Costa Rica’s Central Pacific produces marlin up to 600 lbs, 20-sailfish days, world-record roosterfish, and year-round offshore action out of Los Suenos Resort and Marina. Stay in Costa Rica has been booking fishing charters out of this marina since 2001, with a fleet of 25+ vessels running from $1,150 to $4,000 per day and packages starting at $7,262 for four people.
What Fish Are You Most Likely to Catch in Costa Rica?
The Central Pacific is one of the most fertile fishing grounds in the world, with a diverse mix of offshore and inshore species available year-round. What you catch depends on your target, your timing, and how far offshore you go.
Fishing is productive every month at Los Suenos. The table below shows peak windows and year-round availability by species.
Does the Season Change What You’ll Find on the Water?
Yes, the season directly determines which species are at peak concentration and how quickly boats book up. Sailfish, marlin, and tuna each have distinct windows that should drive your travel dates.
What Conditions Should You Expect on a Charter Out of Los Suenos?
Conditions at Los Suenos are calmer than most Pacific ports, with flat morning seas and a shielded location at Playa Herradura that avoids the northern trade winds affecting other fishing destinations. The 200-slip marina was built here specifically for flat-water access to offshore grounds, giving anglers a smooth one-hour run to blue water.
Here are the conditions that directly affect your day on the water out of Los Suenos.
- Water Temperature: Runs 78-84°F year-round, holding at 80-82°F during green season. Warm surface temps keep pelagic species near the top of the water column, ideal for trolling and live bait presentations.
- Wind Patterns: Winds are calmest in the morning. All charters depart at 7:00 AM to take advantage of settled conditions before the afternoon builds.
- Run to the Grounds: Blue water sits one hour from the marina. Half-day offshore trips are not recommended, as transit time leaves too little time on the actual fishing grounds.
- Rainfall: Green season runs May through August with predictable afternoon showers. Mornings remain clear and fishable with no significant impact on offshore action.
- Current and Visibility: Water clarity is strongest during the dry season. Current lines and temperature breaks are where captains locate concentrations of tuna and billfish.
Costa Rica Sport Fishing Guides: An Insider’s Report goes deeper into what to expect on the water.
How Much Should You Budget for a Costa Rica Fishing Trip?
Charter rates at Los Suenos range from $1,150 to $4,000 per day for a charter-only booking, with packages that bundle lodging, transfers, and fishing starting at $7,262. All rates below exclude 13% VAT unless noted.
The Los Suenos charter fleet runs 25+ vessels from 27-ft to 52-ft. Full-day rates by boat:
Charters are priced per boat per day, not per person, making them a strong value for groups. The fleet covers a wide range of sizes and budgets, from nimble inshore-capable boats to large offshore vessels built for serious big-game fishing.
| Boat | Size | Anglers |
| Take it Easy | 27′ Morgan | 4 |
| Desperado | 31′ Rybo Runner | 5 |
| Dream Maker | 35′ Cabo Express | 6 |
| Sueltalo 2 | 43′ Viking Convertible | 6 |
| Dragin Fly | 42′ Custom Maverick | 6 |
| Spanish Fly | 42′ Custom Maverick | 6 |
| Ambition | 47′ Cabo | 7 |
| Sea Fly | 50′ Custom Maverick | 8 |
| Satis Fly | 50′ Custom Maverick | 8 |
Rates start in the low four figures for smaller boats and scale up for larger offshore vessels. All rates are quoted plus 13% tax. For current pricing on each boat, visit the Los Sueños Sportfishing Charters page directly, as rates are subject to change without notice.
Fishing Packages
Stay in Costa Rica offers three fishing packages. Each package includes 4 nights of luxury lodging at Los Sueños Resort & Marina, choose from beautifully appointed condominiums or private homes ranging from one to eight bedrooms, all with top-of-the-line amenities, plus two full offshore fishing days, airport transfers, and Beach Club access. Prices are taxes included.
| Package | Group | Accommodation | Boat | Captain |
| Luxury | 4 people | 2-bed condo: Colina, Veranda, or Del Mar | 32′ Custom Maverick Sunny One | Brian Porras |
| Presidential | 4 people | Presidential condo at Marbella | 35′ Cabo Express Dream Maker | Ezequiel Amaya |
| Platinum | 5 people | Casa Oasis private villa | 42′ Custom Maverick | Walton Smith |
Marriott Bonvoy members can also book any of these packages using their points. Stay in Costa Rica holds an exclusive partnership with Marriott Homes and Villas, giving Bonvoy members the opportunity to redeem points toward their stay Stay In Costa Rica, an option no other rental provider in Los Sueños can offer.
Every package also comes with logistical support and resort access built in from arrival to departure.
- Airport Transfers: Private van transfers from San Jose airport are included on arrival and departure days, so ground transportation is covered from the moment you land.
- Beach Club Access: Every package includes full access to the Los Suenos Beach Club for the entire stay, covering the pool, beach, and resort amenities.
- Concierge Services: Stay in Costa Rica features complete and comprehensive concierge services throughout your stay, available 24/7 for anything you need on and off the resort.
- Restaurants: Los Suenos resort restaurants offer some of the best dining in Costa Rica, from casual ocean-view eateries serving local flavors to fine-dining experiences featuring molecular gastronomy. The surrounding area also has spots serving fresh seafood, steaks, sushi, Italian, Asian, and more.
Everything available beyond fishing at the resort is covered in Dining in Costa Rica: Where to Eat and What to Expect at Los Suenos Resort.
How to Customize Your Package for Dates and Group Size
Every package Stay in Costa Rica offers is a starting point, not a fixed itinerary. Whether you are traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or a multi-family trip, the details can be adjusted to fit your schedule, group size, and budget.
Adjusting Your Fishing Days
Two fishing days are included in every package, but more can be added based on availability. Peak season fills up fast, so book at least 3 months in advance for general availability and 6 months ahead if you are targeting specific boats or peak billfish season.
Choosing the Right Boat for Your Group
Vessels in the Los Suenos fleet range from 27 ft to 52 ft and accommodate 4 to 8 anglers. Larger groups can upgrade to a bigger vessel or book multiple boats for the same day on the water.
Upgrading or Swapping Accommodations
All three package tiers can be swapped or extended based on availability. Move from a luxury condo to a presidential suite, add extra nights, or book a private villa for groups that want more space and exclusivity.
Personalize Your Stay With Add-On Services
Beyond the charter and accommodation, Stay in Costa Rica can arrange additional services to complete your trip. Helicopter transfers from San Jose can replace the van transfer for a faster, more scenic arrival. Babysitting services are available for families traveling with young children. Private chef services and catering can be arranged for groups who prefer in-villa dining. Any other special requests can be coordinated directly with the team before arrival.
For booking timelines and budget guidance, Costa Rica Vacation Packages: Planning Your Trip covers everything you need to know before confirming your dates.
Why Do Anglers Choose Stay in Costa Rica Over Other Charter Providers?
Booking independently means sourcing a boat, arranging transfers, finding lodging, and coordinating across multiple vendors with no fallback if plans change. Stay in Costa Rica covers all of it, with bilingual crews on every vessel and concierge support throughout the stay.
Stay in Costa Rica vs. Other Charter Providers
| Feature | Stay in Costa Rica | Other Charter Providers |
| Fleet size | 25+ vessels, 27-52 ft | Limited selection |
| Bilingual crew | Yes, all boats | Not guaranteed |
| Customizable itineraries | Yes | Rarely |
| Operating since | 2001 | Varies |
| Meals on charter | Full lunch + drinks | Varies by operator |
Stay in Costa Rica has placed anglers on the water at Los Suenos since 2001. That means extensive years of captain relationships, seasonal data, and on-the-ground support that no booking platform replicates. Contact Stay in Costa Rica to start planning, or browse the full sportfishing packages to find the right boat, lodging, and dates for your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fishing experience to book a charter at Los Suenos?
No experience is required. The bilingual captains and crew on every Stay in Costa Rica charter handle all tackle setup, bait, and fish handling. First-time anglers are welcome on any vessel in the fleet.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, you can keep certain species subject to Costa Rica fishing regulations. Billfish such as marlin and sailfish are typically catch-and-release. Table fish like tuna, dorado, and snapper can be kept, and the crew can fillet your catch at the end of the trip.
What should I bring on the day of the charter?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, light layers, and non-marking soft-soled shoes. Motion sickness medication is recommended if you are sensitive to offshore swells. The boat provides all fishing gear, meals, and drinks.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size for a charter?
Boats in the fleet accommodate 4 to 8 anglers depending on the vessel. Smaller groups can book a smaller boat, and larger parties can split across multiple vessels departing together on the same day.
Are children allowed on fishing charters?
Yes, children are welcome on board. Half-day inshore trips are the most family-friendly option. For families with very young children, Stay in Costa Rica can arrange babysitting services at the resort so parents can fish offshore without worry.
What happens if weather conditions are bad on my charter day?
The captain makes the final call on safety. If conditions are unfishable, Stay in Costa Rica works with guests to reschedule based on availability. It is another reason booking through an on-site team with 24/7 support matters over an independent booking.
