Offshore Fishing in Costa Rica

Offshore Fishing in Costa Rica: Chase Giants in the Pacific Blue

If you’re dreaming of battling blue marlin, hooking sailfish by the dozen, or hauling in massive yellowfin tuna, there’s no better place on Earth than offshore fishing in Costa Rica. Renowned as one of the top big game fishing destinations in the world, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast offers year-round deep sea action with short runs to fertile bluewater, expert captains, and some of the most consistent billfish bites on the planet.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or planning your first offshore adventure, Costa Rica delivers the deep-sea fishing trip of a lifetime.


Why Offshore Fishing in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is blessed with deep water just a few miles offshore and warm currents that bring in bait—and the big predators that follow. Combined with top-tier infrastructure, luxury marinas like Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela, and a deep fishing culture, this region offers unmatched access to trophy fish.

Offshore fishing in Costa Rica offers:

  • Short travel times to rich fishing grounds
  • Access to FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) for multiple marlin hookups
  • Experienced, bilingual crews and tournament-level boats
  • Excellent weather and calm seas in the dry season
  • A wide variety of pelagic species

What You Can Catch Offshore in Costa Rica

Here’s a look at the most prized offshore game fish:

🎣 Marlin (Blue, Black & Striped)

Marlin are the kings of Costa Rica’s offshore scene. Blue marlin are the most common, with black and striped also showing up depending on the season. Full-day trips or overnight FAD trips can produce multiple hookups in a single outing.

🎣 Sailfish

Costa Rica is world-famous for its explosive sailfish bite, especially from December to April. Double-digit releases in a day are not uncommon. These acrobatic fish are a must for any offshore enthusiast.

🎣 Yellowfin Tuna

Schools of tuna—often shadowing spinner dolphins—can be found throughout the year. These powerful fish can range from football-sized to over 200 pounds, offering some of the best fights in offshore fishing.

🎣 Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)

With their vibrant colors and aggressive strikes, dorado are a favorite for both sport and the dinner table. They’re especially abundant during the rainy season, from May through October.

🎣 Wahoo

Fast, toothy, and built like a torpedo, wahoo are a bonus catch often found around floating debris or FADs, especially in the summer and fall months.


Best Places for Offshore Fishing in Costa Rica

Jaco & Los Sueños

Just an hour from San José, Los Sueños Marina (near Jaco) is home to the best offshore fleets in the country. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado are all within striking distance.

Quepos & Marina Pez Vela

Further south, Quepos offers legendary offshore action with world-class tournaments and reliable year-round fishing.

Tamarindo & Flamingo

In northern Guanacaste, offshore trips from Flamingo and Tamarindo offer access to prime marlin and sailfish waters, especially during the dry season.

Golfito & Southern Zone

Remote and less trafficked, the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce region provide excellent offshore opportunities with fewer boats and pressure.


Best Time for Offshore Fishing

While you can catch fish offshore in Costa Rica any time of year, here are peak windows:

SpeciesPeak Season
SailfishDecember – April
Blue MarlinMay – October
Black MarlinJuly – September
Yellowfin TunaYear-round (strong in May–Nov)
Mahi-MahiMay – November

What to Expect on an Offshore Charter

Most offshore fishing charters depart early in the morning (7:00 a.m.) and return around 4:00 p.m. A typical trip includes:

  • Professional captain and crew
  • High-end rods, reels, tackle, and bait
  • GPS, outriggers, fighting chairs, and tuna tubes
  • Cold drinks, snacks, lunch, and beer
  • Fish cleaning and filleting services

Boats range from 28’ center consoles to 60’ luxury yachts with air conditioning, cabins, and shaded decks.


What Makes Costa Rica Offshore Fishing Unique?

  • FAD Fishing: Costa Rica pioneered the use of FADs, attracting massive marlin offshore for overnight and multi-day trips with insane hookup rates.
  • Billfish Conservation: 100% catch and release on all billfish, ensuring sustainable fishing for generations to come.
  • Tournament Scene: Home to world-renowned events like the Los Sueños Triple Crown, which draws elite teams from around the globe.

Book Your Offshore Fishing Trip in Costa Rica

If you’re ready to experience offshore fishing in Costa Rica, now is the time to book. From full-day charters to multi-day marlin missions, we work with the best boats and most experienced captains to ensure a trip that delivers.

🌊 Let’s get you hooked up!
Tell us your dates, group size, and fishing goals—we’ll match you with the perfect offshore charter and create a custom fishing experience you’ll never forget.