Fishing
We have a policy to safely release ALL billfish as it is apart of Costa Rican law for all personal and commercial fishing vessels. With that said, you are absolutely allowed to keep any other species including Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Snapper and more. We will clean, filet and package your catch for you onboard. We can also recommend a number of excellent restaurants that will prepare it for you!
You are responsible to obtain a fishing license. You obtain one by going to the following link: http://www.incopesca.go.cr/carnets/tramites/SolicitudTraducido.aspx. We advise that you take a screenshot as proof of purchase on your mobile device.
We offer both! With that said, Tamarindo is best known for its offshore fishing and if it’s your first time fishing in Costa Rica then we highly recommend this option. For those looking to do inshore fishing, have a a chat with us in advance. We recommend either doing a full day charter or a multiple days where you can mix both offshore and inshore fishing.
We target a variety of both offshore and inshore fish including billfish such as marlin and sailfish as well as mahi-mahi, yellow-fin tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, snapper, and grouper. Check out our Tamarindo Fishing page to learn more about the fish we target.
If wanting to target billfish, we highly recommend 3/4 and full day charters.
We provide snacks, drinks (water, beer, soda) and all gear needed. We also offer a lunch served at midday for those booked on a 3/4 or full day charter. All you should bring is the following…
- Sunblock (30+ SPF)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera: to capture that trophy fish photo
You are welcome to bring your own snacks or drinks onboard as well. We just ask that all drinks are either can or plastic (not glass) and if bringing extra alcohol then please drink responsibly.
Costs
Charter pricing is as follows:
- 1/2 day – $1000
- 3/4 day – $1300
- Full day – $1500
These rates are for up to 5 people. There is a supplement charge of $100 additionally for a 6th person. Above rates do not include the standard and customary 15% to 20% gratuity.
To reserve with us, we only require a $300 USD deposit with the remaining balance to be paid directly to the captain on the day of your excursion.
Tipping is both customary and expected aboard all fishing charters. Captain Maikel and his crew work very hard to ensure the best experience possible! Please note that the “standard” gratuity in the charter industry is 15-20% of the charter price.
No, but please note that if paying by credit card we do incur a 5% processing fee. Additionally, there is a $100 surcharge for a 6th person when booking 6 people. Finally, you are responsible for the fishing license which costs around $18 per person.
Payment
You can reserve your charter on our reservations page. Simply select your desired date, complete the information and pay the $300 deposit to reserve the charter. We will send a confirmation email as soon as the payment is received.
The deposit can be paid online via a debit or credit card. When the balance is due on the date of your excursion, you can pay the captain by either cash or credit card. Please note there is a 5% surcharge when paying by credit card.
Location
On Google Maps or Waze search for “El Chiringuito” in Playa Tamarindo. You’ll meet your captain on the beach in front of the adjacent parking lot at 7:15am or at the time you discuss directly with the Captain. Similarly, you can write “Rhino Charger Sport Fishing” into Google Map to find the meeting spot.
We do not offer transportation. If staying in downtown Tamarindo, you can easily walk to the meeting spot as everything is within walking distance in Tamarindo’s township. If staying a little outside of Tamarindo, have a chat with your accommodation provider about organizing a transfer or taxi. If staying some distance from Tamarindo, we recommend talking to Tamarindo Shuttles who can offer return trips to and from the meeting spot: https://tamarindoshuttle.com/
Yes, there is a place to park your car at the meeting spot. Upon arrival you will see people with visors who will look after your car. The cost is around 5,000 colones or $10 for the day. You can negotiate a price with them.
Cancellation Policy
We require at least a weeks notice for the deposit to be returned. After that, the refund of the deposit is at the discretion of the owner, so we ask you get in contact if anything happens. Our cancellation policy is simple: We are reasonable and rational people! We would rather reschedule you than cancel the trip. However, if your plans change and you cannot make a trip please let us know as soon as possible! We do provide a 100% refund in case of weather or mechanical difficulties.
These events are rare, but can happen occasionally. In the event that we need to cancel your trip due to inclement weather or mechanical reasons, we will fully refund your deposit.
Miscellaneous
Yes, we are happy to help you with your travel arrangements and any other activities in Costa Rica. Contact us for advice or to help you book your trip.
