tip.
Very good
3.7 / 5
You should wear protective clothing. We got burnt up pretty good would wear long sleeves, pants and hat to shade face, neck and plenty of sunscreen. If you don't want to be embarrassed tack on 20% of trip price (what you pay captain) for tip.
Fish Hunter โ€“ 28โ€™
Fish Hunter โ€“ 28โ€™
Lots of fish and most of the boats in contact with our captain caught fish that day too.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Lots of fish and most of the boats in contact with our captain caught fish that day too.
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Schedule a longer day if you are intending to catch something specific! Bring sunscreen and hats/covers too as there is only an little shade on the boat.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Schedule a longer day if you are intending to catch something specific! Bring sunscreen and hats/covers too as there is only an little shade on the boat.
Tiburon Azul
Tiburon Azul
We were fishing for the first time here. We left with no real expectations except that the crew would do their best to put us on fish and that's exactly what they did. We cannot recommend them enough!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were fishing for the first time here. We left with no real expectations except that the crew would do their best to put us on fish and that's exactly what they did. We cannot recommend them enough!
Nauti Ventures
Nauti Ventures

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Costa Rica?

Gitana Fishing
Gitana Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(125 reviews)
Had a great day on the water. From pickup to drop off the captain and crew worked hard to find and land fish. They are professional and a lot of fun to fish with. Iโ€™ll be booking with them again!
Ryan  K.
Ryan K.
Allin Sportfishing - 28โ€™ Mako
Allin Sportfishing - 28โ€™ Mako
Fishing charter in Jaco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 reviews)
I speak enough Spanish to have understood on the radio that it was a slow day. Not for us! 2 sails and 11 tuna. Oh wait, did I mention that one of the sails was 120โ€? Carlos and Nicolas worked hard, were incredibly hospitable, and made the day perfect. 10 out of 10 would recommend! ยกGracias amigos!
John  B.
John B.
Nauti Ventures
Nauti Ventures
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(85 reviews)
Great setup, great captain and crew. Caught more Tuna than we could eat and a sailfish as well. Boat was awesome. Pura Vida
Tim  S.
Tim S.
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(31 reviews)
We wanted to catch fish we could eat so we targeted and caught two Mahi Mahi. We had a half day AM trip that went off as described in the posting. The crew was focused on getting us on and catching fish. The communications from FishingBooker before the trip were helpful and the captainโ€™s pictures of our catch were available on the site before we got home.
Mark  P.
Mark P.
Boos Adventures
Boos Adventures
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(53 reviews)
Fishing started a little slow, but ended up with a decent catch. The captain and mate we great! They made the trip, we ended up having some sashimi from a couple of fish we caught and it was amazing!
Thorn  W.
Thorn W.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(172 reviews)
Luis & sandy were amazing we caught WaHooooo & Mahi Mahi! It was a bucket list dream for us & they made it happen! They brought us drinks & tasty fruit & tuna dip was delicious!! Would definitely book with them again!
Kristy  C.
Kristy C.
Chino's Sportfishing
Chino's Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(112 reviews)
Super nice put us on some nice sailfish and Tuna . Support local! They grew up here live here work here . Both captain and deck hand were amazing! 100% recommend! Will use them again next year!
Timmy  L.
Timmy L.
Dia Tuanis Sport Fishing
Dia Tuanis Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Javier put us on the the Fish! Highly recommend! Best money spent in Costa Rica
William  S.
William S.
Gitana Fishing
Gitana Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(125 reviews)
We had a great experience with Gitana! The crew was awesome and got us on some snapper quickly. Then they got us on a huge rock snapper and a gigantic cubera snapper! Finally, to top it all off we got a sailfish that was over 7ft long. He put up a heck of a fight! Canโ€™t say enough about the crew though, they were really good and very friendly. We will definitely book with Gitana again.
Marshall  T.
Marshall T.
Allin Sportfishing - 28โ€™ Mako
Allin Sportfishing - 28โ€™ Mako
Fishing charter in Jaco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 reviews)
Captain Henry and his mate were very knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful. They put us on Fish and help with the photos. Iโ€™m going back again.
Sebastian  D.
Sebastian D.
Salty Adventure
Salty Adventure
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(19 reviews)
Me son caught his first Marlin and the crew celebrated non stop!!! Beat the water to a froth hunting for the "Big" fish. Jose and crew also brought us onto multiple strikes, in addition to a 74" striped Marlin Caught a 50 lb Tuna, and two smaller Sailfish. We were turned onto The restaurant "The Beach House" whose ambiance and fish preparation was second to none.... And very inexpensive. EPIC DAY all the way around!!!
Eric  K.
Eric K.
Sweet Dreams Sportfishing Cabo 35
Sweet Dreams Sportfishing Cabo 35
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Best crew I have ever had. They have all the equipment and knowledge you need to come home with that wanted fish. Very professional and friendly. We have a excellent day aboard of the dream seet.
Salezky  I.
Salezky I.
Gitana Fishing
Gitana Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(125 reviews)
Our group of 4 beginners went out for a 3 hour trawling trip and caught a couple of black tunas. The crew was very kind, accommodating, and knowledgeable. We would recommend this to anyone!
Madalyn  P.
Madalyn P.
Salty Adventure
Salty Adventure
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(19 reviews)
Captain Jose and his crew were great!!! We would definitely go with them again!
Jennifer  G.  P.
Jennifer G. P.
Chino's Sportfishing
Chino's Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(112 reviews)
Despite epic hangovers we had a great out on the water with Chino and Alex! They are very good at what they do, and got all of us a fish. The sashimi Alex made was amazing, and the private chef we hired said the filleting was some of the best he has seen. Will definitely go with them again.
Marshall  W.
Marshall W.
The Relaxer
The Relaxer
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(11 reviews)
Brought in lots of fish. One giant tuna. Crew was extremely helpful and funny. 10/10 would go again.
Jack  E.
Jack E.
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Hooked Up Sportfishing Costa Rica
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(13 reviews)
Had the best day ever! Caught 7 sailfish in the first two hours and then moved on to tuna and loved it!! Highly recommend.
Andrew  S.
Andrew S.
Maryola Tours
Maryola Tours
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(86 reviews)
You can choose many options for fishing charters. For this trip, my 5 year old wanted to catch mahi and reviews showed Captain Daniel to have 99% review on catching fish! Although it wasnโ€™t quite the season, my 2 kids caught 6 tuna total in an half day trip and had a great time in high winds!
Samuel  M.  B.
Samuel M. B.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(259 reviews)
Great group to go fishing with. Very friendly, worked hard to get us fish, and made the day enjoyable. I would definitely recommend using Sea Breeze!
Vern  L.
Vern L.
Allin Sportfishing - 28โ€™ Mako
Allin Sportfishing - 28โ€™ Mako
Fishing charter in Jaco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(192 reviews)
We chartered the boat with Captain Henry 3 days in a row. The fishing was excellent and so was the captain and mate. Very knowledge and accommodating. Already making plans to book again.
Sebastian  D.
Sebastian D.

Top Fishing Techniques in Costa Rica

Top Targeted Species in Costa Rica