Full Day Offshore Private Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targeting sailfish, marlin, and tunaPrivate 27-foot vessel accommodates up to five guests comfortablyExpert local captains navigate prime Costa Rican fishing grounds
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of the Skipjack, a rock-solid 27' Stamas Tarpon, watching the sun rise over Playa Flamingo as twin 200 HP Suzukis fire up behind you. The smell of salt air hits your face, the tackle's rigged and ready, and you've got eight full hours ahead to chase some of Costa Rica's most prized gamefish. This isn't your average day on the water – this is what serious anglers travel thousands of miles to experience.
Captain and crew know these Pacific waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish that'll test every ounce of skill you've got. The Skipjack runs smooth in bigger seas thanks to that deep-V hull, and with plenty of shade and deck space for up to four anglers, everyone gets their shot at glory. We're talking about targeting the big boys here – sailfish that'll dance across the surface, marlin that'll take you into your backing faster than you can blink, and mahi that hit like freight trains. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but if you've got lucky rods or reels, bring 'em along. Your captain will have the spread set perfectly, reading water color, temperature breaks, and working the areas where the action's been hot. Lunch is included, so you won't be thinking about anything except the next strike.
Out here in the blue water off Flamingo, we're running a classic offshore spread that's been putting fish in the boat for decades. Your captain will set a mix of outriggers and flat lines, pulling a combination of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and maybe some big diving lures to cover the water column. The twin Suzukis let us cover serious ground, running from spot to spot as conditions and fish activity dictate. When we mark bait or see birds working, that's when things get interesting fast. The center console design gives everyone clear access to the action – no cramped cabin to fight your way out of when a big fish comes up hot on the teaser. Your captain will coach you through the fight, calling out when to pump and wind, when to let the fish run, and how to work it to the boat without pulling the hooks. This is teamwork fishing at its finest, where experience and local knowledge make all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Red Grouper are the bruisers of the bunch – these bottom dwellers can push 30-40 pounds and fight dirty, trying to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. They're year-round residents, but really turn on during the warmer months. When you hook into a big red grouper, it's all about stopping that first run before they get into the rocks. The meat's outstanding, making them a favorite for anglers who like to bring dinner home.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing here, and Flamingo's waters hold some true giants. These apex predators can show up any month, but peak season runs December through April when baitfish concentrations draw them closer to shore. A blue marlin strike is something you'll never forget – the way they absolutely demolish a spread, then launch themselves skyward in a display of raw power. Most blues we see run 200-400 pounds, but fish over 500 aren't unheard of in these waters.
Mahi Mahi bring non-stop action and those electric colors that make every photo pop. They school up around floating debris and current lines, often providing fast-paced action when you find a good pod. Peak season is May through August, though stragglers hang around year-round. Bulls can hit 40-50 pounds, and when they're feeding, you might catch a dozen in an hour. They're aggressive biters and outstanding table fare.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish are what put Costa Rica on the sportfishing map, and for good reason. These speed demons hit baits at 60+ mph and put on aerial shows that'll have you whooping and hollering. Peak sailfish action runs November through May, with some boats releasing 10-20 sails in a single day during hot streaks. They average 80-120 pounds here and fight with a combination of speed, jumps, and bulldogging runs that test your tackle and technique.
Striped Marlin show up when conditions are right, particularly during cooler water months. They're smaller than their blue marlin cousins but make up for it with acrobatic displays that rival any gamefish in the ocean. Stripers typically run 100-200 pounds and have a habit of staying on the surface during fights, tail-walking and jumping repeatedly. They're often the fish that convert casual anglers into marlin addicts.
At $1,175 for the boat, this represents world-class offshore fishing at a price that makes sense when split between four serious anglers. The Skipjack and her crew have built their reputation one satisfied customer at a time, putting anglers on fish while providing the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between hoping and knowing. Payment's easy – cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp – just remember deposits aren't refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in. This is the kind of fishing trip that becomes the story you'll tell for years, the day you'll measure all other fishing experiences against. Don't let this season slip by without getting your lines wet in some of the Pacific's richest fishing grounds.
The Skipjack cuts through Costa Rican waters with authority. This 27' Stamas Tarpon center console runs on twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and bring you back with a full fish box. Built tough for offshore action, she handles the swells while keeping you dry and comfortable. The spacious deck gives up to four anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're fighting sailfish or landing mahi. Top-shelf Shimano gear comes standard, along with live wells to keep your bait frisky. The fish finder and GPS help locate the bite, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour hunt. Your local captain knows exactly where the big ones lurk off Playa Flamingo.
Makaira NigricansThe king of Costa Rican waters and every angler's dream fish. These magnificent billfish average 200-400 pounds out here, with the big females pushing 800+ pounds. Blue marlin cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually 20-40 miles offshore in 1000+ feet. Peak season runs December through April when the water's warmest. What draws people back? That raw power and aerial show - nothing compares to watching a giant marlin launch itself 10 feet out of the water. The fight can last hours, testing your endurance as much as your tackle. While the meat's decent, most folks release these majestic fish. My tip: when trolling, use heavy tackle (80-130 class) with ballyhoo or large lures, and always be ready with the harness - you'll need it for the battle ahead.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect offshore target - beautiful, aggressive, and tasty as they come. These golden speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds, with bulls reaching 50+. You'll find them under floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks in 100-2000 feet of water. They're here year-round but peak during our green water months from May through November. What makes them special? Fast action and spectacular colors that shift from electric blue-green to bright gold when hooked. They hit hard, make blistering runs, and the white, flaky meat is outstanding grilled or blackened. Schools often travel together, so multiple hookups are common. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep it in the water and work the school - mahi are curious and will often stick around to investigate their hooked buddy.
Epinephelus MorioThese rusty-red beauties are some of the toughest fighters you'll find around our reefs and rocky bottoms. Most red grouper we catch run 5-15 pounds, though the big ones can push 50. They hang out in 60-200 feet of water around structure - ledges, wrecks, and rock piles. Year-round fishing here is solid, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special? That fight - they'll head straight for the rocks once hooked, testing your drag and patience. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and sweet with that slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Pro tip: use circle hooks with live or cut bait, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure before they cut you off.
Kajikia AudaxThe most elegant of the marlin family, with those distinctive pale blue stripes that make them easy to identify. These sleek predators typically weigh 200-350 pounds and have a more slender build than their blue cousins. You'll find them in the deep blue water, usually 15-30 miles out where the current lines form. Best fishing runs February through August when they migrate through our warmer waters. Why chase them? They're incredibly acrobatic fighters with stamina to match, plus the meat is excellent - often compared to swordfish but with more flavor. Their torpedo shape makes them incredibly fast, so expect long runs mixed with spectacular jumps. Local trick: watch for bird activity over tuna schools - striped marlin often follow the same baitfish, and where you find skipjack tuna, these stripers aren't far behind.
Istiophorus PlatypterusCosta Rica's signature gamefish and the reason many anglers make the trip down here. These acrobatic billfish average 80-120 pounds with that massive dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. Sailfish patrol the blue water from 200-1000 feet deep, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Prime time is December through April during our dry season, though we see them year-round. What's the big deal? Pure aerial spectacle - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show like no other fish. The fight combines speed, stamina, and those jaw-dropping leaps that'll have you reaching for your camera. Most get released to fight another day. Here's the key: when trolling ballyhoo or teasers, don't set the hook too early. Let them eat the bait completely before coming tight - patience pays off with these beauties.
Guanacaste Province, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica