Fishing Charters in Costa Rica: Compare Boats in Los Sueños, Jacó & Quepos
Compare 31 private boats at three Pacific ports, each with real prices, sizes and photos. Choose a port, shortlist a boat, and we’ll check it’s free on your date.
All three ports are on the Central Pacific coast, within about an hour of each other. Book from whichever is closest to your hotel, then compare the boats there.
Choose the trip type based on the fish you want, then pick a boat that suits it.
Inshore
Rocky points, reefs and river mouths a short ride from the marina. Roosterfish, cubera snapper, jacks and grouper bite all year, and a half day is enough.
Offshore
A full day trolling bluewater for sailfish, blue and black marlin, yellowfin tuna and dorado. This is what brings most anglers to the Pacific coast.
FAD trips
Long runs to the anchored buoys (FADs) far offshore, where tuna and marlin gather. Usually on larger boats, sometimes overnight.
What you can catch
Costa Rica’s Pacific gamefish
Billfish get the headlines, but a good day often also includes dorado for dinner and a roosterfish photo.
SailfishReleased. Peak roughly December–AprilMarlinReleased. Blue and black, best mid-yearMahi-mahi (dorado)Great eating; strong in the rainy seasonRoosterfishYear-round inshore; usually releasedGrouperOver rocks and reefs, all yearBottom fishingSnapper and grouper; good for kidsShore fishingRooster from the beach, for the keenTuna at the FADsYellowfin around the far-offshore buoys
How booking works
From message to marina
Tell us the basics: your date, group size, hotel, and inshore or offshore.
Get a shortlist: boats that are open that day, each with the full price.
Confirm: pick one and we send the dock, meeting time and what to bring.
Every angler on board needs a sport fishing license. Licenses are issued by INCOPESCA, Costa Rica’s fisheries and aquaculture institute. Read their sport and tourism fishing rules.
Catch and release
Costa Rica protects its billfish, so sailfish and marlin go back in the water. Crews use circle hooks and quick releases. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) sets the angling rules and world records anglers follow.
Our bookings are handled with the Jacó-based team at Costa Rica Fishing Experts. They also have more guides on species, seasons and fishing calendars.
FAQ
Costa Rica fishing charter questions
Which port should I fish from?
It depends on where you’re staying and your budget. Jacó has the widest price range. Los Sueños has the most polished sportfishers. Quepos is the easy choice if you’re based in Manuel Antonio.
How much does a fishing charter in Costa Rica cost?
On this site, full days start at $1,050 plus tax for a small boat in Jacó. They go up to about $4,300 for a 50-foot sportfisher at Los Sueños. Half days cost less.
Are the charters private?
Yes. Every boat we list is booked for your group only, with its own captain and mate.
Can I keep the fish?
Sailfish and marlin are always released. Dorado, tuna and snapper can usually be kept for dinner, within the limits the crew will explain.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Every person fishing needs a Costa Rica sport fishing license issued through INCOPESCA. We’ll tell you how to get one when we confirm your boat.
When is the best time to go?
Fishing is good all year on the Pacific coast. Sailfish peak in the dry season, roughly December to April. Marlin and dorado are strong in the green season.
Free quote
Tell us your plans
Don’t know which port or boat? That’s fine. Send your dates and group size and we’ll suggest the boats that fit.
