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Sail Fishing Costa Rica

Private sportfishing charters · Jacó, Costa Rica
Marlin fishing trip off Jacó on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast
Jacó · Herradura · Central Pacific

Fishing in Jacó, Costa Rica

Jacó is one of the best places in Costa Rica to fish — marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado offshore, roosterfish and snapper inshore, all just 90 minutes from San José. Here’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable fishing trip.

  • 13 private boats, 28 to 58 ft
  • Inshore & offshore trips
  • Beginners to experts
  • Catch & release billfish
Why fish Jacó

An unforgettable fishing adventure on the Pacific

Set on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Jacó draws anglers from around the world for its rich marine life and beautiful coastline. The warm waters offshore hold marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado, so every trip has the potential for something special.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting your first line, Jaco fishing charters are an easy way to reach some of the best deep-sea fishing grounds on the planet.

Local skippers and crews know these waters better than anyone. They read the seasons, the currents and the bait, and they’ll coach you through every bite to give you the best chance at a trophy fish.

Expert local crews
Near Jacó hotels
Half & full-day trips
Sustainable fishing
Sportfishing charter heading offshore from Jacó, Costa Rica
Choose your trip

Something for every kind of angler

From quick inshore outings to full days in the bluewater — and boats from simple center consoles to luxurious yachts.

Rocks & reefs

Half-Day Inshore

Target roosterfish, snapper and jacks close to shore. Short runs and steady action — perfect for families and first-timers.

Bluewater

Full-Day Offshore

Head out for blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and dorado. A full day gives the crew time to find the fish and follow them.

Space & comfort

Yachts & Groups

Bigger boats with air-conditioned cabins and room for up to 12 — ideal for celebrations and mixed groups of anglers and non-anglers.

The Jacó fleet

Compare Jacó fishing boats

Filter by boat type, tap “View Boat” for photos and full details, or “Inquire” and we’ll check that boat for your date.

Showing all 13 Jacó charter boats
28 ft Mathis fishing boat in JacoSmall Group

28ft Mathis

28 ftUp to 5 guestsInshore / Offshore

Quick and easy to handle — a great pick for couples and small families who want a relaxed half day on the rocks or a run out to the sailfish grounds.

28 ft center console fishing boat in Herradura BaySmall Group

28′ Center Console

28 ftUp to 4 guestsInshore / Offshore

Wide-open deck with room to fish all the way around the boat. Made for active anglers who want to cast poppers at roosterfish or jig the reefs.

Dalia S II 30 ft sportfishing boat in JacoSmall Group

Dalia S II

30 ftUp to 5 guestsInshore / Offshore

A dependable 30-foot sportfisher with shade, a roomy cockpit and the range to chase pelagics offshore or work the coastline.

Satisfaction 30 ft fishing charter in JacoSmall Group

Satisfaction

30 ftUp to 5 guestsInshore / Offshore

An all-round 30-footer that handles both styles well — troll for sailfish in the morning or stay close to shore for snapper and jacks.

Allin 29 ft fishing boat in JacoSmall Group

Allin – 29ft

29 ftUp to 5 guestsInshore / Offshore

A hands-on fishing boat with a friendly crew, ideal for families and first-timers who want to learn while they reel.

32 ft Mako fishing boat near Jaco and HerraduraSmall Group

32ft Mako

32 ftUp to 5 guestsInshore / Offshore

Fast and nimble, the Mako gets you to the fish quickly — a favorite for anglers who want to cover water and maximize fishing time.

Whistle 32 ft Carolina sportfisher in Herradura BaySmall Group

Whistle – 32ft Carolina

32 ftUp to 5 guestsPrivate restroom

A Carolina-style sportfisher with a private restroom on board — a comfortable step up for small groups spending a full day on the water.

Dream Raiser 36 ft Cabo Express sportfisher in JacoOffshore Sportfisher

Dream Raiser Sportfishing

36 ftUp to 7 guestsCabo Express

A 36-foot Cabo built for bluewater days — extra room, extra comfort and a crew that knows where the billfish are. Also available for multi-day trips.

34 ft air-conditioned sportfishing charter in JacoOffshore Sportfisher

34ft Jaco Charter

34 ftUp to 6 guestsCabin & restroom

Cabin space to get out of the sun, a private restroom and a proper cockpit for offshore fishing — a strong choice for full-day trips.

Kido 34 ft sportfishing boat in JacoOffshore Sportfisher

34ft Kido

34 ftUp to 7 guestsPrivate restroom

Well balanced and spacious, with shade and a restroom on board — fits groups of up to seven chasing sailfish, tuna and dorado.

Xeneize 40 ft Bertram private charter yacht near JacoPrivate Yacht

Xeneize – Private Charter Yacht

40 ftUp to 10 guestsBertram

A classic Bertram Convertible, restored for serious sportfishing or a relaxed private cruise along the coast with a bigger group.

Mojito 48 ft fishing and group charter boat in Costa RicaLarge Groups

Mojito – 48ft

48 ftUp to 12 guestsFishing & cruising

The largest-capacity boat in Herradura — perfect for celebrations, corporate groups and Tortuga Island outings with fishing along the way.

Ohanal 58 ft Riviera VIP yacht fishing charter from Herradura BayVIP Yacht

Ohanal – 58ft VIP Yacht

58 ftUp to 8 guestsAir-conditioned

A Riviera 58 with an air-conditioned flybridge, three staterooms and two bathrooms — luxury yachting and real offshore fishing in one day.

Rates vary by boat, trip length and season. Send us your date and group size and we’ll reply with availability and a full quote — no payment needed to ask.

Not sure which boat is right?

Tell us your dates, hotel and group — we’ll recommend the best match.

More than the catch

Fishing the right way — and enjoying Jacó

Conservation

Sustainable Fishing

Jacó crews release billfish and protected species, helping keep Costa Rica’s sportfishing and marine life thriving for future generations.

After fishing

Beaches & Rainforest

Walk the beach, explore the nearby rainforest and wildlife, or simply relax to the sound of the Pacific after a day on the water.

Fresh dinner

Cook Your Catch

Bring your tuna or dorado to a local restaurant and enjoy the freshest fish dinner of your trip.

What you can catch

Top fish off Jacó

The Central Pacific offers both offshore pelagics and hard-fighting inshore species, with seasonal peaks.

Billfish · Release

Sailfish & Marlin

Sailfish peak December to April; blue marlin are strongest from May to November.

Keep some

Tuna & Dorado

Yellowfin tuna and dorado are caught year-round and are excellent to eat.

Inshore

Roosterfish & Snapper

Year-round action around the rocks and islands near Herradura.

More details on our fish species and fishing seasons pages.
Jacó fishing FAQ

Questions before you book

Where do Jacó fishing charters leave from?

Most Jacó charters depart from Herradura Bay or nearby Los Sueños, about 10–15 minutes north of Jacó. We confirm the exact meeting point when you book.

What is the best time to fish in Jacó?

You can fish Jacó all year. Sailfish peak from December to April, while marlin, tuna and dorado are strong in the green season. Roosterfish and snapper bite year-round.

Should I book inshore or offshore?

Choose offshore for sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado. Choose inshore for roosterfish and snapper with shorter runs and calmer water — great for families and half days.

Are the charters private?

Yes. Every boat on this page is a private charter — the boat and crew are reserved just for your group.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. The crew sets up the gear, finds the fish and coaches you through every fight.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. Every angler on board needs a Costa Rica fishing license, which you can buy online before your trip. We’ll explain how when we confirm your boat.

Ready to fish Jacó?

Whether you’re chasing a trophy fish or a great story, Jacó is waiting. Send us your dates and group size and we’ll check which boats are open.