Set between the Caribbean Sea and The Pacific Ocean Costa Rica, has over 750 miles of coastline. In addition, the diverse landscape of the country is dotted with mountain-fed streams and pristine, alpine lakes. A better fishing destination would be hard to find.
Pacific Coast
Costa Rica fishing is noted for the world-class fishing along the Pacific coast. The coast extends from the northwest province of Guanacaste to the southern ports of Quepos and Drake Bay. Sailfish, tuna, wahoo, marlin, shark, and roosterfish are plentiful here. It’s not unusual to see several sailfish and a marlin in one afternoon. Although they are visible all year, the season for marlin begins in November with sailfish and roosterfish season following in December. Both seasons continue to late March or early April. Costa Rica fishing packages team up with charter boat operators who work out of marinas all along the coast, particularly from Cabo Blanca in the north and Drake Bay along the central coast. Expect to pay approximately between $400 and $1500 per day for Costa Rica fishing packages. This includes the boat charter, an experienced guide, all of your equipment, bait, drinks, and lunch. The prices vary as to the size of the boat and the experience of the crew.
Caribbean Coast
The temperate waters of the Caribbean coast are home to abundant tarpon and snook. The eastern coast of Costa Rica is lined with lush inlets, canals, and creeks, filled with sea life. The average tarpon in the canals weighs in at around 80 pounds. Snook are also abundant here, and although they are smaller fish, they are good fighters and make for challenging fishing. Unlike the Pacific coast, Costa Rica fishing along the Caribbean is centered among small fishing lodges. These accommodations with intriguing names, like Crocodile Lodge and Tortuga Lodge are located all along the canals and range from basic housing to luxurious game outposts. Another way to stay along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is by chartering a houseboat. These self-contained homes can sleep up to twelve people, have cooking facilities, and can take you up the canals to where the fish are. Costa Rica fishing packages along the Caribbean coast will cost from around $1000 at a basic lodge to over $2500 for a week at a luxury fishing lodge. Lodge prices generally include four days fishing, six nights accommodations, all fishing equipment and licenses, a fishing guide, and all meals at the lodge.
Freshwater Fishing
A three-hour scenic drive from San Jose is Lake Arenal, the premier inland Costa Rica fishing spot. Fed by mountain streams, the lake is loaded with rainbow trout. The view isn’t too bad either. The twenty-mile-long lake is lined with lush, jungle greenery and is watched over by a huge semi-active volcano at one end of the lake. A brisk average 25-mile per hour breeze also makes the lake one of the best windsurfing locales in the world.
Costa Rica fishing is like fishing nowhere else on earth. Put together your own Costa Rica fishing package or choose from the many packages offered by Costa Rica tour operators. Choose from the Caribbean Sea, the big-game fish of the Pacific, or the pristine inland waters of Lake Arenal. The variety offered, the scenic beauty, and the abundant fish here are ideal for all levels of fishing enthusiasts. Make Costa Rica your next fishing destination.
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