How much does a full-day fishing charter cost in Los Sueños in 2026?

A full-day offshore charter in Los Sueños typically costs between $1,400 and $4,500 depending on boat size. Smaller 28 to 32 foot boats start around $1,400, while 33 to 36 foot sport fishers run $2,700 to $2,900, and luxury 43 to 50 foot vessels reach $3,300 to $4,500.

What is the cheapest way to fish in Jaco?

Booking a smaller boat departing from Herradura Beach (rather than Los Sueños Marina) offers the lowest rates. Half-day inshore trips start around $750 through operators like JacoVIP. Splitting the cost with a group further reduces per-person pricing.

Do I need a fishing license in Costa Rica?

Yes. Every angler needs a Costa Rica fishing license, available at Los Sueños Marina or online. Prices are $15 for 8 days, $28 for 30 days, or $50 for one year.

When is the best time to fish in Los Sueños?

January through March is peak sailfish season with calm seas. Late October through December is best for blue marlin. Year-round fishing is available, but peak season books fastest.

What fish can I catch in Los Sueños and Jaco?

Offshore species include sailfish, blue marlin, striped marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna. Inshore species include roosterfish, jack crevalle, cubera snapper, amberjack, and grouper.

How many people can fit on a fishing charter?

Boat capacity depends on size. Small 28-foot boats typically accommodate 2 to 4 anglers. Medium 34-foot boats handle 4 to 5 anglers. Larger 40-foot plus vessels can take 6 or more, though comfort and regulations limit numbers.

Is it worth booking a half-day or full-day charter?

If you are new to saltwater fishing or traveling with family, a half day (4 to 5 hours) provides a solid introduction without fatigue. Serious anglers targeting billfish should book full day (8 to 10 hours) for the best chance at offshore species and longer trolling time.

What should I tip my fishing crew?

Tipping 15 to 20 percent of the charter price is customary. Distribute the tip directly to the captain, who divides it among the crew.

Los Sueños & Jacó Fishing Charter Pricing Guide 2026

If you are planning a fishing trip to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, you have landed in one of the world’s premier sportfishing destinations. Los Sueños Marina and Jaco together form the backbone of Costa Rica’s charter fishing industry, offering everything from relaxed inshore trips targeting roosterfish to serious offshore adventures chasing blue marlin and sailfish.

This guide gives you verified 2026 pricing from real operators so you know exactly what to expect before you book.

Two Ways to Launch: Los Sueños Marina vs Jaco Beach

The first decision you will make is where to depart from, and this affects both price and experience.

Los Sueños Marina sits inside Herradura Bay and is Costa Rica’s premier sportfishing facility. The marina offers full-service slips, a fuel dock, professional charter desks, and a fleet of tournament-ready vessels. Boats based here tend to be larger, newer, and crewed by experienced English-speaking captains. Because of the infrastructure and boat quality, Los Sueños pricing sits at the premium end of the market.

Jaco Beach does not have a marina, but local boats launch from Herradura Bay and public beach access points. These operators typically run smaller center consoles and pangas with lower operating costs. Jaco departures are typically 10 to 25 percent cheaper than comparable boats from Los Sueños Marina, while still offering excellent fishing, particularly for inshore species.

Both locations produce world-class catches. The choice comes down to the kind of experience you want and your budget.

2026 Charter Pricing Overview

All prices listed are for private charters where you book the entire boat. Per-person costs decrease as you add more anglers to your group. Most boats limit passenger numbers based on size and safety regulations.

Offshore Full-Day Charters (8 to 10 Hours)

Offshore trips target pelagic species including sailfish, blue marlin, striped marlin, mahi mahi (dorado), wahoo, and yellowfin tuna. These trips require boats with sufficient fuel capacity, safety equipment, and experienced crews.

Boat Size	Typical 2026 Price (Full Day)
28 to 32 foot center console	$1,400 to $1,600
33 to 36 foot sport fisher	$2,700 to $2,900
37 to 42 foot sport fisher	$2,700 to $3,300
43 to 50 foot luxury or tournament vessel	$3,300 to $4,500

Half-Day Charters (4 to 5 Hours)

Half-day trips work well for families, beginners, or anyone with limited time. You can target inshore species or head slightly offshore depending on conditions.

Boat Size	Typical 2026 Price (Half Day)
28 to 32 foot	$800 to $1,200
33 to 36 foot	$1,300 to $1,600
37 to 42 foot	$1,750 to $2,200

Inshore Charters

Inshore fishing targets roosterfish, jack crevalle, cubera snapper, amberjack, grouper, and mackerel. These trips use less fuel and generally involve smaller boats.

Trip Duration	Typical 2026 Price
Half day (4 to 5 hours)	$800 to $2,400
3/4 day (6 hours)	$1,100 to $3,300
Full day (8 hours)	$1,050 to $3,600

Inshore trips are especially popular with families and first-time saltwater anglers. The waters near Jaco are particularly productive for roosterfish due to the coastal structure and rocky points.

Verified Operator Pricing

Here are specific 2026 rates from real operators serving the Los Sueños and Jaco area:

CR Fishing Charters operates out of Los Sueños Marina. Their 36-foot Cabo Express “Sweet Dreams” runs $1,300 for half day, $1,750 for 3/4 day, and $1,900 for full day. This operator offers a range of vessels from 28-foot center consoles up to 52-foot luxury yachts.

JacoVIP books charters departing from Herradura Beach and partners with boats across the region. Their smaller vessel rates start around $750 for half day and $975 for full day, making them one of the more budget-friendly options while still providing professional service.

Fire Fly Sportfishing operates through Los Sueños Marina and offers full-day sportfishing trips starting at $3,200 for their larger vessels. Half-day rates start around $1,850.

Sportfishing Blue Marlin provides Los Sueños-based charters with half-day rates starting at $980 and full-day rates from $1,020, depending on boat selection.

Costa Rica Dream Makers manages a fleet including the 52-foot “Scatterbrain.” Their smaller vessel options start around $650 for half day and $850 for full day.

Kings of Jaco partners with top fishing charters from Herradura Beach and Los Sueños Marina, offering concierge-style booking with local support. They coordinate full-day offshore and inshore trips with vetted captains.

Pricing varies based on boat size, amenities, and seasonal demand. Peak season (December through March) commands higher rates, while shoulder seasons offer better value.

Per-Person Cost Breakdown

Charters are priced by boat, not per person. This means the cost per person drops significantly when you fill the boat with a group.

For example, a 36-foot offshore boat costing $2,200 for a full day breaks down as follows:

Four anglers: $550 per person
Six anglers: $366 per person

A half-day inshore trip on a 28-foot boat costing $850 works out to:

Three anglers: $283 per person
Five anglers: $170 per person

Most boats limit passengers to maintain comfort and safety. Smaller boats (around 28 feet) typically accommodate 2 to 4 anglers, while larger vessels (40 feet plus) can handle 6 or more.

Pro tip: Splitting a charter with other anglers is the single most effective way to reduce your individual cost without sacrificing the quality of the experience.

What Is Included in Charter Prices

One advantage of booking a Costa Rica fishing charter is that most operators include everything you need for a successful day on the water.

Standard inclusions:

Captain and mate(s)
Fuel for the agreed travel range
All rods, reels, and tackle
Dead bait and lures
Live bait when available
Ice and cooler
Water, sodas, and beer
Snacks and fresh fruit
Lunch on full-day trips (most offshore boats)
Fish cleaning for edible species

Premium Los Sueños boats may also include:

Air-conditioned salon
Enclosed bathroom (head)
Galley and dining area
Outriggers and downriggers
Tournament-grade billfish tackle
Fighting chair
Radar and sonar systems

You do not need to purchase fishing gear, buy fuel, or acquire licenses separately before your trip (though you do need a fishing license, see below).

Extra Costs to Budget For

While the charter price covers most expenses, plan for these additional costs:

Costa Rica fishing license: Required for all anglers regardless of age or residency. You can purchase it at the Los Sueños Marina dock from Incopesca (the Costa Rican fisheries authority) or online before your trip.

$15 USD for 8 days
$28 USD for 30 days
$50 USD for one year

The license is checked at the marina gate, so purchase it before your departure time.

Gratuity: Tipping your captain and crew is customary. Plan for 15 to 20 percent of the charter price, distributed directly to the crew.

Transportation: If you are staying in Jaco or further away, factor in transportation to Los Sueños Marina. Many charter operators offer shuttle service, or you can arrange a taxi or rental car.

Personal expenses: Meals not included on the boat, beverages beyond what the operator provides, and any souvenirs or additional activities fall outside the charter price.

Best Time to Fish Los Sueños and Jaco

The Central Pacific coast offers year-round fishing, but certain species peak at different times.

January through March represents the peak billfish season. Sailfish numbers are highest, seas are calm, and this is the most popular time to book offshore trips. Expect higher charter prices and limited availability.

April continues strong sailfishing and transitions into good conditions for mixed catches.

May through June offers solid offshore action with increasing blue marlin activity. This is a shoulder season with better availability and sometimes lower rates.

July through October brings excellent fishing for blue marlin, dorado, and tuna. This period also attracts serious anglers targeting the big marlin runs. October through December is historically the best time for blue marlin in the region.

November through December sees sailfish numbers picking up again while marlin remain active. Late October through December is widely regarded as the best time for blue marlin.

For inshore fishing targeting roosterfish, jack crevalle, and snapper, the year-round season is consistent with peak activity during the drier months (December through April).

What to Bring on Your Fishing Charter

Most operators provide the gear, but bring these items for a more comfortable trip:

Reef-safe sunscreen (standard sunscreen damages coral)
Polarized sunglasses (critical for spotting fish)
Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors
Light rain jacket or poncho (afternoon showers are common)
Motion sickness medication (take it the night before and morning of)
Cash for tips, licenses, and incidentals
A camera or phone in a waterproof case
A change of clothes for after the trip

Leave your heavy creams, non-reef-safe sunscreen, and unnecessary electronics at your accommodation.

How to Book Your Charter

Follow these steps to secure your trip:

Decide on your dates and group size. Know how many anglers will be fishing and your preferred trip length.
Choose your departure point. Los Sueños Marina offers premium service and larger boats. Jaco and Herradura Beach departures provide value and easier access.
Contact operators directly or use a broker. Direct booking with operators like CR Fishing Charters, JacoVIP, or Fire Fly saves broker fees. Brokers like Kings of Jaco handle logistics and can match you with the right boat.
Confirm what is included. Verify fuel, meals, drinks, tackle, and fishing license status before paying.
Secure your spot with a deposit. Most operators require a deposit to reserve your date. Peak season books months in advance.
Purchase your fishing license. Buy it online before arrival or at the marina on the morning of your trip.
Confirm the night before. Call or message your operator to confirm departure time and weather conditions.

Ready to Book Your Trip

Los Sueños and Jaco deliver world-class sportfishing with options for every budget and experience level. Whether you want a relaxed half-day inshore adventure with the family or a full-day offshore quest for marlin, the operators in this region have the boats, expertise, and infrastructure to make it happen.

With verified 2026 pricing in hand, you can now approach booking with confidence. Compare operators, confirm what is included, and reserve early for peak season dates.

This guide was last updated February 2026. Prices reflect current rates but may change based on seasonality, fuel costs, and operator policies. Always confirm pricing directly with your chosen charter operator before booking.