Costa Rica fishing vacations are one of the ultimate luxury warm water fishing trips and adventures of our worldwide, high-end luxury fishing vacations packages that every fisherman must experience. If you are angling to land your first sailfish, black marlin or a beautiful blue marlin get ready, because they love Costa Rica waters! While trolling the sapphire blue waters for these beautiful fish plan on picking up a few dorado along the way. There is nothing quite like the anticipation of watching a sailfish circle your boat and waiting for that strike. Yellow fin tuna are also plentiful in Costa Rica and fun for any fisherman to catch. The season for the big game fish is from December through April.
Why is the fishing in Costa Rica consistently great?
Costa Rica was one of the first countries to focus on marine fishery conservation and sustainability and the development of ecotourism as an alternative to traditional commercial usages. In 1949, Costa Rica was a founding member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Over 25% of Costa Rica is protected as a national part or in some other manner. Large portions of both coast lines are also protected.
As a result, Costa Rica fishing vacations are some of the most exciting and scenic adventures in the world. There are eleven different ecosystems in Costa Rica and numerous activities for people who want to do more than fish. Over 2 million people visit Costa Rica each year and of course fishing is one the reasons. There are beautiful all-inclusive lodges, homes and resort areas to spend your time with all of the best to offer in a luxury fishing vacation experience.
Costa Rica Fishing Vacations
Costa Rica has a dry season (November to late April) and a wet season (May through October.) Like anywhere, these weather patterns offer different fishing at different times of the year. Although the major fish species are in the waters nearly year-round, Costa Rica fishing vacations in the dry season are probably best known for those seeking big game fish:
- Black Marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellow Fin Tuna
- Dorado
There are many different fishing areas in Costa Rica so you will want to check if you have a particular bucket list fish. Fishing for sailfish, dorado and yellow fin tuna is excellent October through March. Black Marlin fishing is also excellent from October through December. Yellow fin tuna fishing is excellent year-round in Costa Rica.
If you are an inshore fishing enthusiast the wet season is a great time for Costa Rica fishing vacations. Fishing in-shore for roosterfish, varieties of snapper, snook and many other fish becomes good into June and then excellent from July into October. July through September is an excellent time for roosterfish fishing. Don’t let the wet season name discourage you. Costa Rica fishing vacations in the wet season are outstanding. Fishing for the billfish and dorado is still good and the tuna fishing is excellent.
There are just many more types of fish and different ways to fish in the wet season. There are over 200 species of fish in Costa Rica. Grouper, various species of snapper, jacks, and mackerel are available in the wet season. Fish such as triple tail and tile fish are also in the area. We catch all of these fish in Florida as well.
Costa Rica really doesn’t have a summer and a winter. The dry season corresponds with the high tourist season which is busiest from late November into April. Costa Rica fishing vacations and other activities in the wet season bring many varieties of fishing, fewer people, more specials, and a beautiful, green, lush, mountainous country where the eco tours and other activities are at their best. Yes, it rains but mostly early and late in the day and at night and not all day. Sounds like where I live—Florida.
We love to stay at Los Suenos or Crocodile Bay for our Costa Rica adventures! I can create a custom package for you at either destination which each have their unique offers. Costa Rica is one of the six luxury fishing vacations we promote as part of our big fish adventure trips. Other locations available are Panama, Belize, Brazil and Alaska.
Costa Rica Fishing Vacations—How Do You Get There?
Costa Rica fishing vacations start with a flight to San Jose, the capital city, and Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Depending upon the location of your adventures, you may spend the night in San Jose. Costa Rica fishing vacations are very accessible and transfers are simple. For some resorts near the Gulf of Nicoya or on the central Pacific coast, you will travel by bus or van the day you arrive in San Jose to your resort location. Trips are typically 1-3 hours. For resorts further away, a short flight will take you to the resort.
Juan Santamaria International Airport is a modern facility and commercial jet service is available through many major airlines. There are direct flights from several large US cities daily. The airport is small and you follow the signs to customs after picking up your bags.
What to Bring
In Costa Rica it is a tropical environment with temperatures between 70 to 90 degrees year-round.
- Medications
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen at 45 SPF or higher
- Lightweight clothing that dries quickly
- Insect Repellent
- Lightweight, water-resistant shell with hood or raincoat for rain forest tours
Baggage
Typically international baggage limits are higher than U.S. limits. It is wise to still keep luggage weights low. If you are taking another flight to your destination there will be restrictions on the airlines with smaller planes. That information will be given to you at the time of your reservation with us.
Documents
Costa Rica fishing vacations require that you have a valid passport that does not expire within six months to enter the country You do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica if you have a valid US or Canadian passport. Your passport entrance stamp typically allows you to stay up to 90 days. You must also have a return ticket out of the country before expiration of your passport stamp date. Frequently asked questions include what can we bring into the country, will my cell phone work, is there Wi Fi, etc. on Costa Rica fishing vacations? For your convenience, we answer many of these questions on our Costa Rica FAQ page.
Departure Tax
You will return to San Jose and the airport to depart home the same way you got to your resort. There is an Airport Departure Tax that is required before departing Costa Rica which you will have to pay upon departure at the International Airport. Estimated $32 fee per person ($28 + $4 handling fee). For more information:
http://costa-rica-guide.com/practical/documents-requirements/departure-tax/
Costa Rica Luxury Fishing Eco Tours
Other Activities During Costa Rica Fishing Vacations
Costa Rica is a small country but has a very diverse geography with mountains and volcanos in the highlands, rain forests in the southern part of the country and coastal areas on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The weather patterns including the dry and wet seasons impact the timing of many activities. World-class surfing, scuba and snorkeling, white water rafting, wildlife viewing, and many varied eco-tours in the highlands and rain forests are available at different times during the year. Costa Rica fishing vacations are just the start of the fun. Nearly any beach or jungle activity you can think of is available and of course some resorts offer golf, spas, casinos and more.
Image from Geology.com
Costa Rica Geography and History
As mentioned before, Costa Rica is a small country but has many different climate zones. The highland mountains combined with the close proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea influences the weather and seasons. Costa Rica is generally considered a tropical country because San Jose is only about 700 miles north of the equator. Costa Rica is a democracy (for nearly 100 years) and its largest industry is tourism along with agriculture which includes coffee, sugar, bananas, and pineapples.
Christopher Columbus was the first European explorer in Costa Rica in 1502. Civilizations existed for thousands of years before Columbus’ arrival and the Spanish colonization of the area. Archaeologists have discovered several major ruins in the highlands and on the coasts.
San Jose is located on a central plateau in the Central Valley region about 3,700 feet above sea level. The surrounding landscape has the Talamanca Mountains to the south and volcanoes to the north. Costa Rica has a population of approximately 4.8 million people. About a third of the population lives in the San Jose metropolitan area.
