Six private boats from 30 to 52 feet, from budget-friendly boats to an overnight yacht. All leave from Marina Pez Vela, a short ride from Manuel Antonio. Pick a few, send your date, and we’ll tell you which are free.
Quepos has one of the best sailfish records on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, and Marina Pez Vela makes getting on the boat easy.
The deep water starts a reasonable run from the dock, so a full day leaves plenty of time to troll for billfish, tuna and dorado. Closer in, the rocky coast toward Manuel Antonio holds roosterfish and snapper all year. That’s why a half day works well for families or anyone who gets seasick.
Open “Boat details” for photos and the full specs, or tap “Quote this boat” to add it to your request.
Four boats for couples, families and groups of up to five. They cost the least and still reach the offshore grounds.
31 ftBest value with a restroom
A smaller boat that still has shade and its own toilet, which is rare at this size. It fishes the coast and also runs offshore when the sailfish are in.
30 ftBudget-friendly small boat
A no-frills private boat for a couple or a small family who mostly want time with a rod in hand. Good for snapper and roosterfish near the coast, or tuna and sailfish farther out.
31 ftTwin-diesel Bertram, up to 5
Bertram hulls are known for handling rough water well, and this one has two diesel engines. It also has a cabin and restroom, and costs less than the big boats. Takes up to five anglers.
32 ftSmall boat, offshore focus
Thirty-two feet is a size many Quepos regulars like: big enough to fish bluewater properly, small enough to keep the day private and the cost reasonable.
Air conditioning, staterooms and long range. Pick one of these for a long marlin day, a mixed group, or a night at sea.
45 ftViking comfort with air conditioning
A 45-foot Viking with an air-conditioned cabin, staterooms and real bathrooms. Choose it when part of the group wants to relax indoors between strikes.
52 ftOvernight and FAD trips
The biggest boat on this page, a 52-foot Ocean Super Sport with air-conditioned bedrooms. It can stay out overnight and run to the offshore FADs (floating buoys that hold tuna and marlin) for longer trips.
| Boat | Length | Good for | On board | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swordfish 31ft | 31 ft | Families on a budget | Shade, private restroom | Details ↗ |
| Cowboy Sportfishing 30ft | 30 ft | Couples, tight budgets | Simple open deck | Details ↗ |
| Reckless 31′ | 31 ft | Rougher days offshore | Cabin + restroom | Details ↗ |
| The Big Eye 32 | 32 ft | Bluewater, small group | Sportfisher layout | Details ↗ |
| Top Notch 45′ Viking | 45 ft | Billfish with family aboard | A/C, staterooms, bathrooms | Details ↗ |
| Hooked Up 52′ | 52 ft | Groups, overnight trips | A/C, bedrooms | Details ↗ |
Work the reefs and headlands toward Manuel Antonio, where roosterfish, cubera and other snapper, jacks and grouper live. The runs are short, so a half day is usually enough.
Inshore fishing guide ↗Out in the bluewater you target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin, dorado and wahoo. Book a full day for these so the crew can follow the birds and the current.
Offshore fishing guide ↗| Species | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sailfish | December – April | Peak months; the main reason many anglers book Quepos |
| Blue marlin | May – October | Green-season offshore target |
| Black marlin | May – September | Overlaps with blue marlin |
| Mahi-mahi | June – December | Often under floating debris and weed lines |
| Yellowfin tuna | All year | Watch for birds and dolphins |
| Roosterfish | All year | Inshore, around rocks and river mouths |
Most Quepos charters leave from this marina at the edge of town. Its docks and facilities are modern, and it’s an easy taxi ride from the Manuel Antonio hills.
Many visitors to Quepos stay up the hill in Manuel Antonio, so a half-day trip fits easily around the national park, the beaches and dinner with a view.
Non-anglers in your group won’t miss out either. Wildlife tours, ziplines and beach days are all close by, and a larger boat means everyone can come along in comfort.
December through April. It’s the busiest season at Marina Pez Vela, so book the boat early if your dates are fixed.
Blue marlin are usually around from May to October and black marlin from May to September. A full day on a larger boat gives you the best chance.
Top Notch (45-foot Viking) and Hooked Up (52-foot Ocean Super Sport). Both have air-conditioned interiors and sleeping cabins. Reckless and Swordfish have a restroom but no A/C.
Cowboy (30 ft) is the budget pick. Swordfish (31 ft) is a strong value and adds shade and a toilet. Both fish inshore or offshore.
Yes, on Hooked Up 52’. Tell us how many nights and people you have in mind, and we’ll check the dates and send a price.
For roosterfish and snapper close to the coast, a half day is plenty. For sailfish, marlin or tuna, choose a full day so the crew has time to find the fish.
Rates in Quepos change with the season and trip length. Send your date and group size and we’ll give you the exact price for the boats that are free.
Tell us when you’re in Quepos and who’s fishing. We’ll reply with the boats that are open and their prices.
Or message us directly on WhatsApp +506 7233-4851.