Fishing in Quepos & Manuel Antonio: Charters, Species & Seasons (2026)

Quepos is the sport fishing capital of Costa Rica. Sailfish, marlin, roosterfish, and tuna from the closest deep water on the Pacific coast. Charter costs, seasons, and planning tips.

Quick answer: Quepos is the sport fishing capital of Costa Rica. The marina sits 20 minutes from Manuel Antonio, the continental shelf drops off within 20 miles, and the captain network is the deepest in the country. Half-day inshore charters start around $700, full-day offshore runs $1,200 to $2,500. Peak billfish season is December through April, but inshore fishing for roosterfish, snapper, and dorado is productive year-round.

Quepos has been the center of Costa Rica’s sport fishing industry for decades. The town grew up around commercial fishing before the charter fleet took over, and that heritage shows. The captains here have more collective offshore experience than any other port in the country. The Quepos marina (Marina Pez Vela) is modern, well-maintained, and sits right on the edge of town, which means you can walk from your hotel to the dock in most cases.

What makes Quepos special is not just the fishing. It is the combination of world-class offshore water and one of Costa Rica’s best vacation destinations sitting 20 minutes up the hill. Your partner or family spends the day at Manuel Antonio National Park, a sunset catamaran cruise, or the beach while you chase sailfish. Everyone meets for dinner in Quepos. No other fishing destination in Costa Rica offers that kind of split-day convenience.

What You Can Catch in Quepos

Quepos produces both offshore pelagics and quality inshore species. Here is the breakdown by target.

Offshore: Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Dorado

The Central Pacific sailfish migration peaks December through April, and Quepos sits right in the path. A good day during peak season can produce 10 to 20+ sailfish releases. Blue marlin in the 300 to 500-pound range show up December through March with a secondary push in August through October. Yellowfin tuna (50 to 200 pounds) are most productive June through October. Dorado school around floating debris lines May through November.

Inshore: Roosterfish, Snapper, Jack Crevalle

The rocky points and sandy stretches between Quepos and Dominical hold roosterfish year-round, with the best fishing November through March. Cubera snapper, jack crevalle, and grouper round out the inshore catch. Inshore trips run 4 to 6 hours, cost $600 to $1,000, and are the best option for families and first-timers.

🎣 Dallas’s Tip: If you are visiting Manuel Antonio with your family and want to squeeze in one fishing day, book a half-day inshore trip out of Quepos. You leave at 6 AM, you are back by noon, and your family barely notices you were gone. The kids can join too. Captains love putting kids on their first roosterfish.

Best Time to Fish Quepos

Species

Peak Months

Type

Sailfish

Dec–Apr

Offshore

Blue Marlin

Dec–Mar, Aug–Oct

Offshore

Yellowfin Tuna

Jun–Oct

Offshore

Dorado

May–Nov

Offshore

Roosterfish

Year-round (best Nov–Mar)

Inshore

Snapper / Grouper

Year-round

Inshore

Charter Costs in Quepos

Quick answer: Half-day inshore (4–5 hrs): $600–$1,000. Three-quarter day (6–7 hrs): $900–$1,500. Full-day offshore (8–10 hrs): $1,200–$2,500. Prices are per boat (not per person), and most charters include tackle, bait, drinks, and a captain/mate. Tips (15–20%) are customary.

Quepos charters are mid-range compared to Los Sueños (which runs 20 to 30% higher) and offer more boat options than smaller ports like Drake Bay or Flamingo. The marina has everything from 28-foot center consoles for budget inshore trips to 42-foot sportfishers for premium offshore days.

Getting to Quepos for Your Fishing Trip

Quepos is a 3 to 3.5 hour drive from San José (SJO airport) via the coastal highway, or a 25-minute domestic flight on Sansa Airlines. If you are staying in Manuel Antonio, the marina is 15 to 20 minutes down the hill.

We coordinate private shuttles from SJO directly to your hotel in Manuel Antonio ($190 one-way), so you can arrive, settle in, and be on the water the next morning without worrying about rental cars or public transport.

Quepos Fishing Tournament Calendar

Quepos hosts several major tournaments each year that draw charter fleets from across Central America. The Offshore World Championship qualifier and the Quepos Billfish Cup are the biggest. Tournament weeks (typically January through March) mean higher charter demand, so book early if you are visiting during those windows. On the other hand, if you time it right, the tournament energy in town is electric and some of the best captains in the region are already on the water.

Where to Stay for a Quepos Fishing Trip

Most visiting anglers stay in Manuel Antonio (better hotels, beaches, restaurants) and shuttle down to the marina in the morning. The drive is 15 to 20 minutes. If you want to be steps from the dock, there are a few hotels right in Quepos town, but the selection and quality is better up the hill.

Check our Manuel Antonio hotel guide for recommendations by budget level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quepos the best fishing in Costa Rica?

For offshore billfish, Quepos consistently ranks as the top destination. The combination of proximity to deep water, experienced captain network, and tournament infrastructure makes it the most reliable bet for sailfish and marlin. For inshore roosterfish specifically, Nosara and Guanacaste may offer less pressured water.

Can beginners fish in Quepos?

Absolutely. Half-day inshore trips are perfect for first-timers. The captain and mate handle all gear and coach you through every step. You do not need to bring any equipment or have prior experience.

What else can my family do while I fish?

Manuel Antonio National Park, sunset catamaran cruises, white water rafting, and four beaches within 20 minutes of the marina. Manuel Antonio is one of the most activity-rich destinations in Costa Rica.

Plan Your Quepos Fishing Trip

Tell us your dates, target species, and group size. We will match you with the right captain, coordinate your hotel and shuttle, and make sure your non-fishing crew has a full itinerary too.

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Dallas & Marta
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