Papagayo Gulf Sport Fishing & Surf Trips

Sportfishing in the Papagayo Gulf, Costa Rica

NORTH PACIFIC TOURS offers a wide variety of fishing in the Papagayo Gulf  (trolling, coastal, bottom, casting, fly, spear fishing).  The Papagayo Gulf is known worldwide as one of the greatest sportfishing and surfing destinations. We are located in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, and we are a 35 minute drive from Liberia International Airport. You can read about our reviews on Trip Advisor.

 

Enjoy a day on the water with the most talked about captain in the area. Captain Daniel and Jose are local anglers with 40+ years of experience and both are live bait experts. We have a large array of lures and teasers and the boat is set up according to the fish you are looking to catch. Our boat, the Don Manuel,  is a  legally operating boat — fully licensed for fishing & surfing, insured and registered (3 letters followed by 3 numbers on side of boat). If this is a concern for you and your family, be wary of purchasing trips on the beach.

***NEW FEATURE — SPLIT-CHARTER****

Looking to share the boat with another fisherman or surfer to bring down the cost of your trip? Vist our reservations page for other clients looking for the same or send us an e-mail with your dates that you would like to fish/surf.

VIEW OUR VIDEO OF A SAILFISH we caught in May in the Papagayo Gulf - see Danny in Action!

We can pick up you and your group at the beach at these hotels: Four Seasons Costa Rica Resort, Peninsula Papagayo, Exclusive Resorts, Hotel Riu Guanacaste, Grand Papagayo, Allegro Papagayo, Giardini Di Papagayo, Casa Conde Del Mar, Ocotal Beach Resort, Villa Del Sueno, Hotel Mangaby, Hotel Playa Hermosa,  La Finisterra Hotel, Bahia Pez Villa Resort, Villa Sol, Nakuti Papagayo Resort, Monarch Resort and the Hilton Papagayo Resort.

 

Map of Costa Rica - Route Planner

This Map is helpful to find surf spots, national parks, providences and Blue Flag beaches. You can plan your vacation routes in advance and find hotel and tour information.

 

The Real Costa Rica

Interested in reading more about Costa Rica? I found this great web blog that will answer all your questions if you are moving here or just visiting.

 

To find out availability or if you have additional questions regarding the fishing or surfing, contact Lisa at: fish@northpacifictours.com or lisa@northpacifictours.com. If you have Skype, you can leave us a message and Lisa will get back to you!

A Story of The Tico Fisherman

The Tico Fisherman

An American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Costa Rican village when a local fisherman docked with several large yellow-fin tuna.

The American complimented the Costa Rican Tico on the quality of his fish, and asked how long it took to catch them.

“Only a little while,” the Tico replied. The American then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish. The Tico said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs.

The American then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Tico fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, senor.”

The American scoffed, “I am a Wall Street executive and could help you. You should spend more time fishing, and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat and a Web presence. A scalable, go-forward plan would provide capital for several new boats and eventually a whole  fleet. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to San Jose, Costa Rica and then to Los Angeles, where you would outsource tasks to help run your expanding enterprise.”

The Tico fisherman asked, “But senor, how long will all this take?”

To which the American replied, “15 to 20 years.”

“But what then, senor?”

The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right, you will announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and make millions.”

“Millions, senor? Then what?”

The American said, “Then you can retire, move to a small coastal fishing village where you can sleep late, fish a little, take siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings, where you will sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”

Pura Vida!

Testimonials from Past Clients

This is what our past clients had to say and we would like to hear back from you! Please send us an email about your fishing experience along with your photos and we would be happy to post on our site. Also, if you like to read about us on Trip Advisor or would like to make a comment there, we would appreciate it!

December 21, 2009
Dear Lisa and Mauricio, Both Jim and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!   We had a great time with Danny and Jose --- please give them our very best wishes and thank them again for a great fishing experience.  In case you haven't seen it we have already posted a review on Trip Advisor --- hope you like our comments. We are already talking about a return trip next year and would certainly use North Pacific Tours again. All the best, Bob G

September 18, 2009
Hi Guys, We had a fantastic time fishing on the Don Manuel. The guys were so great. It was just like fishing with old friends for the day. I caught my first Rooster Fish. I'm hooked. We

also caught tuna and red snapper. We ate the tuna as soon as we got back to the condo. Maybe 3hrs out of the water. Awesome! Can't wait to come back. If you are having a hard time deciding who to go fishing with,look no further, these are your guys.
Thank you so much, Diego and Roxy

July 26, 2009
Hi Lisa, We are back from our vacation and I just wanted to write to let you know what a wonderful time we had during our two days of fishing with Jose and Daniel.  Our first day we were a little uncertain about how things would go since we just hopped in the boat and took off with no explanation of how things would go.  We soon learned that while Jose is a man of few words - he knows what he is doing and works hard to ensure a successful fishing trip.  Over two days of fishing, we came back to the Villa with 14 Mahi Mahi and 1 Tuna.  We had also caught a few others - Amberjack, Rooster Fish and Needle fish, which we put back in the water.  
On Monday and Wednesday night, we had the restaurant prepare fresh Ceviche, Sashimi and grilled Mahi Mahi.  It was so wonderful, and we thank you for making our trip memorable.  We are already planning on coming back again sometime within the next year, so you will be hearing from us again! Many Thanks, Catrina

May 11, 2009
Mauricio and Lisa, Just wanted to say thanks for setting me up with Daniel and Danny.  
I  had a great time with them Monday.  They both worked really hard to get us on fish.  I attached a couple pics of some of the catch.  I really appreciate Danny giving me the couple flies to use off the beach. They worked for sure and i broke both of them off.  If I'm ever back to Costa Rica I will contact you again for more fishing.  
Do you guys sell t-shirts? I'd like to buy one if possible.  The sun shirts Danny and Daniel had were really nice. Thanks, John

February 26, 2009
Hi Lisa, Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our time there. Although the fishing was not as good as we would of liked, it was not due to the effort of Jose and Daniel. We caught enough fish on Tuesday for a very good meal that evening. Thanks for meeting the girls and giving them a quick tour of Coco. Ken, who went fishing with us on Thursday, was on our same flight home. He said after we were dropped off, they got into the fish on the way back to drop him off. That just shows that Daniel and Jose were continuing to try to satisfy customers! by that time is must have been near 4:00 PM. I hope that we get to come back some day and if so, we'll try the fishing again. Thanks again for all your help and thanks to your crew! Steve

March 3,2008
Lisa, We wrote a note to Trip Advisor. Before we left I gave a few cards out at the Villa del Sueno. Hopefully Larry booked a trip. I also gave my neighbors a stack of your cards. They entertained guests with the dorado and yellow fin we caught. He is the property manager and might be helpful promoting your business, give them a call. We had a great time and hope to return. Steve and Liz

 

March 17, 2008
Lisa, Just wanted to say thanks for a wonderful day of fishing! Daniel and Jose were great...and the day was beautiful. Rooster fish were our goal, and they did a great job of helping us both catch one. Thought I'd attach a picture of the rooster I caught. Thank you again for all of your help.
Jill and Jim

October 6, 2007
Ola Lisa! Costa Rica was PURA VIDA!!!! I wanted to tell you how wonderful our fishing was with Capt. Daniel and Jose. We snagged a sailfish, got a huge Dorado and a couple   Rooster fish. We kept some of the Dorado and gave the majority to the guys. Our chef at Ocotal prepared it for us and it was just delicious. We also enjoyed our meals at the restaurants you recommended: Louisiana Grill and Papagayo Seafood. I have had many vacations in the States and abroad and this was one of the top 5. Our fishing experience was one reason our trip was so special. My thanks to you and please extend it once again to Capt. Daniel and Jose. I hope we can come back again!!!! Regards, Muffy

July 19, 2007
Hi Lisa, We just wanted you to know that Tim and I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica, and that the fishing was great. Catching the rooster fish & tuna was awesome but the next time we come down,I am determined to catch a sailfish or marlin. We just won't get off the boat until I have caught something as big as me!!! Daniel and Jose were awesome and we will definitely recommend you to anyone we know. Pura Vida! Mandy & Tim

Water Tours Available

Half Day Sport Fishing
inshore fishing for roosterfish, Spanish mackerel, bonito, snapper, grouper, jack crevalle ,  amber jack, pompano, King Mackerel, dorado, and Wahoo. Beer, beverages and fruit included. 

Full Day Sport Fishing

Fishing offshore for blue, black, and striped marlin, sailfish, yellow fin tuna, Wahoo and dorado. Lunch (choice of turkey or ham ), beer, beverages, snacks and fruit included.

Hourly Fishing

Fishing inshore either bottom or trolling.

 

Bottom Fishing
There are well over 60 different fishing spots in the Papagayo Gulf where you can fish for red snapper  and  grouper.

Casting
We have an array of gear for casting and we will take you to premier fishing spots for casting.

vFly Fishing 
If you have your own fly fishing gear (rods/lures), we can take you to the mangroves at Palmares and Ollie's Point. This can be combined with our coastal and bottom fishing. Snook, Crevalle Jack, Bonito, Yellow Tail Snapper, Skip Jack are some of the fish you can catch .

Snorkeling Tours

The many rock islands in the Papagayo Gulf of Costa Rica makes the North Pacific waters a premier snorkeling destination. Your snorkeling experience will determine which site we go to first. All of our trips make a stop at Playa Huevos where you can explore a cave and snorkel from the beach. Snorkel equipment, guide, water & fruit provided.

Bay Tours / Sunset Tours
A trip around the Papagayo Gulf or along Santa Rosa National Park. This trip can also include a stop at Coco,   Hermosa or Ocotal for lunch/dinner/shopping. We can also take people through the estuary/mangroves    during high tide. Sunset cruises run from 2:30  p.m. – 5:45  p.m. Beer, (sunset only)  beverages and fruit included

Trips to Tamarindo
We can take clients down to Tamarindo for the day if they wanted to shop, surf or if they need a transfer. This is a full day trip (depart at 7:00 a.m.- return at 3:00 p.m.).  Beverages and fruit included.

Surfing & Boogy Boarding at Witches Rock
Surfing only at Witches Rock is best at high tide. Check www.costaricatides.com for the tide report.

Water and Pineapple included

Surfing & Boogy Boarding both Witches Rock & Ollie’s Point

Ollie’s is best at low to mid tide and Witches is best at High tide --- the tides will dictate which surf spot to go to first.
Water and Pineapple included .$15 Park Entrance Fee is Required for Each Passenger. We will Purchase the Day Before Your Trip.

Surf Board Rental & Boogy Board Rentals

Board Rental is available for $25 and we have many sizes available

Surfing & Light Fishing

We can include fishing poles for you to surf in between surf spots for an additional cost.

Sport Fishing Information

The Don Manuel is equipped with outriggers, down-riggers, Penn International & Okuma Reels & Rods, fighting chair and two professional crewmen for your sport fishing adventure. Live bait techniques are used and we also troll using lures and teasers. If you want to keep what you catch, Jose will clean and bag your fish to take with you. Catch and release is practiced for Sailfish, Marlin and Rooster.

We will work with you to plan the perfect day out on the water for you and your family. If you are fishing with us more than one day, we can offer you a discount on your second day.

Boat Rental Includes:
Tackle, bait, licenses/permits, EXPERIENCED captain & mate, fresh fruit, beer, iced tea, soda and lunch & snacks for full day trips. All trips are PRIVATE charters.

FULL DAY FISHING 
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. Offshore trolling and bottom fishing. 30 to 50 miles offshore. We recommend full day for those who want the bigger catch and more fish.

HALF DAY FISHING
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Inshore trolling and bottom fishing and go roughly 5 to 10 miles from shore.

We also offer the following fishing described below and can be full, half or hourly and combined with the above - Please let us know.

Bottom Fishing
There are well over 60 different fishing spots in the Papagayo Gulf where you can fish for red snapper  and  grouper.

Casting
We have an array of lures for casting and rods and can take you to premier fishing sports for casting.

v

Fly Fishing 
If a client has their own rods/lures, we can take them to the mangroves at Palmares and Ollie's Point.  This can be combined with our coastal and bottom fishing. Snook, Crevalle Jack, Bonito, Yellow Tail Snapper, Skip Jack .

SNORKELING / FISHING COMBINATION (NO EXTRA COST)
If you would like to snorkel the last hour or two of your fishing trip (no extra cost), we can have the snorkeling gear on the boat - we just need to know your foot sizes.

Gratuities to the crew is not included in our prices. 15-20% of the total is customary. Please visit our Reservations page regarding payment options. Book 2 days of fishing with us and receive 5% off the second trip.

 

Snorkeling Trips

The many rock islands in the Papagayo Gulf of Costa  Rica make the North Pacific waters a premier snorkeling location.  Our snorkeling trip begins after breakfast as we board the boat and take a 10 minute trip North.

Along the way, we may encounter playful dolphins swimming along side or behind the boat. We may see leatherback or ridley turtles. Once we arrive, your guide will lead you to the clear water and the best spots for sighting marine life. The water surrounding the rock islands are abundant with activity with numerous species of fish are found hiding around rock coral formations. Some of the fish we may see are angel fish, moorish idol, puffers, surgeonfish, snapper, parrot fish, damsels and a variety of eels. Turtles, rays, and the non aggressive reef shark may also be spotted.

Your snorkeling experience will determine which site we go to first. All of our trips make a stop at Playa Huevos where you can explore a cave and snorkel from the beach.

Snorkel equipment, guide, water & fruit provided.

Surfing & Boogie Boarding at Witches & Ollies

Surfing in Costa Rica is a must destination for surfers around the world and is every surfers  dream.  Surf the two favorite breaks: Witch's Rock - 40 minutes from Playa Del Coco/Playa Hermosa and Ollie's Point is 20 minutes North of Witches Rock. Both spots are located in Guanacaste's Santa Rosa National Park and a park entrance fee is required.  Please give us a days notice you want to reserve the boat to give us time to purchase tickets.

Boogie boarders are welcome to ride the waves as well. Boogie Board Rentals Available *NEW*!

THE BREAKS
Witches Rock has a left and right break with a sandy bottom. This spot is best surfed at mid/high tide and has off-shore winds from Dec through Mar. Witches Rock is not a beginners break and we recommend experienced surfers. Check out the tide report at costaricatides.

Ollie's Point is best surfed at low/mid tide and has a sandy reef bottom and for all types of surfers. Ollie's Point is one of the most northern points on the west coast of Costa Rica with a world class surf break as seen in the movie "The Endless Summer". This surf spot is also named after U.S. Military General Oliver North for his role in the Iran-Contra Affair.

**NEW**
If you are interested in sharing a boat with other surfers, please check our reservations page to see if we have other clients looking for the same.

SURF LESSONS
We offer surf lessons at Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock depending on the swell. $450 includes boat rental and lesson. Surf board rental is a separate cost.

SURF & BOOGIE BOARD RENTALS
We have long and short boards as well as Boogie Boards for rent at $25 a day.

SURFING & LIGHT FISHING
If you would like to fish on your way to and from Witches and Ollie's, we can include fishing gear, bait, and the mate on board for an additional $70.

On the boat we provide bottled water and pineapple.

PHOTOGRAPHER
Capture your surfing experience with a professional photographer while you are here in Costa Rica. We highly recommend Diego who is a native Costa Rican, bilingual, a fantastic photographer and surfer. Diego specializes in digital photos and video and he would be in the water as you surf by. If you would like your day photographed, please send us an email and we can arrange for Diego to accompany you on your trip. This is a separate cost.

Or, send us an email to reserve your trip: fish@northpacifictours.com
Pura Vida! Mauricio & Lisa

The Don Manuel / North Pacific Tours

The Don Manuel is a 26 foot shaded panga,  center console in pristine condition. We have outriggers, downriggers, Okuma, Shimano and Penn gears well as a new fighting chair. It is equipped with a 140 h.p. Suzuki 4 stroke engine; first aid kit, fire extinguisher, life jackets, cell phone, VHF radio, cushioned seats, extra lighting and is fully licensed and insured /registered with an experienced captain and mate. All of our trips well stocked with fresh tropical fruits, bottled water, an assortment of drinks and snacks. Beer is provided for our fishing trips and lunch & snacks are provided for a full day.

North Pacific Tours has been running tours since March 2006 and have provided over 500 trips to people around the world. NPT is a family business, owned, and operated by Mauricio, who is Costa Rican and his wife Lisa, an American. We strive to ensure that you have a safe and an outstanding day out on the water -- sport fishing, surfing or snorkeling.

Mauricio's father, Daniel, is our Captain and he has over 40+ years experience

  sport fishing in the Papagayo Gulf. Daniel is very knowledgeable of the best fishing areas and many of our past clients compliment his fishing expertise. The captain and mate continually change fishing tactics if the fish are not biting. Danny (aka Jose on the boat), has been fishing for over 20 years and is an expert in live bait fishing.

We enjoy working with our clients helping them create a memorable Costa Rican vacation. Just let Lisa know what you are looking for and she will be happy to help out answering any questions you may have. A day out on the Don Manuel is great fun for the entire family! 

 fish@northpacifictours.com

FISH OF THE PAPAGAYO GULF

The waters of the Papagayo Gulf on the North West Pacific coast are home to some of the best sport fishing in Costa Rica. Commonly caught fish include: amberjack, yellow fin tuna, marlin, sailfish, rooster fish, Dorado (mahi mahi), snapper and Wahoo. North Pacific Tours practices catch and release for Marlin, Sailfish and Rooster Fish.
Roosterfish
Available all year, there are more caught in the Papagayo Bay area from November through March. The roosters like the structure of the shoreline and islands where they're found in 50 to 60 feet of water. The dorasal fin with its ranlikie array, gives the fish its name. It's an inshore species often found in the surf, over sandy bottoms and always in moderate depths. An aggressive predator, the roosterfish is always exciting when hooked. There is no particular season for roosters so expect a hard hit anytime when fishing near shore and around rocks or islands.
Wahoo
The first showing begins about the time the rains start in mid-May, peaking in July and August. Most are caught around the rocky points and islands, but you will pick one up occasionally fishing offshore.  The Wahoo is a loner and when traveling with other Wahoo it's usually only a school of five or six. This fish can be found anywhere in the ocean but does seem to concentrate during the summer off of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Considered a relatively rare species, the Wahoo is usually caught while the angler is looking for other oceanic species. That's always a nice surprise because many fishermen consider the Wahoo one of salt water's finest delicacies. Experts speculate that the Wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean and it's no wonder that the first scorching run can burn out the drag on some reels.
Yellow Fin Tuna
Peak months are around August through October but are caught all year long. Tuna in this region can easy reach well over 100 pounds and range up to 300 pounds.

 

 

Dorado
Also known as Mahi-Mahi, the Dorado is one of the most exciting fish to catch on light tackle. Most abundant from May until October when the seasonal rains flood the rivers, carrying out debris that forms weed lines where they like to lie. A hooked Dorado might leap first in one direction, then another. It's been noted that they can reach speeds of 50 mph in short bursts. Troll past a floating log and you'll likely hook a Dorado.

Snapper
There are many species of snapper. A shallow water fish preferring a rocky bottom that provides bait fish and protection . Each species will be a tough fighter, particularly on light tackle and although all snapper are delicious eating the flesh of the larger fish can become course.

 

Sailfish
Caught throughout the year, May through August is normally the top season. Perhaps the most acrobatic of all blue water fish, the sailfish has engraved Costa Rica on every international angler's wish list. This beautiful fish spends more time in the air than in the water during the fight is not as powerful as the marlin but always spectacular. Double and triple hookups are not uncommon.

Marlin
Best time to fish for these are from mid-November to early March (exceptional) but can be caught all year long.
fish@northpacifctours.com

www.northpacifictours.com

Reservations & Split-Charter Info

We suggest that you reserve your trip in advance if you will be here during the high season (December -- May) and especially during the U.S. holidays because we do book up.

To reserve a trip or for questions regarding our services, please send us an email at fish@northpacifictours.com or lisa@northpacifictours.com andwe will get back to you. If you have Skype, you can call us - our link is listed below.

Would you like to save money or looking for other fishermen
to share in the cost of the boat?
Let us help you find a fishing partner(s) 

If you are interested in sharing the boat, please let us know!

We do not  require a deposit for a reservation. Our boat is used at many of the local hotels and our prices with them may vary. Costa Rica is a commission based country so it is best to make your reservation directly with us. Book 2 days of fishing and receive a discount off your second day of fishing.

US Dollars , Colones and
Credit Cards accepted

 

Our prices are cash based so we encourage our clients to pay cash due to the additional 5% credit card fee (bank's commission) that we need to add.

Traveler Checks are not accepted as they take up to 45 days to clear.

Contact Numbers 011 506:
2 670-1564 - Office
8 398 -8129 - Cell
8 893-1571 - Cell
North Pacific Tours, S.A.
Playas Del Coco, Guanacaste CR

We look forward to hearing from you.
Pura Vida!!!
Mauricio & Lisa

  

Tour Operators

VARGAS TOURS
A Tour Operator with an authentic Costa Rican soul, proud to offer our visitors a service of quality and dedication towards our incredible biodiversity and culture.  We will provide your tours with a bilingual guide and driver.  "You meet us as guests and leave as friends". E-mail us with your questions and we will promptly respond. E-mail: discovercostarica@yahoo.ca  Phone: 506-395-6090, 896-3148, 697-4836

Connecting Baysiders around the world!

 

Your #1 source of information regarding the Papagayo Gulf, visit: www.papagayoinfo.net 

DIVING SAFARIS is located in Playa Hermosa and well worth your trip! There is an abundance of dive sites which are accessible within a 30 minute boat ride. At the dive sites you may see some of the following: white tip reef sharks, many species of eels, spotted eagle rays, sting rays, clown shrimp, sea horses, scorpion fish, different varieties of nudibranch, frog fish, turtles, octopus and many large schools of fish. For the thrill seeker diver, book a two tank dive out at Bat Islands where you can see the Bull Sharks up close (the bite marks on her were done during mating). Diving Safaris has a staff of instructors for those who are interested in taking a scuba course while visiting Costa Rica.

Need help planning your trip to Costa Rica? Contact Discovery Costa Rica for all your travel needs.

 Costa Rica Paradise Wedding can assist you in planning your perfect wedding anywhere in the country. They are true professionals that oversee every detail of your wedding day. Mauricio and I used Costa Rica Paradise Wedding and had the perfect beach wedding that everyone is still talking about.