Los Sueños Fishing Season Calendar: Complete 2026 Guide

Los Sueños Resort & Marina isn’t just another fishing destination—it’s widely regarded as the billfish capital of the Western Hemisphere. Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast just an hour from San José, this world-class marina serves as the gateway to some of the most productive fishing waters on the planet. With access to the famed FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), deep-sea drops, and fertile inshore reefs, Los Sueños delivers unforgettable action twelve months a year.

What sets Los Sueños apart is the combination of consistent weather, professional charter operations, and unparalleled species diversity. Whether you’re chasing the elusive grand slam (catching sailfish, marlin, and dorado in a single day), hunting trophy tuna, or preferring a relaxed day on the reef, knowing the seasonal patterns will dramatically improve your chances of success. This guide breaks down exactly what’s biting, when, so you can plan your perfect Costa Rica fishing adventure.

Understanding Los Sueños’ Two Fishing Seasons

Like most Pacific destinations, Los Sueños operates on a dual-season system that directly impacts both weather conditions and fish behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for timing your charter.

The Dry Season (December–April)

The dry season, locally called “verano” or summer, brings clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility. This is the peak tourist season and arguably the most popular time to fish. Offshore waters are typically calmer, making long-range trips more comfortable, and the famous blue water pushes closer to shore, bringing sailfish and marlin within easy reach of the marina.

This period sees the highest concentration of billfish, with sailfish numbers peaking from January through March. Many anglers consider February and March the absolute prime months for targeting sailfish, with multiple releases per day being the norm rather than the exception.

The Green Season (May–November)

The green or rainy season doesn’t mean bad fishing—quite the opposite. Afternoon showers are typical, but mornings are usually calm and productive. The rains bring nutrient-rich runoff that fuels the food chain, attracting baitfish and the predators that feed on them. Many experienced anglers actually prefer this period for targeting big marlin and dorado.

Month-by-Month Fishing Breakdown

Here’s exactly what you can expect from each month on the water at Los Sueños:

January marks the heart of the dry season and offers exceptional offshore fishing. Sailfish are abundant and highly active, blue and black marlin make appearances, and yellowfin tuna begin their seasonal push. Water temperatures hover around 80°F, and calm morning seas set the tone for productive days. Expect 6-10+ sailfish releases on a good day, with the possibility of a marlin or two in the mix.

February is arguably the single best month for sailfish. The bite is at its peak, and many charter captains report their best numbers of the year. The weather is perfect—clear skies, minimal rain, and flat seas. If sailfish are your priority, February delivers the highest catch rates. Tuna action also picks up, and early dorado may start showing up toward month’s end.

March continues the excellent sailfish action and marks the transition into prime marlin season. Blue water conditions are ideal, and the fish are hungry after the slower summer months. This is a premier month for those chasing a grand slam—sailfish, marlin, and dorado are all possible. Water clarity is excellent, and winds are typically mild.

April sees the tail end of the peak sailfish season, but the action remains strong. This month offers a sweet spot: fewer crowds than February-March, excellent weather, and still-great billfish numbers. Marlin sightings increase, and yellowfin tuna schools can be found throughout the offshore waters. April represents outstanding value while still delivering world-class fishing.

May signals the onset of the green season, but don’t let that deter you. Afternoon rain is common, but mornings are typically clear and productive. The fishing actually heats up for certain species—blue marlin numbers increase significantly, and this marks the beginning of the peak season for targeting big offshore predators. Water temperatures rise, bringing warmer currents that attract marlin.

June is a hidden gem for serious anglers. The green season is in full swing, afternoon showers are predictable, but the fishing is exceptional. Blue marlin season hits its stride, and yellowfin tuna are plentiful. Fewer boats on the water mean more personalized service, and the runoff from the coast creates excellent fishing conditions. This is a favorite among experienced charter captains.

July continues the excellent marlin action and offers some of the best big-game opportunities of the year. Blue marlin are particularly active, and the chance of hooking a true trophy fish is high. Tuna fishing remains strong, and sailfish are still present, though numbers begin to taper from their peak. The summer heat brings out the biggest fish.

August delivers outstanding action across multiple species. Marlin, tuna, and dorado are all active, making it an ideal choice for mixed-action days. The green season brings regular afternoon rain, but this actually enhances fishing by flushing nutrients into the sea and creating natural feeding zones. Many anglers report their best August trips for landing multiple species.

September marks the transition into dorado season. While marlin and tuna remain available, the star of the show becomes mahi-mahi (dorado). These colorful fighters arrive in large schools and provide incredible surface action. The weather remains tropical, with predictable afternoon showers. This is an excellent month for families or groups wanting fast-paced action.

October is peak dorado season and offers some of the most consistent action of the year. Large schools of mahi-mahi populate the offshore waters, providing non-stop excitement. Marlin are still catchable, and yellowfin tuna remain active. The weather is transitional, with the green season winding down. This is arguably the best value month of the year.

November brings the best of both worlds—dorado remain plentiful while sailfish begin their seasonal comeback. This transitional month offers incredible variety: late-season dorado, returning sailfish, and still-active marlin. Many captains consider November one of the most underrated months to fish Los Sueños. The weather becomes more predictable as the dry season approaches.

December kicks off the new peak season with sailfish numbers climbing rapidly. The first few months of the dry season bring excellent conditions and hungry fish. Marlin action picks up, and the annual migration brings multiple species within range. Holiday travelers find exceptional fishing to close out the year.

Species Availability Table

Species	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sailfish	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★★
Blue Marlin	★★☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆
Black Marlin	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★★☆
Dorado	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★☆
Yellowfin Tuna	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆
Wahoo	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★☆☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★☆
Roosterfish	★★☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆
Red Snapper	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆
Mackerel	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆	★★☆

Legend: ★★★ Peak | ★★☆ Good | ★☆ Fair | ★☆☆ Low

Best Months for Different Fishing Goals

Chasing a Grand Slam? A grand slam means landing sailfish, marlin, and dorado in a single day. Your best chances come during the transition months: March, April, October, and November when multiple species overlap in their seasonal patterns.

Targeting Sailfish Specifically? The absolute peak is December through April, with February and March offering the highest catch rates. The fish are most abundant, the weather is perfect, and multiple releases are standard.

Hunting Trophy Marlin? Target July through October for the biggest marlin of the year. Blue marlin reach their peak size during these months, with several hundred-pound fish landed annually. June also offers excellent opportunities.

Fast-Paced Dorado Action? September through November is your window. Large schools of mahi-mahi provide non-stop excitement, with many anglers landing dozens per trip. This is particularly popular with families and less experienced anglers.

Reef and Inshore Fishing? The reef fishing remains consistent year-round. Roosterfish, snapper, and jack crevalle are available in good numbers throughout the year, with the best inshore action typically from December through May.

What to Expect on Your Charter

Regardless of when you visit, a typical Los Sueños fishing charter follows a similar pattern. Most charters depart early morning, around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, to maximize time on the water. A full-day charter typically runs 8-10 hours, while half-day trips (5-6 hours) work well for inshore fishing or those with time constraints.

The waters off Los Sueños range from shallow inshore reefs (within 10 miles) to deep-sea drops 50+ miles out. Your captain will determine the best destinations based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and your target species. For billfish, expect to run 15-30 miles offshore to reach the FADs and blue water. For inshore action, you’ll find productive spots much closer to the marina.

All charter boats at Los Sueños Marina are fully equipped with quality fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment. Most offer refreshments and lunch on full-day trips. Be sure to bring sun protection, motion sickness medication if needed, and your camera for the fight of a lifetime.

Booking Your Los Sueños Fishing Charter

For the best experience, we recommend working directly with established local charter operators who know the waters intimately. They can match you with the right boat and captain based on your experience level, target species, and group size. The marina office can provide current availability, or your vacation rental coordinator can arrange bookings as part of your Los Sueños stay.

For pricing and what to expect on your charter, check our comprehensive Fishing Charter Pricing Guide for detailed information on costs, charter types, and what to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to fish Los Sueños Costa Rica?

February and March are widely considered the best months for sailfish, offering peak numbers and ideal weather. However, each month offers excellent fishing for different species. July through October is best for trophy marlin, while September through November delivers the best dorado action.

Can you fish year-round in Los Sueños?

Absolutely. Los Sueños offers year-round fishing opportunities. While December through April is peak season for most visitors, the green season (May-November) provides excellent action, particularly for marlin and dorado, with fewer crowds and often better value.

What’s the difference between dry season and green season fishing?

The dry season (December-April) features clear skies, calm seas, and the highest concentration of sailfish. The green season (May-November) brings afternoon rain, but mornings are typically clear, and the fishing can be equally productive—especially for marlin and dorado. Both seasons deliver world-class action.

Is Los Sueños good for beginner anglers?

Yes, Los Sueños caters to all experience levels. Many charter boats specialize in family-friendly trips, and the abundance of sailfish means beginners have excellent chances of catching fish. Your captain and crew will provide instruction and handle the technical aspects while you enjoy the fight.

What’s a grand slam in Costa Rica fishing?

A grand slam is catching three specific billfish species—sailfish, marlin, and dorado—in a single day. Los Sueños is one of the few places in the world where this is realistically achievable, particularly during the transition months of March, April, October, and November.

How far in advance should I book my fishing charter?

For the best selection, especially during peak season (December-April), we recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance. During peak periods like February and March, premium boats can book up quickly. For green season trips, 1-2 weeks is typically sufficient.

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Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing trophy marlin or a family looking for an unforgettable day on the water, Los Sueños delivers world-class fishing twelve months a year. The key is matching your timing with your goals—and now you have the inside knowledge to do exactly that. Book your charter early, pack your sun protection, and get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime.