🎣 Fishing in Quepos, Costa Rica – The Gateway to World-Class Sportfishing
📍 Where Is Quepos?
Quepos is a vibrant fishing town located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, just a short drive south of Jaco and about 2.5 hours from San José by car, or only 20 minutes by domestic flight. Quepos is the gateway to the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, a region where lush rainforest meets golden beaches and rich bluewater fishing grounds.
Named after the indigenous Quepoa people, Quepos blends small-town charm with global recognition as one of the top sportfishing destinations in the world.
🌊 Why Quepos Is a Premier Fishing Destination
Quepos has earned international fame for its abundance of Pacific sailfish and excellent access to deep-sea fishing grounds just miles offshore. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, Quepos offers an unforgettable experience with:
- 🌐 Year-round fishery
- 🚤 Quick access to deep water
- 🛥️ Home to Marina Pez Vela, one of the most modern marinas in Central America
- 🐟 Variety of offshore and inshore species
Fishing charters in Quepos are professionally run, with bilingual crews, tournament-grade gear, and options for every group size and budget..
🎯 What Can You Catch in Quepos?
🐟 Offshore Species
Offshore trips from Quepos typically take you 15 to 30 miles into the Pacific, where the fishing action is non-stop. In these rich waters, anglers commonly target:
- 🐬 Sailfish – Peak season: December to April
- 🎣 Marlin (Blue, Black, Striped) – Seen mostly May to October
- 🐟 Yellowfin Tuna – Year-round, especially strong May to September
- 🐠 Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – Best from October to January
- 🐉 Wahoo – Occasional, often in the shoulder seasons
Quepos is considered by many to be the “Sailfish Capital” of Costa Rica, where double-digit releases are common during peak season.
🌴 Inshore Species
Closer to the shoreline, inshore fishing around rocky points, reefs, estuaries, and river mouths offers a different challenge with light tackle and explosive fights:
- 🐓 Roosterfish – Iconic, hard-fighting inshore trophy fish
- 🐠 Snappers – Cubera, mullet, and red snapper
- 🐟 Jacks, mackerel, and needlefish
- 🐟 Snook – Especially near river mouths and mangroves
Inshore trips are ideal for families, kids, or anyone looking for shorter trips in calmer waters.
🛥️ Charter Options and Marina Pez Vela
Marina Pez Vela, located in Quepos town, is one of the most advanced marinas in Latin America. The marina hosts high-profile tournaments like the IGFA Offshore World Championship, and it offers:
- 195 wet slips for boats up to 200 ft
- Fuel station and full-service boatyard
- Restaurants, shops, and charter desks on site
- Professional fishing crews and top-quality boats
Boat Options:
- 28–32 ft center consoles – Great for inshore and budget offshore trips
- 36–45 ft cabin cruisers – Full-day offshore fishing with A/C and restrooms
- 50+ ft luxury yachts – VIP and overnight fishing experiences
📅 Best Time to Fish in Quepos
| Month | Highlight Species |
|---|---|
| Dec–Apr | Sailfish (peak), Marlin, Dorado |
| May–Jul | Marlin (blue/black), Tuna, Snapper |
| Aug–Oct | Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish |
| Nov | Dorado, mixed offshore and inshore action |
While sailfish steal the show during the dry season, tuna, dorado, and marlin keep lines tight throughout the year.
🏖️ Things to Do in Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Your fishing adventure in Quepos doesn’t end at the dock. The region offers an amazing mix of eco-tourism, adventure, and beach vibes:
- 🐒 Visit Manuel Antonio National Park – See monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more
- 🛶 Mangrove kayak tours through Damas Island estuaries
- 🧗 Ziplining and ATV tours through rainforest trails
- 🥂 Sunset cruises and private catamarans
- 🧘♂️ Beach yoga, spas, and in-villa massage therapy
You can also enjoy vibrant nightlife, fresh seafood restaurants, and beach bars along the Manuel Antonio coast.
🧳 Getting to Quepos
- ✈️ By Air – 20-minute domestic flight from San José (SJO) to Quepos (XQP)
- 🚗 By Road – 2.5 to 3 hours via modern coastal highway
- 🚐 Private shuttle or rental car – Available for door-to-door transport from anywhere in Costa Rica
📞 Book Your Quepos Fishing Adventure Today
Ready to experience the thrill of fishing in one of the most biologically diverse and productive marine regions in the world? Whether you’re chasing your first sailfish or planning a deep-sea marlin expedition, Quepos, Costa Rica is the place to do it.
👉 Call or WhatsApp: +506-8888-4723
👉 Email: info@costarica-fishing.com
👉 Online Booking: https://costarica-fishing.com/booking/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Quepos fishing beginner-friendly?
Yes. Many captains specialize in trips for first-timers, families, and kids.
Q: Can we eat the fish we catch?
Yes! Most edible species like tuna, mahi-mahi, and snapper can be cleaned and cooked locally. Billfish are released.
Q: What should I bring on a charter?
Wear light, breathable clothing, bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Your charter will provide everything else.
Q: Is it worth fishing Quepos vs. Los Sueños?
Both are top-tier, but Quepos offers quicker access to blue water and a more intimate town experience.