This stretch of the Central Pacific coast is one of Costa Rica's best sportfishing areas, with sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna and roosterfish among the targets, and a charter is the way to chase them. The tour is a private charter from the Charter Dock at Los Sueños Marina in Herradura, north of Quepos, in a half-day or a full-day option, with the full day running about nine hours. The charter includes tackle and bait, beverages, a boat captain and mate, gratuities and hotel pickup and drop-off, with lunch included on the full day only. A fishing licence, about US$15 per person, is not included and is paid directly. The charter has about a hundred reviews and a 4.9 rating, with saying that 98 percent of travellers recommend it. It is a private boat, so your party has the captain and mate to itself, and you choose whether to keep the day relaxed or push hard for a big fish. It is also the only tour here with strict terms: the page states that bookings are non-refundable and cannot be changed, so read the policy carefully before you pay.
What to know
Confirmation arrives within forty-eight hours of booking, subject to availability, and the party limit is five travellers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, the minimum drinking age is twenty-one, the boat is not wheelchair accessible and the trip runs in all weather, with moderate fitness advised. Pickup is from your hotel, and the marina is a longer drive than the Quepos harbour, so factor the transfer into your day.
Making the day work
Bring sun protection, a hat, polarised sunglasses, non-slip shoes and a light layer for the early morning. Take motion-sickness tablets if you are prone, because offshore swells can be lively, and bring a small cooler bag if you want to take fish home, so ask the crew in advance what happens to your catch. Catch-and-release is common for billfish, so talk to the crew about what you want to keep.
Choosing a day
The Central Pacific fishes year-round, with seasons for different species, so ask the operator what is running during your dates. In the green season, from May to November, the seas are often calm in the morning and rainy in the afternoon, and many captains run early starts to be back before the showers. If you are not a dedicated angler, a half-day is plenty, while keen fishermen will want the full day.
If you prefer a gentler fishing experience, there are mangrove fishing tours near Quepos on the booking site, and if you simply want a boat day, take the catamaran. The charter suits groups of friends, couples who fish together and families with older children.
What to expect
The experience
A private fishing charter from Los Sueños Marina with captain, mate, tackle, bait, drinks and hotel pickup, in a half-day or full-day option.
Best time
An early start, before the afternoon showers and the heat, with target species depending on the season.
How long
About nine hours for the full day, shorter for the half day, plus the transfer from your hotel.
Tips
Pay the fishing licence of about US$15 per person directly, bring sun protection and motion-sickness tablets, and read the non-refundable terms before booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Keen anglers and groups who want a private boat and a serious day of fishing.
- Families
- Children can join with an adult, but the trip runs in all weather and is long, so it suits older children.
- Couples
- A private day on the water, best for couples who fish together.
- Pair with
- A relaxed beach day afterwards, or a gentler boat trip such as the catamaran.
- Time needed
- A full day with transfers, or a long morning for the half day.
Good questions
What fish can I catch?+
The Central Pacific is known for sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna and roosterfish. What is running depends on the season, so ask the operator for your dates.
What is included in the charter?+
Tackle and bait, beverages, captain and mate, gratuities and hotel pickup and drop-off, with lunch on the full-day option. The fishing licence is paid directly.
How much is the fishing licence?+
It is about US$15 per person, paid directly rather than through the booking. Confirm the current amount before you go.
Can I cancel or change the booking?+
It is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so confirm your dates and your party before you pay.
Where does the boat leave from?+
From the Charter Dock at Los Sueños Marina in Herradura, north of Quepos. Hotel pickup is included, but allow for the longer transfer.
