01 ·
Quepos/Manuel Antonio
SailfishMarlinRoosterfishSnapper
North America · Fishing World Guide
Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Fishing 2026: Sailfish, Marlin, Charters from $300
10
target species
Yes
license needed
Year-round
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
8 days: USD 15, week: USD 15, month: USD 30, year: USD 50
›All license details
- 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
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Year-round; sailfish December-April, marlin November-February and June-August, Guanacaste May-August, Lake Arenal January-May, Tortuguero September-October
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Los Sueños Marina/Jaco Region
SailfishMarlinTunaSnapper
03 · Coco, Tamarindo, Samara
Guanacaste
MarlinSailfishDorado
04 ·
Lake Arenal
Rainbow Bass/Guapote
05 ·
Tortuguero/Caribbean
TarponSnookTrevally
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+3 more species
Yellowfin TunaRainbow BassSnapper
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No specific closed seasons indicated; year-round fishing possible with species-specific peak seasons
Catch limits
Catch limits
Maximum 5 fish per fishing day per boat, regardless of number of anglers
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Spearfishing with equipment prohibited in many areas; barbless hooks preferred
Catch & release
Catch & release
Marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, and tarpon are catch-and-release species - must be released immediately after landing
What does it cost?
15,
License
Week USD 15, month USD 30, year USD 50
250
Guide per day
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+
300
Daily budget
Beginner budget USD 300-500 (half-day coastal charter), mid-range USD 600+
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Costa Rica9.75°, -83.75°
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
Fishing trips in Costa Rica
Curated tours & charters with price and click data from our partner dashboards.
FishingBookerFrom
554 €
TamarindoCosta Rica
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures
4 seats26 ft
5.0 · 438 reviews
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FishingBookerFrom
810 €
TamarindoCosta Rica
Wired Sportfishing
6 seats32 ft
5.0 · 26 reviews
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FishingBookerFrom
1024 €
TamarindoCosta Rica
Tamarindo Surf & Tours – 35' Cabo Express
8 seats35 ft
5.0 · 15 reviews
View charters →
Trip types in Costa Rica
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
INCOPESCA offices, online at www.incopesca.go.cr, local marinas — General catch limits apply to all commercial and sport fishing species
Rules in detail
Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable sport fishing. The protection of billfish is enshrined in law. 'Pura Vida' applies to fishing too!
Freshwater
Lake Arenal with rainbow bass (guapote), January-May optimal
Saltwater
Pacific and Caribbean coasts with sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado, roosterfish, snook, and tarpon
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
Guides
Half-day and full-day tours with local charters available at all fishing destinations; experienced local guides standard
Getting there
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 & fish export
Crew tipping standard 20%; hotels, equipment, guides, and boats available at all fishing destinations
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: March 27, 2026
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