Blue Water
Offshore Fishing
Head into the Pacific for sailfish, blue and black marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo. A full day gives your captain the most flexibility to locate productive water.
Explore Offshore Fishing →
Costa Rica Central Pacific Sportfishing
Jaco Fishing Charters
Private fishing charters from Jacó and Herradura Bay for sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish, snapper and more.
Private Charters
Your boat, captain & mate
Offshore Fishing
Sailfish, marlin, tuna & mahi
Inshore Fishing
Roosterfish, snapper & jacks
Jacó / Herradura
Central Pacific Costa Rica
Fishing Costa Rica’s Central Pacific
Two Incredible Fisheries. One Easy Departure.
Jacó sits beside Playa Herradura and Los Sueños, putting visiting anglers within easy reach of both Costa Rica’s famous offshore blue water and productive inshore reefs, islands and rocky coastline.
One day you can head offshore looking for Pacific sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi. The next, stay closer to shore and fish live bait for roosterfish, Cubera snapper, jacks and other hard-fighting coastal species.
Our goal is simple: match your group, budget and fishing goals with the right private boat and experienced local crew.
Explore Jacó Fishing Information →
Herradura Bay & Los Sueños
Access the same productive Central Pacific fishing grounds from multiple boat options.
Choose Your Fishing Experience
Offshore or Inshore Fishing?
Both trips offer excellent fishing, but they are completely different experiences.
Reefs, Islands & Coastline
Inshore Fishing
Stay closer to shore and target roosterfish, Cubera snapper, jack crevalle, amberjack, grouper and other species around reefs, rocky points and islands.
Explore Inshore Fishing →
Jacó Fishing Charter Fleet
Choose the Right Boat for Your Group
From fishing-focused center consoles to comfortable Carolina sportfishing boats, choose based on your group size, fishing plans and preferred level of comfort.
Small Group / Great Value
28ft Mathis
$1,050
A versatile center-console option for smaller groups, particularly well suited to inshore fishing while still capable of heading offshore.
View 28ft Mathis →
Popular Value Charter
32ft Mako
$1,200
A fishing-focused 32ft option offering additional room while maintaining an affordable full-day price for private inshore and offshore trips.
See 32ft Mako Details →
Comfort + Offshore Capability
32ft Fish Whistle
$1,700
A Carolina sportfishing boat with shaded seating, private restroom and traditional offshore fishing equipment for up to five anglers.
View Fish Whistle →
What Can You Catch?
World-Class Pacific Game Fish
The best species for your trip depends on the season, current conditions and whether you fish offshore or inshore.
Offshore
Pacific Sailfish
Offshore
Marlin
Offshore
Mahi-Mahi
Inshore
Roosterfish & Snapper
Serious Offshore Fishing
Looking for Marlin and Big Blue-Water Fishing?
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific is internationally known for billfish. Conventional offshore trips target sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo, while specialized longer-range fishing can take experienced anglers farther offshore in search of big-game opportunities.
If marlin is the priority, tell us before choosing a boat. Your dates, trip length, weather, range and budget can all affect which charter makes the most sense.
Learn About Offshore Fishing →
Why Fish Here?
Why Jacó Is Such a Good Fishing Base
Jacó gives visiting anglers easy access to Herradura Bay, Los Sueños and both offshore and inshore fishing during the same vacation.
01
Quick Access to Blue Water
The Pacific drops off relatively quickly along this part of Costa Rica, allowing local crews to reach productive offshore fishing water without spending the entire day running.
02
Excellent Inshore Structure
Rocky points, reefs, beaches and islands provide habitat for roosterfish, snapper, jacks, grouper and other hard-fighting coastal game fish.
03
Multiple Boat Options
Choose smaller private charters from Herradura Bay or larger sportfishing options associated with Los Sueños depending on your budget and preferred comfort.
04
Fish Throughout the Year
Different seasons favor different species, so your trip can be planned around sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi, roosterfish or a combination of targets.
05
First-Timers Welcome
Your captain and mate prepare the gear, bait and tackle and can guide new anglers through what to do when a fish enters the spread or takes the bait.
06
Private Fishing Trips
Your charter is reserved for your group and fishing crew, allowing the captain to build the day’s plan around what you want to catch.
Simple, Private & Prepared
What Is Included With a Fishing Charter?
The goal is to make your fishing day easy. Most private charters arrive prepared with the fishing equipment, crew and refreshments needed for your trip.
- Professional captain
- Experienced fishing mate
- Rods and reels
- Bait and tackle
- Cold water
- Soft drinks
- Fruit and snacks
- Lunch on full days
- Cooler and ice
- Fish cleaning when appropriate
Fishing licenses are required and should be arranged before the trip.
Ask About a Specific Charter →
Plan Before You Book
Jacó Fishing Guides
Not sure which boat, species or fishing style is right for you? Start with these guides.
Offshore Fishing in Jacó
Sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and offshore trip planning.
Inshore Fishing in Jacó
Roosterfish, snapper, jacks and fishing around reefs and coastline.
Fish Species
Compare Jacó’s major offshore and inshore game fish.
Best Time to Fish
Explore seasonal fishing information and trip-planning advice.
First Time Fishing?
Learn what beginners can expect from a Costa Rica fishing charter.
Jacó vs. Los Sueños
Understand the difference between Herradura Bay and marina departures.
Departure Options
Herradura Bay or Los Sueños Marina?
Visitors often assume these are completely different fishing destinations. They are actually neighboring departure points that access the same Central Pacific waters.
The bigger difference is usually the boat, budget, amenities and where you’re staying.
Read the Full Jacó vs Los Sueños Guide →
Choose Herradura Bay
Great for smaller private charters, flexible budgets and guests staying around Jacó or Playa Herradura.
Choose Los Sueños Marina
Ideal when you want a larger yacht, marina amenities or are staying directly inside Los Sueños Resort.
Fishing Grounds
Both fleets ultimately fish the same Pacific waters and follow the same bait, currents and fish.
Common Questions
Jacó Fishing Charter FAQ
What fish can I catch in Jacó?
Offshore species include Pacific sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo. Inshore species include roosterfish, snapper, jack crevalle, amberjack, grouper and several other coastal game fish.
When is the best time to fish in Jacó?
There are fishing opportunities throughout the year. December through April is generally the prime sailfish period, while tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin and inshore species provide opportunities during other parts of the year.
Should I book a half day or full day?
Half days work particularly well for many inshore trips because the fishing grounds are closer. For offshore fishing, especially when sailfish or marlin are the priority, a full day generally provides more fishing time and flexibility.
Do I need fishing experience?
No. First-time anglers are welcome. The captain and mate handle the fishing setup and can guide you through what to do when a fish bites.
Are these private charters?
Yes. The boat is reserved for your group along with the captain and mate.
Do the boats leave from Jacó?
Many boats operate from nearby Herradura Bay, just north of Jacó, while other vessels depart from Los Sueños Marina. Your exact departure depends on the boat you choose.
Can I target both offshore and inshore species?
Yes. Many boats can fish both styles, although we generally recommend choosing your primary fishing goal before departure so the captain can plan the day appropriately.
What information should I send when requesting a boat?
Send your preferred fishing date, number of anglers, where you’re staying and the species you would most like to catch. That makes it much easier to recommend the right charter.
Your Costa Rica Fishing Trip
Tell Us What You Want to Catch
Send us your travel dates, number of anglers, where you’re staying and whether sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, roosterfish or another species is at the top of your list. We’ll help you choose the right boat and fishing plan.