Compare private fishing boats from Jacó and Herradura Bay for offshore sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi or inshore roosterfish, snapper and other hard-fighting Pacific species.
The right charter depends on your group size, budget, preferred comfort and most importantly, what you want to catch.
Start here if you already know your approximate budget and group size.
| Boat | Group | Fishing | Best For | Full Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28ft Mathis | Up to 4 | Inshore / Offshore | Value, small groups, inshore | $1,050 |
| 32ft Mako | Up to 4 | Inshore / Offshore | Affordable full-day fishing | $1,200 |
| 30ft Satisfaction | Small Groups | Inshore / Offshore | Twin-diesel sportfishing setup | Request |
| 32ft Fish Whistle | Up to 5 | Inshore / Offshore | Comfort, restroom, offshore | $1,700 |
Every boat has advantages. A smaller boat can be perfect for serious inshore fishing, while additional size and amenities can make a long offshore day more comfortable.
A practical, fishing-focused center console for anglers who want a private charter without paying for the cabin space and amenities of a larger sportfishing yacht.
A larger fishing-focused option for small groups wanting to fish offshore or inshore while keeping the full-day charter cost below larger Carolina and sportfishing boats.
A traditional sportfishing-style option for anglers who want more of a conventional offshore setup while keeping the boat manageable for a smaller private group.
A comfortable Carolina sportfishing boat with shaded seating, private restroom and a traditional offshore fishing setup. A strong choice for families and groups spending a full day offshore.
Choosing your target species first often makes choosing the right boat much easier.
Choose offshore when sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna or mahi-mahi are at the top of your list. Full-day trips give the captain more time and flexibility to locate productive water.
Explore Offshore Fishing →
Choose inshore for roosterfish, snapper, jacks, amberjack and other coastal species. Smaller fishing boats can be especially effective around reefs, islands and rocky structure.
Explore Inshore Fishing →For a small group focused mainly on fishing rather than luxury amenities, start with the 28ft Mathis.
28ft Mathis →If you want additional boat length while keeping the full-day budget down, consider the 32ft Mako.
Ask About Mako →For anglers who prefer a conventional sportfishing feel, Satisfaction provides another interesting option.
Satisfaction →For families, longer offshore days or anyone wanting a restroom and more shelter, look closely at Fish Whistle.
Fish Whistle →
Private fishing charters are prepared so you can arrive ready to fish rather than worrying about bringing equipment.
Fishing licenses are required and should be arranged before departure.
If marlin is your main reason for coming to Costa Rica, tell us before selecting a charter.
The ideal boat and trip can depend on your dates, fishing range, sea conditions and whether you are looking for a conventional offshore day or a specialized longer-range fishing experience.
We can help you determine whether one of the local Herradura boats fits the trip or whether a different offshore setup makes more sense.
Read the Offshore Fishing Guide →
Your target fish can be more important than the size of the boat when planning a charter.
Jacó visitors often see both names when researching fishing boats and assume they are separate fishing destinations.
They are neighboring departure options. Both give anglers access to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific fishing grounds.
Your choice should usually be based on the specific boat, amenities, budget and where your group is staying.
Read Jacó vs. Los Sueños →If you aren’t ready to pick a boat yet, start with the type of fishing experience you want.
Several boats can target sailfish offshore. The better choice depends on your group size, budget and desired comfort. If you want more shelter and a private restroom, the 32ft Fish Whistle is worth considering.
No. Smaller 28–32ft fishing boats regularly fish offshore from the Jacó and Herradura area. The captain, fishing conditions and time available can be more important than simply choosing the largest vessel.
Smaller fishing-focused boats such as the 28ft Mathis can work particularly well for inshore fishing because the crew can efficiently work reefs, islands, rocky shoreline and live bait.
Capacity varies by boat. The smaller options are best for groups of around four anglers, while Fish Whistle accommodates up to five anglers.
Half-day trips can work well for inshore fishing because productive areas are closer to shore. For sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi offshore, a full day generally provides the crew more flexibility.
Yes. Your charter is reserved for your group along with the captain and fishing crew.
Send your preferred fishing date, number of anglers, where you’re staying, your approximate budget and the fish you would most like to catch. That gives us enough information to recommend the most appropriate options.
Departure depends on the specific charter. The fleet operates around Herradura Bay and the Los Sueños area, only a short distance from Jacó.
Send your fishing date, number of anglers, where you’re staying and the species you’re hoping to target. We’ll help you narrow the fleet down to the charter that makes the most sense for your group.
