Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo in Costa Rica’s blue water.
Explore Offshore Fishing
Fish Costa Rica • Trusted Sportfishing Experts Since 1990
Use this guide to compare Costa Rica’s top fishing destinations, species, seasons and charter styles, then choose the trip that fits your dates and goals.
Costa Rica gives anglers access to offshore billfish, powerful coastal gamefish, Caribbean tarpon and snook, and even freshwater species such as Guapote.
The best trip depends on your travel dates, where you’re staying and what species you most want to catch.
Start with the experience you want, then choose the destination and boat.
Target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo in Costa Rica’s blue water.
Explore Offshore Fishing
Stay closer to the coastline for roosterfish, snapper, jacks, grouper and snook.
Explore Inshore Fishing
Fish for Guapote around Lake Arenal or target tarpon and snook along Costa Rica’s Caribbean side.
Explore Freshwater FishingThe strongest destination is often the one that matches your hotel location and target species.
Central Pacific access to sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi and productive inshore fishing.
Explore Los Sueños →
Marina Pez Vela provides excellent access to offshore billfish and Manuel Antonio’s coastline.
Explore Quepos →
Guanacaste offers excellent offshore fishing plus productive reefs and rocky points inshore.
Explore Tamarindo →
Remote South Pacific fishing for marlin, tuna, roosterfish and serious multi-day trips.
Explore Golfito →Different species peak at different times, but Costa Rica offers fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Acrobatic billfish and one of Costa Rica’s signature sportfishing targets.
Sailfish Guide →Powerful tuna often associated with birds and spinner dolphins.
Tuna Guide →Costa Rica’s iconic coastal trophy and a favorite light-tackle target.
Roosterfish Guide →
There is no single best month for every fish. The right travel period depends on your target species and region.
Different trips work for different groups and goals.
Good for families, first-time anglers and travelers who want a shorter day.
Explore Inshore Trips →Best when your priority is sailfish, marlin, tuna or mahi-mahi.
Explore Offshore Trips →Specialized multi-day blue marlin trips to remote offshore grounds.
Explore FAD Fishing →Most professional charters supply the fishing equipment. Your job is mostly to arrive comfortable and ready to fish.
Responsible catch-and-release practices help preserve Costa Rica’s billfish and other gamefish. Edible species such as tuna, mahi-mahi and some snapper may be selectively harvested according to regulations and charter policy.
Learn About Catch & ReleaseStart with the information you already know. Your dates, hotel, group size and target fish are usually enough to narrow down the best region and charter.
From there, we can compare boat size, fishing style, trip length and comfort level.
You can also explore additional Costa Rica fishing charter options, destinations and boats through Costa Rica Fishing Experts.
Costa Rica Fishing ChartersFishing is available year-round, but peak periods vary by species. Sailfish are especially strong from December through April, while marlin and tuna become more prominent during much of the green season.
Los Sueños, Jacó and Quepos are major Central Pacific fishing centers. Flamingo and Tamarindo serve the North Pacific, while Golfito and the Osa Peninsula provide excellent South Pacific fishing.
Choose offshore for sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi. Choose inshore for roosterfish, snapper, jacks, grouper and shorter boat runs.
Anglers need the appropriate Costa Rica recreational fishing license. It is best to arrange this before the trip.
Billfish are released. Edible species such as yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and some snapper may be kept within applicable rules and charter policies.
Yes. Inshore fishing is often a good choice for families because runs are shorter and trips can be planned for a half day.
During popular travel periods, the most desirable boats can book well in advance. Booking early gives you more choices of boat size and captain.
Send your dates, hotel, group size and what you’d like to catch. We’ll help narrow down the best fishing destination and charter for your trip.
Tell us when you’re coming, where you’re staying, how many people are fishing and what you’d love to catch. We’ll help with the rest.