North America
Fishing in
Costa Rica 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Costa Rica9.75°, -83.75°
Trip types in Costa Rica
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- INCOPESCA offices, online at www.incopesca.go.cr, local marinas
- Cost
- 8 days: USD 15, week: USD 15, month: USD 30, year: USD 50
- Validity
- 8 days to 1 year
- Available online?
- Yes
General catch limits apply to all commercial and sport fishing species
Buy fishing license for Costa Rica online
Official authority website
Book fishing tours in Costa Rica
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No specific closed seasons indicated; year-round fishing possible with species-specific peak seasons
- Catch limits
- Maximum 5 fish per fishing day per boat, regardless of number of anglers
- Prohibited methods
- Spearfishing with equipment prohibited in many areas; barbless hooks preferred
- Catch & Release
- Marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, and tarpon are catch-and-release species - must be released immediately after landing
Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable sport fishing. The protection of billfish is enshrined in law. 'Pura Vida' applies to fishing too!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Quepos/Manuel Antonio (Sailfish, Marlin, Roosterfish, Snapper)
- —Los Sueños Marina/Jaco-Region (Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Snapper)
- —Guanacaste - Coco, Tamarindo, Samara (Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado)
- —Lake Arenal (Rainbow Bass/Guapote)
- —Tortuguero/Caribbean (Tarpon, Snook, Trevally)
Target fish
Freshwater
Lake Arenal with rainbow bass (guapote), January-May optimal
Saltwater
Pacific and Caribbean coasts with sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado, roosterfish, snook, and tarpon
Half-day charter USD 250+, full-day charter USD 400+, charter boats USD 350-2,300 per day (up to 6 anglers), sport fishing full day USD 800-2,600+
Best season: Year-round; sailfish December-April, marlin November-February and June-August, Guanacaste May-August, Lake Arenal January-May, Tortuguero September-October
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Charter boats provide complete fishing equipment; life jackets and first aid kits on board; sunscreen, light SPF clothing, sunglasses and light rain jacket recommended
- Fishing guides
- Half-day and full-day tours with local charters available at all fishing destinations; experienced local guides standard
- Transport
- Direct flights from USA to San Jose or Guanacaste; full-day charters include lunch, drinks, water, snacks, and fruit
- Safety
- Boats equipped with life jackets and first aid kits; standard safety equipment provided
- Customs & taking fish home
- Crew tipping standard 20%; hotels, equipment, guides, and boats available at all fishing destinations
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Week USD 15, month USD 30, year USD 50
Guide prices
Half-day charter USD 250+, full-day charter USD 400+, charter boats USD 350-2,300 per day (up to 6 anglers), sport fishing full day USD 800-2,600+
Daily budget
Beginner budget USD 300-500 (half-day coastal charter), mid-range USD 600+
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Costa Rica
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Costa Rica →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Costa Rica with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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Mobile Data
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