Full Day Private Fishing Charter - Playa Flamingo
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour private offshore charter targeting sailfish, marlin, and tuna27' Stamas vessel accommodates up to 5 guests with experienced captainsGourmet meals, drinks, and premium fishing gear included
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of the Skipjack, a sleek 27-foot Stamas Tarpon, watching the Costa Rican coastline shrink behind you as twin 200 HP Suzukis push you toward the deep blue. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your shot at some of the best offshore action the Pacific has to offer. Our full-day private charter out of Playa Flamingo puts you right in the heart of where the big fish live, with eight solid hours to make it count. The boat's built for comfort and performance, handling up to four anglers with room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain and crew know these waters like their backyard, and they're not just along for the ride – they're your ticket to finding the bite when others are coming back empty-handed.
Your day starts early at Playa Flamingo, one of Costa Rica's top-rated fishing ports. The Skipjack isn't just pretty to look at – this center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access and the stability you need when you're hooked up to something that doesn't want to come to the boat. We'll head out to the blue water where the thermoclines and current breaks hold baitfish, and that's where the magic happens. The twin outboards get us there fast, so you're spending more time with lines in the water instead of burning daylight on the ride out. Expect to cover some serious ground as we chase bird activity, temperature breaks, and whatever signs the captain's reading. The day flows between high-energy hookups and those peaceful moments when you're just soaking in the fact that you're fishing some of the world's richest waters. Between the action, you'll fuel up on gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cold beer – because nobody fishes their best on an empty stomach.
We fish these waters the way they're meant to be fished – with spread trolling using premium tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. The boat carries a full arsenal of rods from spinning gear for casting poppers to heavy conventional setups rigged for billfish. Most of the day you'll be trolling a spread of lures and rigged baits, covering water and letting the fish find you. When the bite's on, it happens fast – that's when the captain's experience really shows. He knows how to position the boat, when to back down on a fish, and how to keep multiple anglers from getting crossed up when the yellowfin are running hot. The gear's all maintained and ready to go, but if you've got lucky lures or favorite rods, bring them along. These fish aren't picky about brands, but sometimes that confidence boost makes all the difference. The blue water off Flamingo holds structure and current that pulls in everything from marlin cruising the surface to grouper hanging deep, so we'll adjust techniques based on what's showing up on the fish finder.
Red Grouper are the heavyweights you'll remember long after the trip's over. These bruisers hang around rocky structure and drop-offs, sometimes pushing 40-50 pounds or more. They don't jump or run like billfish, but they'll test your arms and back with pure pulling power. Best fishing for grouper happens during the middle hours when we're working deeper water with heavy jigs or live bait. What makes them special is they're excellent eating and put up the kind of fight that makes you appreciate good drag and a comfortable fighting belt.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing here, and Playa Flamingo waters produce some genuine giants. These fish can show up any time of year, but peak season runs from December through April when bait concentrations are highest. Blues are ambush predators that'll come up from the deep to smash a trolled bait, and once hooked, they put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras. Even a smaller blue marlin of 200-300 pounds will give you a workout you won't forget. They're catch and release fish, but getting that photo with a billfish is a fishing bucket list moment.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and action that makes offshore fishing addictive. These bright gold and green speedsters travel in schools and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. They're curious fish that'll come up to investigate the boat, making them perfect for sight fishing with spinning gear when conditions are right. Mahi are great eating and fight with a combination of speed and acrobatics that keeps things exciting. Peak mahi season runs from May through November, but Costa Rica's year-round warm water means they're always a possibility.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, pulling straight down with power that'll surprise you. These fish hang around structure and drop-offs, often in the same areas as grouper but more willing to chase a fast-moving lure. AJs can push 50-60 pounds in these waters, and they fight dirty – using every rock and ledge to try to break you off. They're most active during the cooler morning hours and late afternoon. What makes them customer favorites is their willingness to bite and their never-give-up attitude once hooked.
Striped Marlin are more common than blues but no less exciting when one lights up your outrigger. These fish are typically smaller than their blue cousins but make up for it with speed and jumping ability. Striped marlin are often more aggressive feeders, making them great targets for anglers looking to get their first billfish under their belt. They peak during certain months but can surprise you any time of year in Costa Rican waters.
This isn't the kind of trip you want to leave to chance or book last minute during peak season. The Skipjack books up
The Skipjack cuts through Costa Rica's Pacific waters with authority, thanks to her twin 200 HP Suzuki outboards pushing this 27-foot Stamas Tarpon center console. Built for serious offshore fishing, she'll get you to the blue water where sailfish, marlin, and yellowfin tuna roam. The dry ride keeps you comfortable even when conditions get choppy, while the spacious deck gives four anglers plenty of room to work. Premium Shimano gear is ready to go, and the fish finder will help locate schools holding in the depths. Live wells keep your bait active, and the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. GPS navigation and VHF radio keep you connected and on course during your 8-hour hunt. Your captain knows these waters like his backyard - where the drop-offs hold mahi, where the seamounts attract pelagics, and when the bite turns hot. Fuel up on gourmet sandwiches and cold beer between hookups.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females reaching massive sizes over 400 pounds while males stay smaller around 200. These deep blue torpedoes cruise the open ocean waters beyond 100 feet, following baitfish and current lines. Peak season runs November through April when water temps are perfect. What draws people back is that raw power and aerial display - nothing compares to watching a marlin leap completely out of the water. They're built for speed and endurance, making every hookup a serious test of angler and tackle. My advice: when trolling, watch for birds working bait schools and keep your drag settings checked. These fish can make blistering runs that'll smoke reels in seconds.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your tackle and technique. These bluish-grey bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push over 100, making them a serious challenge on heavy gear. They hang around deep wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 80-300 feet, ambushing baitfish with lightning speed. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're most active. Anglers love the hard pull and excellent table fare, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky - live bait, heavy jigs, and large plugs all work well. Best tip: once hooked, keep them moving away from structure immediately or they'll wrap you up in the wreck every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs that light up when hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ during peak season. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water beyond the continental shelf. Best fishing happens April through August when schools move through following baitfish. Guests love them for the acrobatic jumps, fast runs, and that sweet, firm meat that's perfect on the grill. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and lures trolled at 6-8 knots. Local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly - the splashing often brings the whole school up to investigate.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the best fighting fish you'll find in our waters, typically running 5-15 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50. These rusty-red beauties with white spots live around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks between 20-200 feet deep. They're not picky eaters - crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish all work great as bait. What makes them special is that tough fight and incredibly sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Year-round fishing is solid here, but spring and fall tend to be most productive. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll use every bit of structure to cut your line if you let them.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are considered the most beautiful billfish with their pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. These torpedo-shaped speedsters average 200-300 pounds and hunt in the upper water column of the open ocean. Peak season here runs December through May when they follow baitfish migrations through our waters. What makes them special is their incredible aerial displays and that sweet, sashimi-grade meat that rivals swordfish. They're aggressive predators that respond well to trolled ballyhoo and live skipjack. Key strategy: watch for birds working over tuna schools - striped marlin often hunt right underneath. When one shows up behind the spread, sometimes backing down on the throttle will trigger the strike.
Guanacaste Province, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica