Costa Rica is one of Central America's finest sport fishing destinations, offering exceptional opportunities for both offshore big game fishing and exciting inshore sport. Its Pacific coastline is renowned for marlin, sailfish, tuna and mahi-mahi, while the rocky headlands, reefs and sheltered bays provide excellent fishing for roosterfish, cubera snapper, jacks and a wide variety of other species.

Our fishing holidays are based on the beautiful Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, overlooking the Golfo Dulce. This remarkable region combines outstanding fishing with tropical rainforest, abundant wildlife and some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

The Fishing

Offshore Fishing

The deep Pacific waters beyond the Golfo Dulce offer excellent big game fishing, with opportunities to target blue, black and striped marlin, Pacific sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo.

Blue marlin are encountered throughout much of the year, with particularly interesting opportunities during the second half of the year. Black marlin are also present, notably during the summer months, while sailfish fishing can be excellent at different times of the year, particularly during the winter and early spring.

Yellowfin tuna are another major attraction, with the possibility of encountering substantial fish offshore. The variety of species means that each day can bring something different, and the experienced captains tailor their fishing to the season, weather and movements of the fish.

Inshore Fishing

The inshore fishing is equally exciting and is one of the great attractions of southern Costa Rica.

Roosterfish are perhaps the most distinctive quarry. These powerful, spectacular fish patrol the rocky shoreline, beaches and headlands, providing tremendous sport on light tackle. They can be encountered throughout the year, with opportunities for genuinely large specimens.

Cubera snapper are another formidable opponent, inhabiting rocky reefs and submerged structure. Their remarkable strength makes them particularly challenging to catch, while bluefin trevally, jacks, grouper, snook and other species provide further variety.

The sheltered waters of the Golfo Dulce are particularly well suited to inshore fishing, and anglers can often enjoy productive sport without travelling far from the coast.

Crocodile Bay Fishing

Crocodile Bay is one of Costa Rica's best-established specialist sport fishing operations, situated at Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula.

The operation has an excellent fleet of purpose-built fishing boats, with experienced captains and crews who know the surrounding waters intimately. Both offshore and inshore fishing can be arranged, allowing guests to concentrate on particular species or enjoy a mixture of fishing throughout their stay.

The variety of fishing makes Crocodile Bay particularly appealing to groups with different interests and levels of experience. Conventional big game fishing, light-tackle sport and selected fly fishing opportunities can all be arranged.

Accommodation – Botánika Osa Peninsula

Guests fishing with Crocodile Bay stay at Botánika Osa Peninsula, an attractive resort set amongst tropical gardens and rainforest near Puerto Jiménez.

Part of Hilton's Curio Collection, Botánika offers a high standard of accommodation, with spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and suites, excellent restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities.

The resort is particularly well suited to couples and families, with an extensive programme of activities for non-fishing companions. The surrounding Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Central America, with wonderful opportunities to explore the rainforest, visit secluded beaches and encounter Costa Rica's remarkable wildlife.

Other activities: Guided rainforest walks, wildlife and birdwatching excursions, boat trips, kayaking, snorkelling, spa treatments and visits to Corcovado National Park.

Suggested Package

Return international flights, 1 night in San José, internal flights and transfers to Puerto Jiménez, 7 nights' accommodation at Botánika Osa Peninsula and 4 days' guided fishing with Crocodile Bay, based on four anglers sharing a boat.

Packages can be tailored to include additional fishing days, private boats and activities for non-fishing companions.