About sportfishing in CR
Sportfishing
With 95 world records from Costa Rica’s inland and coastal waters, Costa Rica is recognized as one of the top sportfishing destinations worldwide.
Deep Sea Fishing: Marlin, Sailfish, & More
Costa Rica is best known for marlin. The strikingly beautiful blue marlin is one of the largest fish in the world – they average 11 feet long and between 200 and 400 pounds! Another popular sport fishing target is the sailfish. While superficially like the marlin, sailfish rarely exceed 10 feet in length. Both fish are known for their exciting, acrobatic leaps from the water and their blinding speed. Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, and Wahoo are also found offshore in Costa Rica.
MARLIN
Pacific Coast Fishing Spots
The Pacific Coast is rightly famous for record-breaking offshore Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna. In shore, Roosterfish, Snook, and Snapper are frequently reeled in. Each fishing destination has a peak season but hidden freshwater fishing holes and deep-sea fishing are rewarding adventures that can be had year-round. Our Experts can pre-arrange fishing charters all along the Pacific coast with local fishing experts based on your preferences.
SAILFISH
Los Suenos Marina, Central Pacific
The Los Suenos Marina is located right next door to Los Suenos Resort in the Jaco/Herradura area, offers unequaled luxury in vibrant tropical settings. It is currently the only government-sanctioned marina operating in Costa Rica and is a full-service port for a number of luxury sport fishing boats in the area. Marlin and Roosterfish are commonly found in the Jaco & Herradura area.
ROOSTERFISH
Crocodile Bay Sportfishing Resort, Osa Peninsula
Located on the remote Osa Peninsula. Pacific Sailfish are brought in year-round, with numbers as high as 10-15 per day in the winter. Inshore fishing inside the Gulfo Dulce brings up fish like Trevally, Grouper, Snapper, Bluefin, and Roosterfish. Outside the Gulfo Dulce, fisherman can bring up Black and Stripped Marlin, Sailfish Blue, and more.
Tamarindo Sportfishing, Guanacaste
Full and half day fishing charters are available year-round from Tamarindo. Fishing in Tamarindo is great all year, but fishing conditions can still vary from month to month. Peak season for Billfish is mid-April to August. Marlin and Sailfish are the highlights of the fishing trip. Inshore fishing for fish like Snapper, Amberjack, and Roosterfish.
Marina Papagayo, Papagayo Peninsula
The Marina Papagayo is the newest marina in the country, built with an environmentally-conscious blueprint. It is situated directly next to the Andaz Papagayo Resort in Culebra Bay. This marina is capable of holding even super-yachts up to 220’ in length. Marlin, Roosterfish, and Tuna can be found in the waters near Papagayo.
YELLOWFIN TUNA
Quepos, Central Pacific
The port town of Quepos is a world-famous sportfishing destination on the central Pacific coast. Quepos has been named The Sailfish Capital of the World, but it’s also excellent for Roosterfish, Snapper, Dorado, and Marlin just to name a few. Offshore and Inshore fishing is available for half and full day fishing trips.
Marina Pez Vela, Central Pacific
Marina Pez Vela was the home of the 2014 Offshore World Championship, and is located in the Quepos & Manuel Antonio area. While less luxurious, this marina hosts charter boats for a wide variety of activities including fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Marlin and Roosterfish are common in the Quepos & Manuel Antonio area.
Inland Fishing: Catch & Release on Lake Arenal
Lake Arenal is the most popular inland fishing destination in Costa Rica. The lake is the largest in the country and sits at the base of Arenal Volcano. Fish for the freshwater guapote or rainbow bass. You may also catch the fighting machaca fish. Your seasoned guide will bring the gear and point out the best spots. Full or half-day tours are available.
MAHI-MAHI (DOLPHIN)
Northern Caribbean Coast Fishing
The Northern Caribbean, where the Rio San Juan and Rio Colorado empty into the sea to create wetlands, is well known for Tarpon and Snook. Dorado, Gaspar, and Tuna can also be caught.
