Inshore Charters in the Gulf of Papagayo
Fish the rocky points along the coastline for roosterfish, cubera snapper and amberjack. Calmer water, shorter rides, and something biting all year.
40–50 lb
Average roosterfish in these waters, Costa Rica's signature inshore fish.
Year-round
Roosterfish here are non-migratory, so there is no closed season to plan around.
4, 6 or 8 hr
Half days work well with kids on board. From $500, depending on the boat.
Calm water, trophy fish
Inshore stays close to the coast, so the ride is short and the water is calmer. That matters more than people expect: a rough two-hour run offshore can end a day before it starts for anyone prone to seasickness.
It is the trip we point families, first-timers and mixed-ability groups towards. It is also where the fly and light-tackle anglers go, because the rocky points hold fish close enough to work properly. And it is where experienced anglers come for a trophy roosterfish or a big cubera snapper, two fish high on a lot of bucket lists.
- Duration
- 4, 6 or 8 hours
- Price
- From $500, varies by boat
- Best For
- All skill levels, trophy hunters
- Season
- Year-round
Target species inshore
Crews fish live bait on the points and structure. Roosterfish is the one people come for, but the snapper and amberjack pull just as hard.
What comes with the day
Pick-up: the boat waits in the bay, about 100 m off the beach, and a dinghy brings you out to it. Where no boat can reach, we arrange ground transport.
Fishing license: not in the price. Costa Rica requires one by law for every angler, and you buy it before the trip, online from INCOPESCA. Feel free to ask, we can provide guidance.
Bringing kids or non-anglers? Ask about adding a beach or snorkel stop. That turns it into a Fishing + Beach BBQ day.
Boats that fish inshore
Every boat in the fleet fishes inshore. The smaller ones are the most nimble, and these are a few of them; the full list is on the fleet page.
Book an inshore day
Send your dates and group size. We will come back with the boats that are free and what each one costs.