CENTRAL PACIFICJacó · Costa Rica
Fishing in Jacó, Costa Rica
Jacó sits on the doorstep of some of the most productive blue water on the planet. Here is everything you need to plan a sportfishing charter on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast.
Why Jacó is a world-class fishing destination
Only 90 minutes from San José, Jacó is the most accessible sportfishing hub on Costa Rica's Central Pacific. From the neighboring Los Sueños Marina in Herradura Bay, the blue water and the offshore FADs are a short run away — which means more time with lines in the water and less time traveling. The result is a fishery that produces billfish releases most people only dream about, plus tuna, dorado and hard-fighting inshore species, all year long.
What you catch
The star of the show is the Pacific sailfish, with blue and black marlin close behind. Offshore you also find yellowfin tuna under the dolphin pods, dorado (mahi-mahi) along the current lines, and high-speed wahoo. Closer to shore, the roosterfish and cubera snapper give you big-fish drama on lighter tackle.
See all the species you can catch →
When to go
Costa Rica's Central Pacific fishes all year. The dry season (December–April) brings calm seas and the peak sailfish bite; the green season (May–November) delivers the best marlin, dorado and tuna action with fewer crowds. There is no bad month — only different targets.
See the month-by-month fishing calendar →
Inshore vs. offshore
Offshore (altura) trips run 15–40 miles to the blue water for billfish, tuna and dorado — usually a full day. Inshore (costera) trips stay close to the coast for roosterfish, snapper and jack, and are perfect for a half day, families, or anglers prone to seasickness. Not sure which fits? Tell us who's coming and we'll match the trip.
Half-day or full-day?
Half-day charters (about 4–5 hours) are ideal for inshore fishing and for first-timers. Full-day charters (about 8 hours) give you the range and hours to reach the offshore grounds and target billfish and tuna properly. Every charter includes captain and mate, tackle, bait, licenses and drinks — you just bring sunscreen and a hat.
Browse our fleet of charter boats →
Where we fish
We fish the Central Pacific out of Jacó and Herradura's Los Sueños Marina, and we can also set you up out of Quepos / Marina Pez Vela to the south. Both put you on billfish fast.
PLAN YOUR TRIP