Nest Stays
Sport Fishing in Herradura
HERRADURA

Sport Fishing in Herradura

Costa Rica's sport fishing capital. Los Sueños Marina offers some of the world's best billfish waters, with sailfish and marlin year-round.

Best Season

Year-round (peak: Dec-Apr sailfish, Jun-Oct marlin)

Activity Type

outdoor water family friendly

Sport Fishing in Herradura

Herradura Bay sits just south of Los Sueños Marina, giving direct access to the same offshore billfish grounds without the resort premium. Local captains operate out of the bay with smaller, more affordable boats ideal for families or first-time anglers. The calm bay conditions make for comfortable morning departures, and you're still reaching prime sailfish water within 30 minutes. Expect the same fish, half the price, and a more local experience.

Insider Tips

Local knowledge to make the most of your experience

1

Book fishing charters directly through Nest Stays concierge or marina desk at Los Sueños: you'll get vetted captains, proper insurance, and boats maintained to tournament standards. Street-level bookings can be hit or miss.

2

December through April is peak sailfish season with the calmest seas. June through October brings bigger marlin but rougher ocean conditions. If you're prone to seasickness, stick to dry season.

3

Half-day inshore trips (4-5 hours) are perfect for families with kids or first-time anglers. Full-day offshore trips (8 hours) are for serious fishing. Don't overcommit if you've never spent a day on a fishing boat. It's physically demanding.

Guides & Articles

In-depth articles to help you plan your sport fishing experience

Pescadora Fishing Guide — Where & How to Fish Near Herradura
things-to-do

Pescadora Fishing Guide — Where & How to Fish Near Herradura

Complete guide to fishing at Pescadora, Costa Rica — shore fishing and charters, best seasons, species, and how to book your trip....

Read Guide →
Herradura, Costa Rica: The Complete Area Guide
guides

Herradura, Costa Rica: The Complete Area Guide

Everything you need to know about Herradura, Costa Rica. Restaurants, beaches, golf, marina life, real estate, and practical tips for planning your vi...

Read Guide →
Best Time to Visit Los Sueños, Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide
guides

Best Time to Visit Los Sueños, Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide

Plan your Los Sueños trip right. Dry season runs Dec–Apr for best weather; green season May–Nov for fishing peaks, lower rates, and lush landscapes....

Read Guide →

Upcoming Events

Sport Fishing events happening in and around Herradura

Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown - Leg 3

annual

Mar 18–21, 2026

Final leg of the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown billfish tournament series. The culmination of one of the world's most competitive sport fishing events, with overall champions c...

Event Details → Official Site ↗

Bisbee's Costa Rica Offshore Tournament

annual

Apr 14–18, 2026

Historic first international event by the legendary Bisbee's tournament organization, held at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. Bisbee's brings decades of tournament experience from Los C...

Event Details → Official Site ↗

Offshore World Championship 2026

annual

Apr 19–23, 2026

One of sportfishing's most prestigious events returns to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos for 2026, bringing together hundreds of teams from more than 40 countries across every hemisphere...

Event Details → Official Site ↗
Sport Fishing in Herradura

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fishing charter cost in Los Sueños? +
Full-day offshore charters (8 hours targeting sailfish and marlin) run $1,200-2,200 depending on boat size and season, typically split among up to 6 anglers. Half-day inshore trips (4-5 hours for roosterfish, snapper, tuna) cost $600-900. Prices include captain, crew, tackle, and fishing licenses; just bring food, drinks, and sunscreen.
When is the best time to fish in Costa Rica? +
December through April is peak sailfish season with the calmest seas and the highest strike rates: 20-40 sailfish releases per boat are common during the Los Sueños Triple Crown tournaments. June through October brings bigger blue and black marlin but rougher ocean conditions. Both seasons produce excellent fishing, just different target species and sea states.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Costa Rica? +
Yes, but your charter captain handles this for you. Sport fishing licenses are required for both offshore and inshore fishing and cost $15-30 depending on residency status. All reputable charter operators include license fees in their quoted price, process the paperwork before you depart, and carry copies onboard.
What fish can you catch in Los Sueños? +
Offshore: sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Inshore: roosterfish, cubera snapper, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and seasonal tuna. Los Sueños is particularly famous for sailfish; the marina consistently ranks among the top billfish destinations worldwide with year-round action.
How far offshore do you go fishing in Los Sueños? +
Sailfish and marlin action starts just 8-12 miles from Los Sueños Marina, meaning you're fishing within 30-40 minutes of leaving the dock. This proximity to deep water is a huge advantage over other destinations where you might run 2-3 hours each way. More time fishing, less time traveling, and calmer morning departures.
Can beginners go deep sea fishing in Costa Rica? +
Absolutely. Half-day inshore trips targeting roosterfish, snapper, and smaller game fish are perfect for first-timers and families with kids. Captains teach you how to fight fish, handle rods, and manage the boat action. If you've never spent a day on a fishing boat, start with a half-day trip rather than committing to 8 hours offshore. It's physically demanding and can be rough on those prone to seasickness.
What should I bring on a fishing charter? +
Sunscreen (reef-safe), hat, polarized sunglasses, light long-sleeve shirt, seasickness medication (take it 30 minutes before departure even if you think you don't need it), and soft-soled shoes. Bring your own food, drinks, and beer; most charters provide ice and coolers but not provisions. Don't bring bananas (seriously, captains are superstitious about this).
Is catch and release required in Costa Rica? +
Billfish (sailfish, marlin) are strictly catch and release by law; you can't keep them. For edible species like dorado, tuna, snapper, and roosterfish, you can keep a reasonable amount for personal consumption. Most captains will fillet your catch and pack it on ice if you want to take fish home for dinner.

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Sport Fishing + Herradura = Your Trip

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