Private Charters • Central Pacific Costa Rica

Costa Rica Fishing Trips

Choose an inshore, offshore or bottom-fishing adventure from Jaco and Los Sueños. Compare trip styles, target species and time on the water before selecting the right private charter.

✓ Local Captains✓ Private Charters✓ Professional Tackle✓ Inshore + Offshore
Half & Full DayFlexible trip lengths
JacoConvenient departures
Los SueñosMarina sportfishers
All Experience LevelsBeginners to experts
Year-RoundChanging seasonal targets
Find Your Best Trip

One Coast, Several Ways to Fish

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific gives anglers access to rocky points, reefs, islands, river mouths and productive offshore blue water. The best trip depends on what you want to catch, how long you want to fish and the comfort needs of your group.

Inshore fishing favors shorter runs and hands-on light-tackle action. Offshore trips provide the time and range needed to search for billfish, tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo. Bottom fishing works reefs and ledges for snapper, grouper and amberjack.

  • Private boats for couples, families and groups
  • Half-day and full-day options
  • Boats ranging from efficient center consoles to sportfishers
  • Fishing plans based on current conditions and recent reports
Compare Available Boats
Costa Rica offshore marlin fishing trip
Choose Your Experience

Explore Our Costa Rica Fishing Trips

Start with the type of fishing that interests you. Each guide explains the target species, techniques, typical range and ideal trip length.

Roosterfish caught on an inshore fishing trip from Jaco and Los Sueños
Shorter Runs • Hands-On Action

Inshore Fishing Adventures

Fish rocky points, reefs, islands and river mouths for roosterfish, snapper, snook, jacks and other coastal species.

  • Half or full day
  • Family friendly
  • Live bait
  • Casting and jigging
Explore Inshore Fishing
Sailfish released during a Costa Rica offshore fishing trip
Blue Water • Big Game

Offshore Day Fishing Tours

Run to productive blue water to target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo with experienced crews.

  • Full day recommended
  • Trolling spreads
  • Billfish releases
  • Tuna and mahi
Explore Offshore Fishing
Red snapper caught while bottom fishing in Costa Rica
Reefs • Ledges • Structure

Bottom Fishing

Present live bait, natural bait or jigs around reefs, rock piles and deeper ledges for snapper, grouper and amberjack.

  • Steady action
  • Active jigging
  • Food-fish options
  • Beginner friendly
Explore Bottom Fishing
Mahi-mahi caught on a full-day fishing charter in Costa Rica
Compare Time and Range

Full & Half Day Fishing

Learn what changes when you add more time on the water and whether your group should choose an inshore half day or offshore full day.

  • Trip-length guide
  • Target comparison
  • Typical schedule
  • Group planning
Compare Trip Lengths
Quick Comparison

Which Fishing Trip Fits Your Group?

Trip StyleBest ForTypical TargetsRecommended Time
InshoreFamilies, first-timers, light-tackle anglers and shorter runsRoosterfish, snapper, snook, jacks, sierra mackerelHalf day or full day
OffshoreSerious anglers, billfish goals and bluewater varietyMarlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahooFull day
Bottom FishingSteady action, jigging and legal food-fish opportunitiesSnapper, grouper, amberjack and mixed reef speciesHalf day or full day
Mixed PlanGroups interested in several techniques or fishing two daysOne inshore day plus one offshore dayTwo separate days
Yellowfin tuna fishing during a full-day Costa Rica charter
Half Day or Full Day?

Choose Time Based on the Fishing Goal

A half day is generally best when you want coastal fishing, shorter travel and a convenient morning on the water. A full day gives the captain the range and flexibility needed to search changing offshore conditions.

  • Half day: inshore reefs, points and river mouths
  • Full day: billfish, tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo offshore
  • Full-day inshore: more locations, tide changes and technique variety
  • Two-day plan: one offshore day and one inshore day
Read the Full Comparison
Target Species

What Can You Catch?

Fishing changes with season, bait, currents and water conditions. These are the primary species groups associated with each trip style.

MarlinOffshore

Blue, black and striped marlin are among Costa Rica’s premier big-game targets.

SailfishOffshore

Acrobatic billfish targeted with trolling spreads and released after the catch.

Yellowfin TunaOffshore

Powerful pelagic fish found around bait, birds and productive current.

Mahi-MahiOffshore

Colorful, acrobatic fish often found near debris and current lines.

RoosterfishInshore

Costa Rica’s signature coastal gamefish and a catch-and-release favorite.

SnapperInshore & Bottom

Cubera and other snapper species inhabit reefs, ledges and rocky structure.

SnookInshore

Tide-sensitive predators associated with river mouths, beaches and estuaries.

WahooOffshore

Fast, toothy predators known for sudden strikes and blistering runs.

Fishing Gallery

Wild Fish Costa Rica in Action

Charter Inclusions

What Is Normally Included?

Most private fishing charters provide the essential crew, fishing equipment and refreshments needed for the day. Exact inclusions vary by boat, so we confirm them before booking.

  • Professional captain and mate
  • Rods, reels, tackle and bait
  • Water, soft drinks, beer, fruit and snacks on most boats
  • Lunch commonly included on full-day trips
  • Ice, safety equipment and fishing guidance
  • Cleaning of legal retained table fish

Boat capacity, departure location, taxes and payment terms also vary. Prices marked “+ Tax” do not include applicable tax.

Explore Fishing Packages
Los Sueños roosterfish charter in Costa Rica
Simple Planning

How to Choose and Book

You do not need to know the exact boat before contacting us. Start with your group and fishing goals.

1

Send Your Date

Tell us your preferred fishing date and whether another day is possible.

2

Describe Your Group

Share the number of anglers, ages and any comfort or accessibility needs.

3

Choose Your Targets

Let us know whether offshore, inshore or specific fish are the priority.

4

Compare Boats

We confirm suitable available boats, complete pricing and exact inclusions.

Need a Recommendation?

Tell Us About Your Fishing Trip

Send your dates, number of anglers, hotel or destination and the species you would like to target. We will recommend the most suitable available trip and boat.

Phone or WhatsApp

+506 8436 1328

Submitting an inquiry does not reserve a boat. Availability and the complete price are confirmed directly with you.

Check Availability

Request Fishing Trip Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Rica Fishing Trips FAQ

Should I choose inshore or offshore fishing?

Choose inshore fishing for shorter runs and species such as roosterfish, snapper, snook and jacks. Choose a full-day offshore trip when marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi or wahoo are the priority.

Are half-day trips available?

Yes. Half-day trips are generally best for inshore or nearby bottom fishing. Full-day trips provide more time and range for offshore fishing.

Are fishing trips suitable for children and beginners?

Yes. Inshore half days are often the easiest introduction because runs are shorter and the fishing is hands-on. We can recommend a patient crew and appropriate boat for your family.

What is normally included?

Most charters include the captain and mate, fishing equipment, bait, water, soft drinks, beer, fruit and snacks. Full-day charters commonly include lunch. Confirm the exact inclusions for your selected boat.

Can we keep our catch?

Marlin and sailfish are catch-and-release. Roosterfish should also be released. Legal table fish such as tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and some snapper may generally be retained in reasonable quantities under current regulations and the captain’s policy.

Do fishing trips operate year-round?

Yes. Costa Rica offers year-round fishing, but species availability changes with season, location, bait and ocean conditions. We recommend staying flexible about secondary targets.

Are taxes included in charter prices?

Tax treatment varies by boat and payment method. Any price marked “+ Tax” does not include applicable tax. We confirm the complete amount before you pay a deposit.

What happens if weather is unsafe?

The captain makes the final safety decision. If conditions prevent departure, the applicable boat policy will determine rescheduling or refund options.

Jaco • Herradura • Los Sueños

Ready to Plan Your Costa Rica Fishing Trip?

Share your fishing date, group size and target species. We will help you compare inshore, offshore and bottom-fishing options and match your group with the right available boat.