Costa Rica

221 Fishing Charters

Costa Rica Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Costa Rica

Top Costa Rica Destinations

Costa Rica: 221 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(214 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $515
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(45 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $375
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(123 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(276 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $530
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(68 reviews)
Herradura
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $440
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(33 reviews)
Playa Flamingo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $425
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(27 reviews)
El Jobo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(46 reviews)
Quepos
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,175
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(67 reviews)
Tamarindo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,000
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(139 reviews)
Playa Flamingo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Costa Rica

According to customer reviews, Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures, Maryola Tours, and Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner are some of the most popular fishing charters in Costa Rica. Full list of top fishing charters in Costa Rica.

The average price for a private 4 hour Costa Rica fishing trip is $572, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,082 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures, Maryola Tours, and Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Costa Rica.

The most popular fish species you can target are Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Roosterfish, and Sailfish. Top fishing techniques include Trolling, Bottom Fishing, and Jigging. Offshore fishing, inshore fishing, and nearshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

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 27735 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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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
Find a local captain. Bring some big poppers and top lures. White feather jigs are also good.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find a local captain. Bring some big poppers and top lures. White feather jigs are also good.
Rhett  P.
Rhett P.
It is just the start of rainy season, but fish were of good quality and amount. Just remember its called fishing, not catching so every trip is different. with no guarantee
Excellent
4.7 / 5
It is just the start of rainy season, but fish were of good quality and amount. Just remember its called fishing, not catching so every trip is different. with no guarantee
Scott  C.
Scott C.
Yes. These guys know the waters and will do everything to get the targeted fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes. These guys know the waters and will do everything to get the targeted fish.
Paul  J.
Paul J. Nicoya, Guanacaste Province
Not the best time of year to catch fish, but the charters out of Quepos give you the best chance of catching them. The port was very well kept, clean, and professional. A great experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not the best time of year to catch fish, but the charters out of Quepos give you the best chance of catching them. The port was very well kept, clean, and professional. A great experience.
Michael  C.
Michael C. Mamaroneck, NY
Use Gitana! Tell them you're a novice and ask to practice proper use of the reel beforehand. It is a bit of an art to keep a large fish in the hook.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use Gitana! Tell them you're a novice and ask to practice proper use of the reel beforehand. It is a bit of an art to keep a large fish in the hook.
Tim  F.
Tim F. Kansas City, MO
Fish bite was slow when we went in June but still managed to hook on 3 Sailfish and landed 2 of them
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish bite was slow when we went in June but still managed to hook on 3 Sailfish and landed 2 of them
Phil  B.
Phil B. Perez Zeledon, Provincia De San Jose
Be prepared for a great experience along the beautiful Costa Rican coast line.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for a great experience along the beautiful Costa Rican coast line.
Fredy  M.
Fredy M.
Quepos in June produces, the weather might put you in a bind depending on how the storms line up but the fish are there and eating.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Quepos in June produces, the weather might put you in a bind depending on how the storms line up but the fish are there and eating.
Brondum  K.
Brondum K. Pascagoula, MS
Stay Calm and Tuanis Mae. Be ready for a great experience fishing the waters in beautiful Costa Rica.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Stay Calm and Tuanis Mae. Be ready for a great experience fishing the waters in beautiful Costa Rica.
Eric  H.
Eric H.
Temper your expectations and listen to your crew. We had an idea of what we wanted - we communicated that and were open to being agile on the bite.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Temper your expectations and listen to your crew. We had an idea of what we wanted - we communicated that and were open to being agile on the bite.
Alexander  D.
Alexander D. Scottsdale, AZ
Be open to bottom fishing to increase your chances of success. We had some success trolling, but bottom fishing was much more successful.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Be open to bottom fishing to increase your chances of success. We had some success trolling, but bottom fishing was much more successful.
Corey  B.
Corey B.

Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(68 reviews)
It was a bit choppy and several boats werenโ€™t getting any bites at all, but about 3/4 of the way through we got a large dolphin fish (Mahi Mahi) hooked and were able to get it reeled in. Plus my son caught a small black tuna which was perfect for him. Thanks so much to, Nick, Luis and team!
Joshua  L.
Joshua L.
Maryola Tours
Maryola Tours
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(45 reviews)
We had a slow day of fishing, but there are always days like that. These guys fought for every bite. Even when they knew it meant getting home late and burning more fuel they made a last minute attempt to find yellowing tuna on a school of sardines being chased by spinner dolphins. One of the coolest experience seeing that many dolphins in one place.
David  B.
David B.
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(68 reviews)
Good times. Captain and mate were great! Put us on the fish and served us some fresh sliced Mahi ceveche and cut up a pineapple as well. Great price for a awesome trip. If I'm back will book again!
Patrick  G.
Patrick G. Portland, ME
Tiburon Azul
Tiburon Azul
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(33 reviews)
Had an amazing time celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary on the Tiburon Azul. Landed 3 nice Mahi Mahi and hooked onto but lost 2 rooster fish (sadly we couldn't get any sailfish to bite, but that's fishing!!) Captain Luis and mate David did an outstanding job of taking care of us and the owner, Valentina, was very responsive to all of our questions. They even picked us up on the beach at the resort! Highly recommended!! Gary & Jennifer
Gary  H.
Gary H. Columbus, OH
Soleil Sport Fishing
Soleil Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(128 reviews)
Elier and Anthony worked very hard to put the boat on fish! Slow day but effort was there. Thanks for a memorable day Elier!
Michael  K.
Michael K.
Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner
Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(123 reviews)
We had a great half day with Captain Gerald and Capullo fishing. We caught a few decent size fish and enjoyed the water and the sun. Captain Gerald has a lot of experience and set us up for a good day of fishing. We would definitely recommend them.
Scott  B.
Scott B. Dickinson, TX
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(68 reviews)
Crew tried hard all day to find what I was looking for. Bad conditions got in the way but still ended up with a great catch of Grouper, Snapper, and Mackerel Tuna. A great day on the water with a very friendly and hard working crew. Thanks a bunch!
Brent  C.
Brent C. New Berlin, TX
Dia Tuanis Sport Fishing
Dia Tuanis Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Absolutely amazing. Father son duo is amazing they work so well together to get fish worth the trip
Mike  R.
Mike R. Mount Vernon, WA
Bucket List Sportfishing
Bucket List Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(106 reviews)
Great time with Capt Jeff and crew. Jeff is from the states obviously no language barrier, Jeffโ€™s mate spoke good English as well. They both are top notch! Very knowledgeable and highly skilled. They provided food and drinks just step on and go fishing. I have fished all over the world . I highly recommend!
Robert  G.
Robert G. Fredericksburg, VA
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Playa Hermosa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
We had an amazing dayโ€ฆ. Started day trolling and caught pretty quickly. We had also asked to do bottom fishing as well and caught a ton of fish. Also got a bonus seeing mama and baby humpback today. Would recommend. Definitely will be using again on our next trip here
Kristina  F.
Kristina F. Georgetown, TX
Gitana Fishing
Gitana Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(95 reviews)
We had a great experience on our four-hour trip. The owner (Gary) was very informative and professional. The boat and equipment were all in good condition. Not much action on the day we went but I was able to catch a pretty hefty amber jack. I definitely will be using them again.
Joe  L.
Joe L. Indio, CA
La Patrona Sportfisher
La Patrona Sportfisher
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(19 reviews)
Had a great full day fishing trip on La Patrona. Captain and crew were extremely knowledgeable and were able to get me hook on two fish at the same time!
Brody  F.
Brody F.
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(68 reviews)
We had a great day on the water! The crew is amazing! I wanted to do slow jigging and the captain made his best to bring me to some good spots and the fish were there! We caught some nice groupers and mackerel tuna They cleaned all the fish and gave us the filet well packed and also prepared some fresh sashimi on the way back!
Chooramun  P.
Chooramun P. Mississauga, ON
Crush Em Sportfishing
Crush Em Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
Been to many Costa Rica fishing trips. Many boats many captains. This one is top by far. We got there late and weather was bad. Told the captain what me and may daughters wanted to catch and boom. We will be eating tuna and mahi for weeks. The crew was amazing. The service was great and they know how to find the fish. Was amazing to see them work as a team. Not all crews do that. Super highly recommend
Nelson  Z.
Nelson Z. Clermont, Florida
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(214 reviews)
We booked a 1/2 day fishing trip with Captain Noah and Darcy. We caught so much tuna in the first two hours my wife and I threw in the towel early. It was the best offshore fishing excursion we have ever been on. These two were the best and we enjoyed many conversations with them. Fully recommend. You will not be disappointed!
Henry  W.
Henry W.
Luminare Sport Fishing
Luminare Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(90 reviews)
One of the best fishing trips I have been on. The team was phenomenal. We caught all kinds of different fish. Would highly recommend these guys, they know what they are doing. Iโ€™ve been on 20ish fishing trips similar to this, top 3 for sure.
Alex  D.
Alex D. Austin, TX
Capullo Sportfishing
Capullo Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(67 reviews)
This was an excellent fishing trip I would 1000% recommend. The crew was friendly and most of all we caught fish!!!!! We caught everything we wanted and we learned a lot on the trip.
John  B.
John B. Atlanta, GA
Fishing CR
Fishing CR
Fishing charter in Herradura
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(68 reviews)
We had a great trip, lots of hookups and landed 4 nice mahi! Captain and first mate were great!
Nathan  S.
Nathan S. Fort Myers, FL
Sierpe Fishing
Sierpe Fishing
Fishing charter in Sierpe
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(9 reviews)
Great day,caught Wahoo and two types of tuna, Pablo is very professional, would definitely recommend him. My son and I had a day we will never forget.
Hugh  G.
Hugh G. Ruskin, FL
Maryola Tours
Maryola Tours
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(45 reviews)
Had the best time ever! First time fishing and caught around 15 fish and a few large tuna. Amazing experience and very successful fishing trip with an amazing crew!
Erika  A.
Erika A. Nashville, TN