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Costa Rica: 222 fishing charters available
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North Pacific Adventures – Barbara
4.7 / 5
(33 reviews)
El Jobo •30 ft • 6 persons
Join North Pacific Adventures for an offshore adventure! Captains Freddy and Ariel are La Cruz locals and they have been fishing their whole lives in this area.
"The captain and mate are great fisherman and great guys. If you are staying at Dreams they will pick you up straight off the beach." — Curtis,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Fishing CR
4.8 / 5
(119 reviews)
recent reports
Herradura •28 ft • 4 persons
Fishing CR is a family-owned business that operates out of Herradura.
"I heard Costa Rica 🇨🇷 was the best country to charter a fishing trip and it didn’t fail." — Luis,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $350
Snook Sportfishing
4.8 / 5
(340 reviews)
Herradura •28 ft • 4 persons
Snook Sportfishing and Captain Jorge Fernandez believe you deserve nothing but the very best.
"When I set up the trip, I told Jorge that I didn’t care what we caught, just try to put us on fish." — Jeff,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $530
Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner
4.8 / 5
(145 reviews)
Tamarindo •22 ft • 3 persons
Capullo Sportfishing is a charter service based out of Tamarindo Beach in northwest Costa Rica.
"Starting the morning off on the beach getting to meet Roy and Louise brought such a personal touch!" — Nathanael,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $622
Maryola Tours
4.9 / 5
(93 reviews)
Tamarindo •27 ft • 4 persons
What better way to spend the day than to go fishing in the beautiful waters out of Tamarindo?
"My daughter and I fished with Daniel and his mate while on vacation and this was our first time using fishing booker app." — Chris,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $375
Sport Fishing El Gato III
4.7 / 5
(182 reviews)
Playa Flamingo •26 ft • 4 persons
Sport Fishing El Gato III specializes in private and personalized fishing trips.
"I’ll just say, I’m usually not a review poster.This is our first trip to CR." — John,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Nauti Ventures
4.9 / 5
(92 reviews)
Quepos •42 ft • 10 persons
Costa Rica is known as one of the top billfishing destinations in the world, with magical Quepos being one of its fishing epicenters.
"This was the best fishing trip we’ve ever been on. We caught upwards of 25+ fish of multiple varieties." — Jennifer,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,275
5.0 / 5
(271 reviews)
Tamarindo •25 ft • 3 persons
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures is a charter run by ocean lovers who enjoy every second on the water and adore the sea life.
"I live and have been fishing the east coast of the US for more than 40 years including charter boats and by far First Mate Darcy and Captain Noah are some of the hardest working crew I have ever fished with." — Will,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $575
Rhino Charger Sport Fishing
4.9 / 5
(75 reviews)
Tamarindo •31 ft • 6 persons
Embark on the ultimate Costa Rican sportfishing adventure with Rhino Charger Sport Fishing.
"Rhino is top shelf. From the first time we booked I was informed of how the process worked, when to meet, fishing conditions, what drinks would be on the boat and what the expected fishing conditions wete." — Matt, Provincia De San Jose
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $950
Fishing Herradura
4.8 / 5
(157 reviews)
Herradura •32 ft • 5 persons
Sport Fishing Herradura welcomes you aboard for a day exploring the area’s top spots for some delicious and hard-fighting fish.
"We did a half day trip and we’re not having much luck." — Dan,
Instant Confirmation
trips from US $650
Credentials check
For additional information about safety, check out our dedicated safety page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Costa Rica
What are the best private fishing charters in Costa Rica?
According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Costa Rica are:
- North Pacific Adventures – Barbara
- Fishing CR
- Snook Sportfishing
Full list of top fishing charters in Costa Rica
How much does it cost to go charter fishing in Costa Rica?
The average price for a private 4 hour Costa Rica fishing trip is US $576, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,147 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.
Which fishing charters in Costa Rica are good for families?
Fishing charters in Costa Rica that received great reviews from families are:
- North Pacific Adventures – Barbara
- Snook Sportfishing
- Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner
What are the top fish species I can catch in Costa Rica?
The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Costa Rica are:
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Roosterfish
- Sailfish
What are the top fishing techniques in Costa Rica?
The top 3 fishing techniques in Costa Rica are:
- Trolling
- Bottom Fishing
- Jigging
What are the top types of fishing in Costa Rica?
The top 3 types of fishing in Costa Rica are:
- Offshore
- Inshore
- Nearshore
Do Costa Rica fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?
Many fishing charters in Costa Rica provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:
- North Pacific Adventures – Barbara
- Fishing CR
- Snook Sportfishing
Who are the best rated captains in Costa Rica?
According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Costa Rica are:
- Sea Breeze Tours
- Maryola Tours
- Cr Sports Fishing
Who are the top awarded captains in Costa Rica?
Who are the top awarded captains in Costa Rica?
- North Pacific Adventures
- Jorge Fernandez
- Capullo Sportfishing
What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Costa Rica?
Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Costa Rica are:
- 4-hour fishing trips – €382
- 5-hour fishing trips – €634
- 6-hour fishing trips – €504
- 7-hour fishing trips – €869
- 8-hour fishing trips – €719
- 9-hour fishing trips – €1,060
- 11-hour fishing trips – €2,214
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 4.7 / 5
Based on 28529 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
We hooked into 3 fishAnd we found a school of yellowfin with dolphins chasing, but couldn’t get one
5.0 / 5
We hooked into 3 fishAnd we found a school of yellowfin with dolphins chasing, but couldn’t get one
Sport Fishing El Gato III
According to the captain it depends on water temp that is always changing.
4.7 / 5
According to the captain it depends on water temp that is always changing.
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Book your trip with a native son of Quepos Capt. José’ will put you on the fish !!!
5.0 / 5
Book your trip with a native son of Quepos Capt. José’ will put you on the fish !!!
Hidalgo Sportsfishing
Go offshore. We did inshore last year and only caught 3 fish all day. Offshore we caught 25+ and they were so fun to catch. Wear lots of sunscreen!
5.0 / 5
Go offshore. We did inshore last year and only caught 3 fish all day. Offshore we caught 25+ and they were so fun to catch. Wear lots of sunscreen!
Nauti Ventures
Great time of year for a variety of fish, Sea Breeze was awesome to fish with.
5.0 / 5
Great time of year for a variety of fish, Sea Breeze was awesome to fish with.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
The captain said some weather came through right before we were there so it was not as good as they sometimes experience. We still did manage to catch 4 tuna and had a good time!
5.0 / 5
The captain said some weather came through right before we were there so it was not as good as they sometimes experience. We still did manage to catch 4 tuna and had a good time!
35' Cabo Express – Tamarindo Beach
Wear a longsleeve shirt, sunglasses, and a hat for extra sun protection. Most all people do.
5.0 / 5
Wear a longsleeve shirt, sunglasses, and a hat for extra sun protection. Most all people do.
Idra Sportfishing Inshore Specialist
I would recommend to prepare for the sun and heat!! Bring lightweight, long sleeved shirt, hat and lots of sunscreen. Also, have a plan for any fish you catch!
5.0 / 5
I would recommend to prepare for the sun and heat!! Bring lightweight, long sleeved shirt, hat and lots of sunscreen. Also, have a plan for any fish you catch!
Grey's Fishing Tour
The trip is behind the pelican restaurant next to los suenos. A mistake I made was going to los suenos marina. Then I had to walk 20 min. To the actual spot.
5.0 / 5
The trip is behind the pelican restaurant next to los suenos. A mistake I made was going to los suenos marina. Then I had to walk 20 min. To the actual spot.
Snook Sportfishing
The perfect mix of patiently waiting for a bite and knowing when to look elsewhere!
5.0 / 5
The perfect mix of patiently waiting for a bite and knowing when to look elsewhere!
Fishing CR
Definately go out and give it a try! It was the experience of a lifetime for me and my son's!
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
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.
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
Quepos has a very nice Marina. Plan to spend a little extra time looking at the shops and restaurants in the marina.
5.0 / 5
Quepos has a very nice Marina. Plan to spend a little extra time looking at the shops and restaurants in the marina.
The Relaxer
Great crew that takes care of all of your needs. Very nice boat with padded seats and nice shad.
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
Make sure species you want to catch are present in the area, different season=different species
5.0 / 5
Make sure species you want to catch are present in the area, different season=different species
Cowboy Fishing Boat
I’ve never been any other time but we caught fish on our bucket list, so I’m more than happy
4.7 / 5
I’ve never been any other time but we caught fish on our bucket list, so I’m more than happy
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!!
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
How did anglers rate fishing charters in Costa Rica?
The Relaxer
Fishing charter in Quepos
5.0 / 5
(16 reviews)
We had an amazing day out on this boat. The open bow made for much more room than most boats. Also a very smooth ride on the water. Captain did nothing but try to get us into fish, and we were successful. Highly recommend this boat, we will book again.
Joshua M.
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
5.0 / 5
(340 reviews)
We had a great time. Captain Jorge knew just where to go and how long to stay before moving on. It was only a 5 hour trip, but we ended up with 8 really good sized snappers, 2 of which were enormous Cubera Snapper. We also got into some Jack Crevelle which were fun to catch.
SCOTT H.
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
5.0 / 5
(340 reviews)
Jorge went above and beyond to make sure that our entire party caught something on a tough day when no other boats were catching fish. Excellent captain and crew, highly recommended and will definitely book next time we are in Jaco.
Richard D.
Fishing Herradura
Fishing charter in Herradura
5.0 / 5
(157 reviews)
We had an awesome 5 hour trip with Randy and David. We reeled in 4 sail fish. 2 at one time!!! We were also fortunate enough to see dolphins. Randy and David made our first trip extremely memorable. And a big shout out to Randy's playlist!!!Very highly recommend 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Valerie B.
Quepos Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
5.0 / 5
(68 reviews)
Captain and crew went the extra mile even working over time on a tough day where the bite wasn't hot.. Fresh pineapple, good communication, and great sense of humor. Will use them again.
Greg W.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
5.0 / 5
(181 reviews)
Captain (Luis) was super experienced, friendly and took care of us. Hooked into a large mahi mahi and they helped me guide in the 50lb fish with ease (but I was sweating). We had a few other hookups (including a marlin) but didn’t get them inIf I’m ever in the area again, I’m booking Luis and his mates!
Brian H.
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Playa Hermosa
4.7 / 5
(107 reviews)
Captain Juan Carlos is all about making sure fish are caught! He obviously knows the waters and is a lot of fun. Highly, highly recommend! We will book again on our next trip for sure.
Korie H.
Whisper Fishing Team – 29'
Fishing charter in Herradura
4.7 / 5
(3 reviews)
Really great crew Jorge and Adrien (believe that’s the correct spelling) were awesome… put us on the fish!!!! Personal and engaged the entire trip We loaded up on tunas and were lucky enough to reel in a sailfish. The efforts for professionalism and sustainability were achieved!! Really cool experience….! I’d do it again! Thx gents
Scott G.
Snook Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Herradura
5.0 / 5
(340 reviews)
Was one of the best fishing trips I have ever been on. Boat is small but shaded. Jorge is very experienced and ensures a good time for all.
Eero D.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
5.0 / 5
(271 reviews)
Great crew and captain… well experienced with local understanding of challenging conditions put us on fish, did significantly better than other boats. Will recommend and return.
Matt Z.
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
5.0 / 5
(35 reviews)
Nice people, easy to work with, boat was very clean and professional operation.
Wayne Z.
The Relaxer
Fishing charter in Quepos
4.7 / 5
(16 reviews)
We set out on a 3/4 tour and succeeded in catching a sailfish within 2 hours of fishing. after trying a bit longer in the same area we decided to chase the tuna schools and successfully landed 6 tuna between me and my wife. Our captain Chicho, and mate Roy kept the cervezas flowing and the piñas juicy. We crushed our Burritos on the way in and enjoyed the crew's company.
Benton S.
Talking Fish - 38’ Topaz Express
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
4.7 / 5
(60 reviews)
We saw hundreds of dolphins on our way to catching 3 yellowfin tuna, then we saw 2 orca whales before heading to shallower water where we caught 12 red snapper! Javier and Arturo made sure our day was great!!!
Anne W.
Fishing Herradura
Fishing charter in Herradura
4.7 / 5
(157 reviews)
Had a fun trip with Capt Randy and Davey. He asked what we wanted to catch and then did his best to target those. Did a mix of bottom fishing and slow troll live bait at various reef areas. We got fish for dinner, but couldn't find a rooster fish. Looking forward to booking Randy again for offshore next time.
Marc L.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
5.0 / 5
(271 reviews)
Went fishing with daughter and was a great experience. Jigged, trolled, and bottomed fished. Drinks, snacks, and fresh sashimi (white tuna we caught on boat) was awesome.
Wayne Z.
Hidalgo Sportsfishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
5.0 / 5
(58 reviews)
Avid saltwater fisherman for many years but first trip to Quepos, José and David (first mate) are a class act. The dynamic duo know their stuff and where the fish are. Caught snook, mangrove snapper, wahoo and more! I’ll definitely be back, already looking to November when the BIG Mahi come in !!
John A.
Soleil Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Quepos
5.0 / 5
(158 reviews)
Elier and Anthony are amazing! I brought my wife and son and they were thoughtful, safe and patient. We caught so many fish we were exhausted by the end:) You will not regret using them!
Michael G.
Sport Fishing El Gato III
Fishing charter in Playa Flamingo
5.0 / 5
(181 reviews)
The captain picked me up at my hotel on the beach which is a plus if you don’t have a car. The fish weren’t biting on any boats the day we went out but he tried everything. I can’t blame him. I would book again
Albert F. J.
Capitan Mendez Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Playa Hermosa
5.0 / 5
(107 reviews)
Juan and the crew were great, Juan picked us up at Occidental Papagayo Beach on time. Bonita and Dorado "Mahi-mahi" were biting. We caught several Bonitas and a Large Dorado. Grey dolphins 🐬 swimming at the nose of the boat numerous times and turtles 🐢 swimming all over.Amazing 👏 time out on the water and I would seriously recommend Juan to others. We will be back for more fishing.More pictures to come.
Marlon S.
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
Fishing charter in Tamarindo
5.0 / 5
(271 reviews)
Beautiful day fishing on the Sea Breeze. Noah and Darcy were a fantastic crew and put us on some yellowfin right off the bat. I would highly recommend Sea Breeze if you are looking for some great fishing while in Tamarindo.
Charles G.
Top Fishing Techniques in Costa Rica
