Half or Full DayInshore Golfo Dulce
Calm waterShort runsLight tackle
Work the gulf’s reefs, islands and rocky shoreline for roosterfish, cubera snapper, grouper, jacks and pompano. Lots of action and great for families or mixed groups.
Private fishing charters • 7 Pacific coast locations
Golfito · Golfo Dulce · South Pacific
Golfito Fishing Charters
Remote, fishing-first and wildly productive. Golfito puts the protected inshore waters of the Golfo Dulce and the open Pacific’s marlin grounds within reach of the same dock — from easy half days to multi-day offshore marlin trips.
- Blue marlin & sailfish
- Trophy roosterfish
- Inshore, offshore & FADs
- Day trips or overnight
Why fish from Golfito
Two fisheries from one port
Golfito sits far down Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, on the shore of the Golfo Dulce — one of only a handful of tropical fjords in the world. Inside the gulf, rocky points, reefs and islands hold roosterfish, cubera snapper, grouper, jacks and pompano. Outside, the open ocean delivers blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.
Unlike the big resort marinas farther north, Golfito is quiet and surrounded by rainforest and undeveloped coastline. It’s a destination for people who come to fish — and who want calm water inshore when the ocean is rough outside.
Tell us what you want to catch and how many days you have, and we’ll plan the right mix of trips.
Protected Golfo Dulce waters
Open-Pacific marlin grounds
Overnight FAD trips
Near Osa & Puerto Jiménez
Golfito trip options
How do you want to fish Golfito?
In Golfito the trip matters more than the boat. Pick the style that fits your goals and we’ll match the right charter.
Half or Full DayMost VersatileFull-Day Offshore
BillfishTuna & mahiFull day
Run past the mouth of the gulf into bluewater for marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo — or let the captain split the day with inshore fishing.
Multi-DayOvernight FAD & Marlin
Blue marlinLong-range boatStay aboard
Extended trips far offshore to FADs and seamounts where bait gathers and big blue marlin follow. You sleep aboard, so the crew fishes the best water at first light.
Rates depend on the trip, boat and season. Send us your dates, group size and target species and we’ll reply with options and a full quote — no payment needed to ask.
Featured captain
Fish Golfito with Captain Bobby McGuinness
The McGuinness name has been tied to Golfito sportfishing for decades, and Captain Bobby is one of the area’s best-known skippers. He runs traditional day charters as well as specialized offshore marlin trips for experienced anglers.
Availability depends on your dates and the type of trip, so ask early — especially for overnight or multi-day marlin fishing.
Not sure which trip fits?
Tell us your dates, group and target species — we’ll recommend the best plan.
When to go
Golfito fishing seasons
Golfito fishes all year, but the season shapes which species to target first.
From November
Sailfish
South Pacific sailfish often show up earlier than on the northern coast, giving Golfito a head start on the season.
Green season
Blue Marlin
The main focus of offshore and overnight FAD trips, with big fish possible during productive periods.
Year-round
Roosterfish & Snapper
The Golfo Dulce’s most dependable targets — plus grouper, jacks and pompano around reefs and structure. Yellowfin tuna can also turn up any time of year.
Is Golfito right for you?
Best for anglers who make fishing the trip
1Serious anglersMarlin, big tuna and long-range offshore trips you won’t find on a typical vacation charter.
2Roosterfish & inshore fansTrophy roosterfish and huge species variety in protected water.
3Adventure travelersRainforest, islands and a quiet town far from the big resorts. Plan two or more fishing days if you can.
Getting there: Golfito is a long drive from San José, so a short domestic flight is the fastest way in. Send us your arrival date and we’ll help line up the fishing around your travel.
Target species
What can you catch in Golfito?
Offshore pelagics and trophy inshore fish — all from the same port.
Golfito fishing FAQ
Questions before you book
What can I catch fishing in Golfito?
Offshore you can target blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo. Inshore in the Golfo Dulce, expect roosterfish, cubera snapper, grouper, jacks and pompano.
Is Golfito good for roosterfish?
Yes. The rocky shoreline, reefs and islands of the Golfo Dulce are excellent roosterfish habitat, and it’s one of the most reliable inshore targets year-round.
What is an overnight FAD trip?
It’s a multi-day trip far offshore to fish aggregating devices and seamounts, where bait concentrates and blue marlin follow. Anglers sleep aboard a long-range sportfisher so the crew can fish the best areas at the best times.
Can I fish with Captain Bobby McGuinness?
Yes, depending on your dates and the type of trip. Send us your dates early, especially for multi-day marlin trips, and we’ll check his availability.
Should I book inshore or offshore?
Choose offshore if marlin, sailfish, tuna or mahi-mahi are your priority. Choose inshore for roosterfish, snapper and grouper with shorter runs and calmer water.
How many days should I fish in Golfito?
One day is a great experience, but two or more let you try both the inshore and offshore fisheries and give you flexibility around weather.
How do I get to Golfito?
You can drive from San José, but it’s a long trip. A domestic flight is much faster and is the usual choice for fishing-focused visits.
Do you have charters elsewhere in Costa Rica?
Yes. We also book charters in Quepos, Jacó and Herradura, Los Sueños Marina, Flamingo and Tamarindo.
Ready to fish Golfito?
Tell us your dates, group size and whether you’re dreaming of blue marlin, big tuna or trophy roosterfish — we’ll plan the right Golfito trip.