Gulf of Papagayo · Sportfishing
Papagayo Sport Fishing
Fishing charters across the Gulf of Papagayo
Papagayo Sport Fishing Charters runs half-day, full-day and custom fishing trips on the Gulf of Papagayo, with boats from 31 to 50 feet. They pick up from a long list of beaches in northern Guanacaste, and also offer snorkel, sunset and beach barbecue trips for groups who want a day on the water without the rods.
What they offer
Papagayo Sport Fishing Charters is a fishing outfit working the Gulf of Papagayo, the big bay in Costa Rica's northwest corner between the Santa Elena and Nicoya peninsulas. You can book a short inshore trip, a full day offshore, or a custom charter built around your group, and they'll pick you up from one of more than 15 beach departure points rather than making you drive to a marina.
When this page first went up, the business also sold sailing trips. Today the focus is clearly on fishing, with some non-fishing boat days on the side: snorkel and sunset outings, beach barbecue and snorkel combos, and private yacht tours. If you're mainly after a sail, look at Kuna Vela or Sea Bird Sailing Excursions in Playas del Coco instead.
The boats
The current fleet on their site has 3 boats:
- A 31-foot Boston Whaler walkaround with a single 300 hp Yamaha and an onboard restroom
- A 35-foot Bertram with twin 300 hp Yamahas, a private restroom and room for up to 7 guests
- A 50-foot Ocean Yacht sportfisher with an air-conditioned salon and private restroom
That spread works well: the Whaler for a couple of anglers chasing roosterfish along the rocks, the Bertram for a family or small group, and the 50-footer when you want shade, air conditioning and space for a longer day.
What you can catch
The species they list are sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna and roosterfish, plus the usual inshore mix. The Gulf of Papagayo fishes all year, though on the north Pacific coast the better offshore months are generally from about May to September. In the dry season, from about December to March, the Papagayo winds can make the open gulf rough, and that's when sheltered inshore trips often make more sense.
Where you leave from
They don't run from one fixed dock. The site says they fish from your location, with pickups at beaches around the gulf, including several of the big resort beaches. Trips are also listed for Playa Flamingo and Samara, further south. Confirm your exact pickup beach and time when you book. If you're on a cruising boat, Marina Papagayo is the main full-service marina on the same bay.
Who it suits
- Anglers who want a serious offshore day for billfish or tuna
- Families and mixed groups who'd rather fish inshore for a few hours and swim
- Resort guests who like being collected from the beach out front
- Groups who want a non-fishing day, like snorkeling and a beach barbecue
Good to know before you book
- Prices aren't listed here; ask for a quote based on boat, length of trip and group size.
- Check whether a Costa Rican fishing license is arranged for you or needs buying separately.
- Most billfishing in Costa Rica is catch and release, so plan photos, not trophies.
- Bring sun protection and motion sickness tablets if you're prone, especially offshore.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Papagayo Sport Fishing trips depart from?
From beaches around the Gulf of Papagayo, with more than 15 pickup points. They also list trips around Playa Flamingo and Samara.
What size boats do they have?
Their site lists a 31-foot Boston Whaler, a 35-foot Bertram for up to 7 guests and a 50-foot Ocean Yacht.
Can non-anglers join?
Yes. Besides fishing, they offer snorkel and sunset trips, beach barbecue combos and yacht tours.
Do they still run sailing tours?
Not that we can see. Their current trips are fishing charters and motorboat outings.
When is the best time to fish Papagayo?
It fishes year round. Offshore action on the north coast is generally best from about May to September.
