Full Day Offshore Amberjack Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour private charter aboard 28' Bertram fishing yachtTarget marlin, sailfish, mahi, and tuna offshoreExperienced local captains with quality tackle provided
When you're ready to chase trophy fish in some of Costa Rica's most productive waters, this full-day offshore charter aboard the Amberjack delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. This 28-foot Bertram Fly Bridge is a proven fish-fighting machine that's been putting clients on big game species year after year. Captain and crew know these Pacific waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work hard to put you on the bite. With 8 hours on the water and room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of time to work the best spots without feeling rushed. At $1,450 for your private group, it's a solid investment in what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize your time in the strike zone. The Amberjack is built for comfort and performance, with a spacious cockpit that gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The fly bridge offers excellent visibility for spotting birds, bait schools, and those telltale signs that predators are feeding below. Your captain will head straight to the productive offshore grounds where the big pelagics roam, typically 15-25 miles out where the water turns that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart pumping. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle and all the terminal gear you'll need, though seasoned anglers are welcome to bring their favorite rods. Lunch is provided, keeping you fueled for those long fights that make offshore fishing so addictive.
This is classic blue water trolling at its finest. We'll run a spread of lures and natural baits designed to trigger strikes from marlin, sailfish, mahi, and tuna. Expect to see a mix of skirted trolling lures, ballyhoo rigs, and maybe some live bait if conditions are right. The captain will adjust trolling speed based on target species and water conditions – slower for marlin and sails, faster when we're hunting mahi and wahoo. Outriggers keep the lines spread wide, and experienced crew members handle all the rigging so you can focus on the fun part: fighting fish. When something hits, the real work begins. These offshore species pull hard and fight dirty, so be ready for runs that'll test your endurance. The crew will coach you through proper fighting technique and make sure you get the most out of every hookup.
Blue marlin are the ultimate prize in these waters, and Playa Flamingo's offshore grounds consistently produce fish in the 200-400 pound range. These apex predators are most active during the dry season months from December through April, when baitfish concentrate along temperature breaks and current edges. What makes marlin so special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. Expect multiple jumps, long powerful runs, and a battle that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. The sight of a marlin greyhounding across the surface is something that'll stick with you forever.
Mahi mahi bring a different kind of excitement to offshore fishing here. These colorful fighters are abundant from May through November, often traveling in schools around floating debris or weed lines. What's great about mahi is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from trolled lures to live bait. Plus, they make excellent table fare, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor back at the dock. Expect fish in the 10-30 pound range, with occasional bulls pushing 40-50 pounds.
Indo-Pacific sailfish are year-round residents in Costa Rican waters and arguably the most acrobatic fighters you'll encounter offshore. These speed demons can reach 60+ mph and put on aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. The Flamingo area is famous for multiple sailfish releases in a single day, especially during peak months from December through March. Most sails here run 80-120 pounds, perfect size for spectacular fights on appropriate tackle.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that'll empty a reel in seconds if you're not prepared. These silver bullets are most common during cooler months and prefer high-speed trolling with wire leaders to prevent their razor-sharp teeth from cutting through. The wahoo bite can be explosive and brief, so being ready when opportunity strikes is crucial.
Yellowfin tuna round out the target species list and represent some of the strongest pound-for-pound fighters in the ocean. These fish are pure muscle and will test both angler and tackle to the limit. Costa Rica's yellowfins range from school-sized 20-40 pounders to true giants exceeding 200 pounds. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, making those early morning and late afternoon sessions particularly productive.
The Amberjack books up fast during peak fishing seasons, and for good reason – this operation has built a reputation for putting clients on fish while providing a safe, professional charter experience. The 8-hour format gives you real time to work different areas and techniques, unlike shorter trips that barely scratch the surface of what these waters offer. Your $1,450 investment covers the boat, crew, tackle, and lunch for up to 4 anglers, making it a great value for a private charter of this caliber. Payment is flexible with cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp accepted, and they offer fair cancellation policies with 72-hour notice for refunds. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or looking to step up from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the blue water experience that keeps people coming back to Costa Rica's Pacific coast year after year.
The Amberjack is a beautifully restored 28' Bertram Fly Bridge that's built for serious offshore fishing adventures. This classic sport fishing yacht got a complete makeover in 2023 and runs on twin Yanmar 240 HP engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. With comfortable shaded seating below and prime spotting views from the flybridge, you'll have everything you need for a productive day chasing marlin, sailfish, mahi, and tuna in Costa Rica's rich Pacific waters. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Your experienced local captain knows exactly where the fish are biting and provides all the quality tackle and gear you'll need for a successful day on the water.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the heavyweight champions out here, with females reaching over 1,000 pounds - we call those "granders." Males stay smaller around 300 pounds, but they all pack serious power. You'll find them cruising the warm offshore waters year-round in Costa Rica, usually in the top 100 feet where the baitfish hang out. They love following temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season runs December through April when the water's warmest. What makes them special? Pure raw strength and those aerial displays when hooked - they'll jump, dive, and test every piece of gear you've got. The meat's decent but most folks release them for the bragging rights. My tip: when you see one behind the bait, don't get excited and jerk the rod. Let them eat it completely before setting the hook, or you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect mix of beautiful and tasty - those gold and green colors are something else when they're fresh out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds here, though we see bigger bulls pushing 50. They love floating debris, weedlines, and anything drifting on the surface. Best fishing happens during our dry season from December to April when the water's clear and warm. What guests love most is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're hands down the best eating fish we catch. Sweet, white meat that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, don't boat it right away. Leave it in the water a minute and look around - mahi travel in schools, so there's usually more nearby. That's when you grab a second rod and cast out a jig.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - strong, fast, and built like tanks. Most here run 20-60 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins. They school in open blue water, usually 100-300 feet down, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Year-round fishing with peak action during our rainy season when the water's nutrient-rich. What makes them special is that powerful, deep fight - no jumping, just pure muscle pulling straight down. And they're premium table fare, perfect for sushi or searing as steaks. When trolling doesn't work, try chunking - cut up some ballyhoo and toss pieces overboard to bring them up from the depths. Once you see them feeding on the surface, cast poppers or jigs into the school. Just remember: yellowfin have incredible eyesight, so use light fluorocarbon leaders in clear water.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are speed demons and show-offs rolled into one package. Most average 6-8 feet and around 100 pounds, but their massive dorsal sail makes them look even bigger. They cruise the thermocline 50-150 feet down, hunting small tuna and ballyhoo in the blue water. Here in Costa Rica, our peak sailfish season runs November through May when the bait moves in thick. What makes them special? Pure athleticism - they're probably the fastest fish in the ocean and will jump 10-15 times on a single hookup. It's like having a rodeo bull on the end of your line. Most folks release them since they're not great eating. Pro tip from years out here: when a sail lights up your spread, slow the boat down and let that bait fall back. They like to play with their food before committing, and patience pays off with a solid hookup.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped missiles can hit 60 mph and will test your drag system like nothing else. Most run 20-40 pounds here, though we've seen them push 80. They patrol the deeper blue water and love high-speed trolling around 12-15 knots. Best action happens during our cooler months from December through March when they move through following bait schools. What guests love is that initial screaming run - your reel will sound like a fire alarm when one hits. Plus, wahoo are fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fish tacos. The challenge is their razor teeth that'll cut through regular leader like butter. My go-to setup uses wire leader and fresh ballyhoo behind a blue-white lure. Keep those speeds up - wahoo want fast-moving baits that trigger their predator instincts.
Guanacaste Province, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica