Full Day Offshore Private Fishing Charter
Picture yourself 20 miles off the coast of Playa Flamingo, lines in the water, watching for that telltale splash of a sailfish or the electric blue flash of a charging mahi. That's what you get with Captain AmberJack's full-day offshore charter aboard the Skipjack – eight solid hours of big-game fishing in some of Costa Rica's most productive waters. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With space for just four anglers, you'll have the captain's full attention and all the room you need to work a hot bite or fight that fish of a lifetime.
What to Expect on the Water
The Skipjack is a 27-foot Stamas Tarpon center console that's built for serious offshore work. Twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards get you to the fishing grounds fast, and the wide beam gives everyone plenty of elbow room when the action heats up. Your captain knows these waters like his backyard – where the current breaks hold bait, which seamounts fire up with tuna, and when the blue water pushes in close enough to target billfish without burning half your fuel getting there. You'll spend most of your day trolling the drop-offs and temperature breaks where pelagic species cruise, but don't be surprised if the captain switches up tactics based on what the fish are telling him. Some days they want lures screaming across the surface, other days they're hanging deep and you'll need to get baits down in the water column.
Trolling Tactics & Premium Gear
This operation runs top-shelf tackle that can handle anything from 20-pound mahi to 400-pound marlin. The spread typically includes a mix of lures and rigged baits – maybe a couple of big marlin lures on the long riggers, some smaller dolphin gear on the flat lines, and fresh ballyhoo or skip-jack tuna rigged on the short corners. When you hook up, the captain will clear the other lines and coach you through the fight. These aren't lake bass we're talking about – a good-sized yellowfin or bull mahi will test your arms and your technique. The boat's equipped with a fighting chair if you need it, but most fish can be handled from the cockpit with a quality harness. Gaffs, nets, and a big fish box mean your catch stays fresh, whether you're planning a beach barbecue or looking to ship some fillets home.
Target Species You'll Want to Hook
Red grouper are the bruisers of the deep structure here, often weighing 15 to 30 pounds and fighting like they're twice that size. They hang around rocky bottom in 200 to 400 feet of water, and once they feel the hook, they'll try to cut you off on every ledge and crevice they can find. The best action typically runs from May through September when they're most active, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes these fish special is that combination of brute strength and table fare – they're arguably the best-eating fish in these waters.
Blue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing here, with fish ranging from 200-pound teenagers to 500-pound cows that can rearrange your tackle box in about three seconds. Peak season runs July through October when the blue water pushes in close and the bait concentrations draw them into trolling range. A good blue marlin will give you multiple jumps, long screaming runs, and a fight you'll be talking about for years. Most captains recommend catch-and-release for these magnificent fish, though smaller ones make excellent table fare.
Mahi mahi, or dorado as the locals call them, are probably the most reliable target species out here. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a dozen. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters, and their electric colors make them one of the most photogenic catches in the ocean. Peak season runs March through June, but you can find scattered fish year-round. A good-sized bull mahi will run 20 to 40 pounds, while the smaller females typically weigh 8 to 15 pounds. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilling.
Greater amberjack are the locomotives of the reef fish world, often weighing 30 to 60 pounds and fighting with pure bulldogging power. They hang around deep structure and wrecks, and once hooked, they'll sound straight for the bottom with authority. The bigger fish are typically caught from November through March when they're most active in deeper water. What makes amberjack fishing exciting is that you never know what size you're hooked up to until you see color – a 20-pounder and a 50-pounder hit a bait the exact same way.
Striped marlin are the smaller, more aggressive cousins of the blue marlin, typically running 80 to 150 pounds but making up for size with pure attitude. They're incredibly fast, jump repeatedly, and often travel in small groups. December through April is prime time when they follow bait schools along the thermoclines. These fish are perfect for anglers who want billfish action without the hour-long battles that come with the bigger blues. They're also excellent table fare, with firm steaks that grill beautifully.
Time to Book Your Spot
At $1,175 for up to four anglers, this charter delivers serious value for a full day of world-class offshore fishing. That price includes all your tackle, bait, gourmet lunch with sandwiches and fresh fruit, plus drinks to keep you hydrated during those long fights. The captain accepts cash, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp, and deposits are fully refundable if you cancel more than 72 hours out. This is the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories – whether you're celebrating a milestone