Villa Firenze

Luxury villa rental

Villa Firenze

Luxury villa rental

Entry-header image

Category: Activities

Costa Rican Fishing Calendar – Which is the Best Season to Catch Fish in Costa Rica?

Activities

Costa Rica, popularly known as the “billfish capital of the world,” is home to a wide variety of fish species, many of which are available for fishing year-round. However, the availability of certain species may vary depending on the time of year and the fishing spot you choose. In general, Costa Rica has two main seasons for fishing: the dry season, which runs from December to April, and the green season, which runs from May to November.  

During the dry season, the water is clear and warm, which can be conducive to fishing for species such as roosterfish, snapper, and grouper.  

Heavy rainfall and slightly cooler water temperatures typically characterize the green season. This season is a suitable time to target species such as tarpon and jacks, which are known to feed more actively in slightly cooler water temperatures. 

The Fishing Seasons in Costa Rica 

The dry season (December to April) is the best time to go fishing in Costa Rica, as the waters are clearer and calmer. The cool temperature can make it easier to spot and target fish.  

However, many popular sportfish species, such as marlin and sailfish, are more commonly caught off the Pacific coast during the rainy season (May to November). This wet season can also be an excellent time to target species such as tarpon and jacks, which are known to feed more actively in cooler waters.

That said, the best time to go fishing in Costa Rica will depend on your specific fishing goals and preferences. Knowing what fish species will be available during which month of the year as well as weather patterns and water conditions will be helpful when planning your fishing trip in Costa Rica. 

This blog lists the peak seasons by the popular fish species in Costa Rica to help you better plan your excursion. 

Marlin 

The best time to catch marlins in Costa Rica depends on several factors, including the specific location, weather conditions, and the marlin species you are targeting. 

Marlin fishing in Costa Rica has two peak seasons: dry and rainy seasons. The latter, known as the ‘Green Season,’ is often underrated, but is gaining popularity.  

During this time, the Pacific Coast experiences excellent blue and black marlin action, specifically in June, July, and August.  

But the most popular time for marlin fishing in Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the water is clear, warm, and inviting, making it easier for the marlin to locate their prey. January, February, and March are the months to fish marlin in Costa Rica.  

It is important to note that marlins are highly migratory, so their presence in any given area can be unpredictable. However, the Caribbean coast and some specific regions of on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, such as Los Sueños Marina, are known as marlin hotspots. 

So, January to March is the traditional fishing season for marlin in Costa Rica, however, in recent times the season from June to August is gaining popularity. 

Sailfish 

Sailfish are a type of marlin but have a broader fin found in tropical and subtropical waters. Trolling, live bait fishing, and jigging are popular methods used to catch sailfish in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, their most common species are the Pacific blue marlin. Recreational anglers prize these fish highly for their size, strength, and speed.  

The peak fishing season is the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the water temperatures in the region are warmer, which makes the fish more active and more likely to bite on lures and bait.  

The warm waters also attract baitfish, a primary source of food. As a result, these fish migrate to warm areas to feed, making them more likely to be caught by anglers.

Dorados (Mahi-Mahi) 

Popularly known as Dolphins or Mahi-Mahi, Dorado is one of the easiest fish species to catch in Costa Rica. The best time to catch Dorado in the country depends on a few factors, including the location where you plan to fish Dorado and the time of year when you plan your excursion.  

The dry season is the peak fishing season for Dorado in Costa Rica, with May to August being the best months. During this time, the water is warm, and the fish are more active, making it easier for anglers to hook Dorados.  

The best places to fish Dorado are near areas with strong currents and deep drop-offs. Some of the best spots in Costa Rica are the Catalinas Islands, the Osa Peninsula, and the Gulf of Papagayo. Because of its large population of Dorados, the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos hosts the annual Dorado Derby tournament every November, where anglers from many other countries compete in teams to win cash prizes. 

Roosterfish 

Roosterfish, a coastal fish species found in shallower waters, is one of the most sought-after fish in Costa Rica. Roosterfish can be caught year-round and all across Costa Rica, but they are found along the Pacific coast in high numbers.  

The best time to fish for roosterfish in the country is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The water temperature is more habitable, the visibility is greater, and the roosterfish are more active during this season, which makes spotting them easier. The weather is typically more pleasant for anglers too during the dry season, with lower humidity and fewer storms.  

The dry season is also a popular time for tourists to visit Costa Rica. With the local tourist economy in full swing, it becomes easier for anglers to find guided fishing trips and other resources for successful fishing excursions.  

Tarpons 

Tarpons are a saltwater fish species known for their enormous size and acrobatic leaps when hooked. These fish species are found in many tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in the Caribbean Sea and along the eastern coast of Costa Rica.  

The peak tarpon season for Tarpon fishing in Costa Rica is typically from May to July and then from October to November. These months offer the highest density of these fish and the most favorable weather conditions to plan a fishing excursion. During this season, tarpons are usually found in plenty in nearshore waters, estuaries, and lagoons.  

They are known to migrate during the winter months, so the exact timing of the tarpon season can vary slightly between the two Costa Rican coasts. Depending on whether you want to visit the Pacific or the Caribbean coast, the exact fishing season will vary. But broadly speaking, May to July and from October to November are great times for fishing tarpon.

In conclusion, Costa Rica is a sport fishing enthusiast’s paradise, with various species available to catch year-round. However, different times of the year may be ideal for targeting specific fish species as their migratory patterns and feeding habits change. With these tips, anglers can plan their trips to maximize their chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience in the beautiful waters of Costa Rica.

For those looking for a luxurious stay while enjoying the bounties of the sea, Villa Firenze offers an exceptional experience. This luxury Costa Rica villa includes a fishing charter in its all-inclusive package. Guests staying at Villa Firenze can enjoy the magic of sport fishing on the Pacific Coast, ensuring an unparalleled fishing adventure in Costa Rica. 

So why wait? Start planning your next fishing adventure in Costa Rica today.

Top 5 Fishing Spots to Experience the Best of Sport-fishing in Costa Rica

Activities

Costa Rica has always been an incredible destination for a vacation, thanks to its lush rainforests, exotic flora and fauna, and golden beaches that dive headfirst into crystal-clear water. In such spectacular vistas, fishing has always been one of the main draws. Enveloped by two water bodies, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is considered an ideal sport fishing destination. No matter which coast you are on, you are never too far to catch a fish.   

However, fishing in Costa Rica is not limited to being a sport for professionals; thanks to the excellent selection of offshore, coastal, and freshwater locations, everyone, from expert anglers to newbies, can enjoy fishing here.   

This blog post will outline the best places to fish and the peak season for each fish in Costa Rica. So, continue reading to prepare for your next fishing trip to Costa Rica.

The Best Fishing Destinations in Costa Rica

1. Los Sueños Resort & Marina   

The best sport fishing experience and the availability of several privately owned luxury vacation villas make Los Sueños Resort & Marina an angler’s paradise. In addition to unending schools of dorado and yellowfin tuna, sailfish are abundant here, making sport fishing in Los Sueños one of the best experiences in the world. The ideal months for catching blue, black, and striped Marlin are from November to February and May to July.

You can also find experienced charters specializing in inshore fishing for mackerel, snapper, jacks, sea bass, and roosterfish. Bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, and amberjack at its offshore reefs are an excellent alternative if inshore fishing is not your thing.

2. Manuel Antonio/Quepos  

Quepos, once known as the “fishing capital of Costa Rica,” is located an hour’s drive south of the Los Sueños Resort and Marina. The Manuel Antonio National Park at Quepos is known for its stunning beaches, verdant rainforests, exotic wildlife, five-star hotels, and fantastic sport fishing experience.

The Sailfish Capital of the World, Quepos, is also a wonderful place to catch Roosterfish, Snapper, Dorado, and Marlin. It is home to several islands and three big-mouth rivers, which makes it perfect for some of the best inshore fishing in the country for species like snook, seabass, jacks, and roosterfish. So, the next time you want to experience the best inshore fishing in Costa Rica, you know where to go.    

3. Guanacaste  

One of the seven provinces in Costa Rica, Guanacaste is spread over the entire northwest region of the country. It is home to stunning beaches, the country’s largest resorts, and ancient fishing villages like Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the Gulf of Papagayo.    

Because of its favorable geographical features and climatic conditions, it is also one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most famous fishing destinations. You can enjoy fishing at its best from May to November, i.e., the green season. Guanacaste provides excellent inshore fishing and diving experiences, thanks to its clear waters and large offshore islands.

4. Lake Arenal  

The 33-acre Lake Arenal offers a stunning setting for exciting freshwater fishing for species like machaca, tilapia, and the highly sought-after rainbow bass.    

In addition to bass fishing, Lake Arenal also offers float trips down some pristine jungle rivers. These float trips are a unique and unforgettable way to spend the day admiring nature as you float through the Costa Rican rainforests.  

5. Osa Peninsula  

The last, but not the least, on our list of the top five fishing spots in Costa Rica is the Osa Peninsula. The entire Osa Peninsula is a 164-square-mile national park called Corcovado National Park. Boasting 5% of the world’s biodiversity, this region is referred to as the “most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic. Sparse population and abundant marine life makes fishing in the Osa Peninsula an exciting experience.

Plus, many bird species, some of the most poisonous snakes in the world, crocodiles, and mammals of all sizes, can also be found here. Hence, the Osa Peninsula is also a must-visit place for nature enthusiasts. It is famous for animal sightings and visitors can spot tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, four species of monkeys, and sloths.

Costa Rica Fishing Calendar 2023

AreasTypes of FishPeak Season
Northern Pacific (Tamarindo, Flamingo, Gulf of Papagayo)MarlinNovember-March
SailfishMarch-August
TunaAugust-October
Mahi-mahiMay-October
RoosterfishNovember-March
WahooMay-August
Central Pacific (Jaco, Quepos, Herradura, Puntarenas) MarlinSeptember-November 
SailfishDecember-April 
TunaJune-September
Mahi-mahiMay
RoosterfishJune-September 
Southern Pacific (Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez, Zancudo, Golfito, Golfo Dulce)Marlin August-December 
Sailfish December-March 
Tuna Year-round 
Mahi-mahi May-October 
RoosterfishYear-round 
WahooMay-July 
Caribbean Ocean Tarpon December-May 
Fat Snook November-January 
Atlantic Sailfish Year-round 
Wahoo Year-round 
Tripletail Year-round 

Beach Towns and More Adventures  

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is where you will find some of the country’s most well-known and popular beach towns. Just 75 minutes outside of San Jose is the surf town of Jaco, while Manuel Antonio is only around 2.5 hours away.

You can choose from a collection of adventure tours in every beach town along the coast. Eco-tours include expert-led excursions through national parks, kayaking through intricate mangroves, watching whales and turtles, or taking a catamaran cruise at dusk.

Besides sport fishing, Costa Rica is also the ideal spot for enjoying adventure tours like canopy zip-lining tours, white-water rafting, ATV tours, and horseback riding tours. These beach towns are also a popular spot for adventure sports like surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.   

Conclusion  

One of the top sportfishing locations in the world, Costa Rica boasts 95 world sportfishing records made on its inland and coastal waters. It is home to two long coastlines, vast wetlands, countless rivers, and supportive government policy. Costa Ricans strongly support conserving its fishing resources and encourages anglers to release all billfish and other non-edible fish that they catch. Costa Rica just might be a paradise for every fishing enthusiast.

Fishing Tournaments in Costa Rica You Cannot Afford to Miss in 2023

Activities

For all fishing enthusiasts, Costa Rica truly makes the best spot for experiencing the best of fishing worldwide. Surrounded by the Pacific Coast on one side and the Caribbean Coast on the other, this Central American country is famous as the paradise for anglers, where sport fishing aficionados can enjoy the best of both inshore and offshore fishing. The impressive natural beauty of the country, the vast swathes of the coastal ecosystem, and the sustainable sportfishing practices like “catch and release” has made Costa Rica a go-to place for tourists on a fishing excursion.  

If you love sportfishing and winning a fishing tournament is your goal for 2023, the phenomenal sportfishing opportunities in Costa Rica are perfect for you. IGFA (International Game Fish Association) is a recognized, not-for-profit fishing authority committed to conserving Game fish and promoting ethical, responsible fishing practices. Costa Rica homes dozens of IGFA titles. To be more specific, this nation has won 70+ IGFA world records and around 17 All-Tackle records. Thousands of trophy hunters from Canada and the US participate in the fishing tournaments organized here to enjoy the best billfish game.  

The abundance of fish species in the lakes, rivers, and marinas is why this Central American nation is widely known, considered, and praised for offering anglers the best sport fishing experience. Blue, black, & striped marlin, sailfish, and swordfish are some of the many targeted species found in the waters of this beautiful country.  

Five Popular Fishing Tournaments in Costa Rica  

A fishing tournament, AKA “Fish Derby,” is a competition where anglers compete to catch fish. Both teams and individuals can participate in these tournaments, where they must catch fish within the given time. The number of fishes, the weight of the fish, and the time it takes to catch each fish will help decide the winner. The winners are awarded a cash prize, depending on the type of tournament they participate in.  

Let us look at the most famous Costa Rican fishing tournaments you can participate in during your trip in 2023.  

1. Signature Triple Crown  

Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Jaco, Costa Rica, is one of the most visited and popular spots in the Central Pacific region. Besides having so many natural vistas, this marina is also known for sponsoring the best billfish tournament. The fishing experience here is exceptional, thanks to the pleasant weather conditions and calm waters all year. Los Sueños Resort and Marina is where one gets the best boats, amenities, and, eventually, the best fishing experience.  

The Signature Triple Crown tournament is one of the most competitive billfish tournaments that draws participants from all over the world, including Russia, Brazil, Nicaragua, and the United States. With Los Sueños Resort and Marina as a backdrop, this tournament offers a magical experience you will not get anywhere else.  

Schedule of the tournament  

  • Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown LEG 1: 18th to 21st of January 2023  
  • Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown LEG 2: 22nd to 25th of February 2023   
  • Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown LEG 3: 22nd to 25th of March 2023  

2. Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament  

The PELAGIC Rockstar Offshore Tournament is one of the largest and richest sportfishing tournaments. It is a team event where you and your team can bag up to USD 500,000 as prize money. Teams from every country travel to Costa Rica to participate and compete for this highly prestigious title.  

Schedule of the tournament   

  • January 12th, 2023 (Thursday): Team Check-In, Meeting with Captain, and Kickoff Party  
  • January 13th, 2023 (Friday): 1st Day of the Tournament   
  • January 14th, 2023 (Saturday): 2nd Day of the Tournament  
  • January 15th, 2023 (Sunday): Award Ceremony  

Entry Fee   

  • General Entry: $3,500  
  • All In (Sonar Division): $40,500  
  • All In (Non-Sonar division): $25,500  

3. Rooster Rodeo 2023  

This one-day event is dedicated to catching and releasing roosterfish. The team that releases the maximum number of roosterfish will get the highest points, depending on the size and weight of the fish. The winning team can win a cash prize and bragging rights. Every participating team needs to have a cameraperson on the boat to document each release. The organizers will decide the winner based on the recorded videos and the number of tagged fish.  

  • General Entry Fee (mandatory): $300   
  • Evert rooster release is worth 50 points  

4. The Dorado Derby  

This one-day event is organized annually in Costa Rica, where teams participate in various categories like the “Largest Fish,” “Most Unique Catch,” or “Heaviest Catch.” The team that catches the heaviest dorado usually bags the first prize. A weighing round is conducted at the end, and based on the results, the winners are decided.   

Team Entry Fee (Mandatory) – $300 for five members   

Schedule of the tournament   

November 10th, 2023  

  • 2:00 to 6:00 pm: Final registration.  
  • 7:00 pm: Meeting with the Captain  

November 11th, 2023   

  • 5:30 am: Check out  
  • 7:00 am: Shot Gun Start  
  • 2:00 to 6:00 pm: Weigh station opens  
  • 7:30 pm: Award Ceremony  

5. Marina Pez Vela Open   

The best thing about this tournament is that it is organized with other Costa Rican fishing tournaments, meaning you can enjoy other exciting events during your excursion. It is a two-day sportfishing event where participants are divided into two teams – the gun division and the fun division.  

Each division has different rules that need to be followed during the tournament.   

The Gun Division: All the participants in this division are on their own, meaning it is their responsibility to release the billfish they catch. Moreover, the rules of the International Game Fish Association are also in force.  

The Fun Division: The participants can catch whichever fish species they want without worrying about releasing them. The charter crews can help unhook the catch before passing the rod to other anglers.  

The Marina Pez Vela Open tournament is perfect if you want to enjoy the best of fishing without worrying about winning or losing. A group of friends who love fishing will surely enjoy this event.  

Schedule of the tournament  

April 14th, 2023 – Registration Day   

  • 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Final Registration  
  • 7:00 pm: Meeting with the Captain  

April 15th, 2023 – Fishing Day   

  • 5:00 am: The registration desk open  
  • 5:30 am: Boats are permitted to leave the marina   
  • 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Weigh Station opens  
  • 7:30 pm: Award ceremony  

Conclusion   

The pristine environment and friendly Ticos make Costa Rica an impressive sport fishing destination. Costa Ricans enjoy the laid-back Pura Vida lifestyle and are proud of their culture and heritage. They value their natural resources, and thus, you will see them putting in effort to conserve every fish. Hence, there are laws and regulations you need to know, follow, and consider while participating in any Costa Rican fishing tournament.  

Villa Firenze in Los Sueños Resort and Marina is one of the most luxurious private villa rentals on the Pacific Coast. Villa rentals include a fishing charter, a helicopter ride, and an RZR tour. At Villa Firenze you get both – the best fishing charter experience and a chance to enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle while staying in Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica White Water Rafting—The Ultimate Adventure Tour!

Activities

Traveling to Costa Rica offers visitors a chance to experience world-class rafting in a tropical paradise, thanks to the country’s year-round warm weather and abundance of natural beauty. Approximately 14 major river systems form in the mountains of Costa Rica, and most of them drain into the Pacific or the Caribbean oceans. Some rivers in Costa Rica create spectacular rafting and kayaking conditions, placing Costa Rica among the best spots for white water rafting in the world.    

Costa Rica is home to great locations for rafters of all skill levels, so even those who have never rafted before will be spoiled for choice. In general, the rafting grade gets more challenging as the elevation increases and the rivers get wider. The lower-altitude rivers are easy to raft and usually have thick jungles and lush flora lining them, which also makes for excellent views.   

So, whether you want to float down the river with your family and spot wildlife or challenge yourself on adrenaline-packed rapids, there could be no better option than white water rafting.    

White Water Rafting in Costa Rica   

Besides being known for its natural beauty and “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica is also one of the must-visit destinations for white water rafting. This Central American country offers ideal conditions for rafting. From professional rafters to beginners, everyone prefers to visit Costa Rica for its sparkling waterfalls, warm waters, and lush rainforests, where you can also spot incredible Costa Rican wildlife.      

5 Best Rivers for White water Rafting in Costa Rica   

The top river rafting destinations in the country are given here, ranked by class and difficulty level. The most important thing to remember is that the rainy season (May to November) is generally considered the ideal time to start your rafting trip. It’s when the rivers are at their highest level. However, there are many rivers where you can enjoy white water rafting in Costa Rica, even in the dry season.   

So, the choice is entirely yours, whether you want to go river rafting in Costa Rica during the dry or rainy season.     

1. Savegre River (Class I/II) 

Warm waters, rapids that are just exciting enough, and a hidden, magical waterfall – these are the things that set the Savegre river rafting experience apart. Near the incredible Manual Antonio national park, the Savegre River provides the chance to witness verdant rainforests and exciting wildlife in a children-friendly adventure trip. And the best thing about this rafting route? You’re more likely to be the only one at a given destination at a time, perfect for spending time with your family. The Savegre river is within driving distance from Villa Firenze, plus you can club the visit with a trip to the stunning Manual Antonio national park.   

2. Peñas Blancas River (Class I)    

Peñas Blancas is a family-friendly rafting adventure that starts things off a little on a simpler and easier side. If you are with your family and kids and want to experience the best river rafting in Costa Rica, go for a class I or lower safari float, which is ideal for families and children of all ages and everyone looking for a calm ride. Class I rapids are described as slow-moving currents. As you gradually go down the stream, you will have opportunities to spot famous Costa Rican birds, including herons and spectacled owls. Monkeys, caimans, sloths, and long-nosed bats are the common animals that keep the kids entertained throughout the rafting trip. 

3. Balsa River (Class II/III)   

Although the minimum acceptable age for rafters on the Balsa River is ten years old, it is one of the best and most popular spots for water rafting in Costa Rica. The gentle rapids are enough to keep things interesting and keep you going during this exciting four-hour ride, which also involves spotting rare Costa Rican animals, like monkeys and sloths. Moreover, rafters will love the rainforest scenery throughout the trip, which is perfect for spending time in the lap of nature.      

4. Sarapiquí River (Class III/IV)   

If you prefer a multi-day rafting trip over an afternoon outing, you may want to go on an exciting rafting trip on the Sarapiquí River in the central highlands, north of Heredia, Costa Rica. You’re sure to spot some spectacular flora and fauna because the river flows between two national parks, Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco and Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. The best time to visit the Sarapiquí River is during the peak season, i.e., from June to October. The best thing about this river is its calmness and pristine waters. It’s perfect for experiencing the actual thrill and excitement of white water rafting in Costa Rica, filled with challenges, natural beauty, fun, and adventure.   

5. Río Toro (Class III/IV)   

The Río Toro, also known as the bull river, features a run of roughly 45 consecutive Class III/IV rapids. It is a fantastic choice for adventure lovers, where you can enjoy an adventurous 10-mile-long journey that typically takes two and a half hours. You’ll experience rough tropical terrain with waterfalls, river canyons, and incredible wildlife during the trip. No prior experience is required. However, children under the age of 13 should not try it. So, whether you are planning a visit with family or friends, Río Toro offers the best river rafting in Costa Rica.     

6. Pacuare River (Class III/IV)   

National Geographic has mentioned the Pacuare River in their list of “10 best river trips in the world.” If you want to make a rafting trip memorable, this river is the best choice. The Pacuare River run is 67 miles long. You will get the opportunity to enjoy the diverse topography of Costa Rica. This river offers Class III/IV rapids, but several gentle stretches run beside lovely lowland forests. So, if you are a beginner and have a passion for rafting, you are more than welcome to raft in Pacuare.   

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Tour – Minimum Age and Rapids Grades 

Now that you know which river to choose for your next rafting trip, the next important thing to be aware of is the minimum age requirement. The age limit varies according to the river you intend to raft, the skill grade of the rapids, and the tour company leading the trip. The updated age limit for the best white water rafting trips in Costa Rica is given here.  

Rivers Rapids Grade Minimum Age Allowed 
Savegre River Class II/III 6 years 
Pacuare River Class III/IV 12 years 
Reventazon River Class II/III 6 years 
Sarapiqui River Class III/IV 13 years 
Balsa River Class II/III 10 years 
Tenorio River Class III/IV 13 years 
Naranjo River Class III/IV 8 years 

Rafting is indeed one of the most thrilling and adrenaline-pumping activities travelers can do in Costa Rica. The country is a popular destination worldwide for white water rafting enthusiasts. Costa Rica has something for everyone, from beginners’ runs to some of the most challenging rapids on the planet. So, if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, white water rafting in Costa Rica is for you!