Fishing in Quepos, Costa Rica: Your Gateway to Legendary Sportfishing
Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Quepos is one of the most iconic fishing destinations in the world. With direct access to the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean and home to the state-of-the-art Marina Pez Vela, fishing in Quepos, Costa Rica, offers an unforgettable experience for anglers chasing big game offshore or powerful fighters inshore.
Whether you’re here to land your first sailfish, chase blue marlin, or hook a trophy roosterfish, Quepos is the place where fishing dreams come true.
Why Quepos is a World-Class Fishing Destination
Quepos combines tropical beauty, world-class infrastructure, and diverse fishing opportunities into one unbeatable package.
Here’s why anglers choose Quepos:
- Direct access to offshore and inshore fishing grounds
- Home to Marina Pez Vela, one of the top marinas in Central America
- Base for the prestigious Offshore World Championship
- Year-round fishing action for billfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish & more
- Experienced, bilingual captains and top-tier boats
From world-renowned tournaments to casual family charters, Quepos offers the full range of fishing experiences.
Offshore Fishing in Quepos
When you think of fishing in Quepos, think billfish capital. Offshore trips target a variety of pelagic species, including:
🎣 Sailfish
Quepos is famous for its incredible sailfish bite, especially from December to April. Double-digit release days are common during the peak season, making it one of the best places in the world to catch (and release) these majestic fish.
🎣 Blue, Black & Striped Marlin
The offshore waters are rich with bait and structure, ideal for all three marlin species. The FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) fishery off Quepos is among the best on the planet for blue marlin action.
🎣 Yellowfin Tuna & Mahi-Mahi
Schools of tuna—often traveling with spinner dolphins—are present year-round. Mahi-mahi are particularly abundant from May through October, providing hard fights and excellent table fare.
Most offshore trips are full-day (8–9 hours) and include premium gear, lunch, drinks, and expert crew.
Inshore Fishing in Quepos
If you prefer to stay closer to land or want a lighter tackle challenge, inshore fishing in Quepos delivers in a big way.
🎣 Target Species:
- Roosterfish – iconic and hard-fighting, found near rocky shorelines
- Cubera Snapper – powerful and aggressive, often caught near reefs
- Snook – especially near river mouths and mangroves
- Jack Crevalle & Mackerel – provide consistent action and excitement
Inshore trips are ideal for half-day charters or anglers prone to seasickness, and they often result in nonstop action and diverse catches.
Marina Pez Vela: The Fishing Hub of Quepos
At the heart of Quepos fishing is Marina Pez Vela, a world-class marina with top-notch amenities:
- Full-service slips for charter and private boats
- Restaurants, shops, and gear rental
- On-site accommodations and transportation
- Home to international tournaments and major fishing events
This modern marina connects you directly to the ocean, making it easy to hop on a boat and start fishing within minutes.
Best Time to Fish in Quepos
| Species | Best Months |
|---|---|
| Sailfish | December – April |
| Marlin (Blue/Black) | May – October |
| Mahi-Mahi | May – October |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Year-round (peak May–Nov) |
| Roosterfish | May – November |
| Snapper & Snook | Year-round (great during rainy season) |
While fishing is excellent year-round, the dry season (Dec–Apr) offers the calmest seas and prime sailfish conditions.
Types of Fishing Trips Available
- Full-Day Offshore Charters – Chase billfish, tuna, and dorado offshore
- Half-Day Inshore Trips – Perfect for roosterfish, snapper, and snook
- Custom Packages – Combine fishing with wildlife tours, chef services, or luxury villa stays
- FAD Trips – Multi-day marlin excursions for hardcore anglers
Book Your Quepos Fishing Adventure Today
From epic offshore battles to exciting inshore action, fishing in Quepos Costa Rica offers everything an angler could ask for. Add in world-class facilities, experienced crews, and breathtaking scenery, and you have a sportfishing destination unlike any other.
🎣 Ready to fish Quepos?
Let us connect you with the best charter boats, captains, and packages tailored to your needs. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, Quepos is ready to deliver an unforgettable fishing adventure.
