Fishing in Golfo Dulce from Golfito offers offshore bluewater action and productive inshore fishing in one of Central America’s most scenic marine environments, where rainforest-covered mountains meet the sea.
Located on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast about 25 miles north of the Panamanian border, the town of Golfito sits along the shores of Golfo Dulce—a rare tropical fjord nearly 700 feet deep. Its calm, protected waters and proximity to the open Pacific create ideal conditions for offshore and inshore sportfishing.
Anglers can target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, and dorado offshore, while the gulf's protected waters hold roosterfish, snapper, snook, and jacks.
Quick Facts
2027 Rates: From $3,780 + Tax (4 nights / 3 days fishing)
Location: Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Season: Excellent sailfish November–April; blue marlin May–August.
Species: Sailfish, blue, black, and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, roosterfish, snapper, and more
Boats: Two 32-ft Contenders and additional charter boats
Groups: You will need to fill your own boat. Groups are not mixed.
Guides: Professional captains with 15+ years of experience
Dining: Restaurant meals included (on the first floor of the resort)
Lodging: Amaka Ocean Living Lodge (second floor of the resort)
Travel: Domestic flights between San José and Golfito included.
Marina Bahia Golfito—part of the IGY Marinas network of luxury marina destinations in 14 countries—offers immediate access to the deep waters of Golfo Dulce, one of the few tropical fjords in the world. The Marina serves as the primary sportfishing hub for anglers visiting Golfito Bay and Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.
Translated as “Sweet Gulf,” Golfo Dulce is known for calm, protected waters, abundant baitfish, and exceptional gamefish diversity, supporting both offshore bluewater fishing and productive inshore waters.
Marina Bahia Golfito
Open since 2019, Marina Bahia Golfito is a modern, full-service marina in the town of Golfito on Costa Rica’s sheltered Golfo Dulce.
Season: Sportfishing in Golfito is productive year-round. Sailfish fishing is excellent from November through April, while blue marlin fishing is excellent from May through August. Yellowfin tuna fishing is excellent year-round, and dorado fishing is particularly productive from November through April. Inshore fishing for roosterfish, snapper, and other coastal species remains productive throughout the year.
Offshore Fishing in Golfito
Offshore Species: Target the rich Pacific currents off the southern coast for blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado (mahi-mahi).
Abundant baitfish—sardines, mullet, ballyhoo, herring, and mackerel—fuel the food chain. Pelagic species patrol temperature breaks, current edges, and bait concentrations, creating exciting bluewater fishing opportunities just offshore from Golfito.
Offshore Travel Time: Runs 20–70 miles offshore to prime bluewater grounds, typically averaging 45–90 minutes depending on conditions.
Sam Sickles with Roosterfish (2026)
Inshore Species: Fish Golfito Bay for roosterfish, snapper, snook, jacks, and other hard-fighting coastal species.
Rocky shorelines, river mouths, reefs, and bait-rich structure create excellent opportunities for inshore action throughout the year.
Inshore Travel Time: Short runs from the marina put anglers on productive inshore waters quickly, with travel times averaging 10 to 25 minutes from the dock.
Two 32-Foot Contenders with Twin 300 HP Outboards
The Fishing Program:
Boats: The fleet includes two 32-foot Contender center-console boats with twin 300 HP outboards, two custom-built 28-foot boats, and two custom-built 30-foot boats with twin Suzuki 4-stroke 200-HP outboards. The Contenders deliver impressive offshore capability, with speeds up to 40 knots and strong engine performance at 5,200 RPM, and provide a fast, stable, comfortable ride to Golfo Dulce's productive deep-sea fishing grounds. Guides: All captains have more than 15 years of professional fishing experience. They are fully licensed, trained in first aid, have extensive local knowledge, speak English, and are supported by highly experienced deckhands to ensure safety and an exceptional fishing experience. Fishing Equipment: The package includes the use of top-quality conventional and spin fishing equipment. Live bait and lures are also included. Fly anglers need to bring their own gear. A list of what to bring is included in our confirmation packet. Fishing License: The package includes a sportfishing license. Fish Care: No fish care is provided. If you catch tuna, snapper, wahoo, or other edible species, the crew will coordinate with the kitchen to prepare the fish for dinner, if desired.
5:30 - 6:00 a.m. – Enjoy a hot breakfast at La Playa Restaurant at the Lodge. 6:00 - 6:30 a.m. – You'll take a short walk to the marina. 6:30 - 10:30 a.m. – Morning Fishing Session. Head to the most productive fishing grounds based on the season and sea conditions. The crew assists throughout the day and rotates anglers to ensure everyone has equal fishing opportunities. 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. – Enjoy sandwiches and fresh fruit. Light snacks, cold beverages, and beer are available onboard throughout the day. 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. – Wrap up the day’s fishing before heading back to the marina. 4:00 p.m. – Return to the dock. If a fish is hooked near the end of the day, the return may be slightly delayed to land the catch. Guests are greeted with cool towels and a refreshing beverage. 4:30 p.m. – A short walk back to the Lodge and relax before dinner. 7:00 p.m. – Dinner and ocean views at La Playa Restaurant (included in the package).
Golfito Bay Fish Chart
IGY Marina Bahia Golfito Resort
The Resort Complex
• La Playa Restaurant is on the first floor
• The Amaka Ocean Living Lodge is on the second floor
• On-site café, shops, mini market, car rental, marine services, and more.
Amaka Ocean Living Lodge
At the Resort: There is an ice cream shop, coffee shop, jade jewelry, barber/beauty salon, surf shop, golf cart rentals, pharmacy, and doctor's office.
• Rooftop jacuzzi
• Fully equipped gym • Indoor Bar (package includes alcohol)
• Private guest lounge (board games, pool table, darts, TV)
Standard Guest Room
Standard rooms feature a king or queen bed, 50-inch TV, hammock, coffee maker, and more. Meals: Dine at La Playa Restaurant on the first floor of the resort. All meals at the Lodge and sack lunches on the water are included in the package. Beverages: The package includes all alcoholic beverages—local beer, cocktails, house wines—and soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice. Communications: Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the Lodge.
Outdoor Dining at La Playa Restaurant
Meals at La Playa Restaurant
Boats are a Short Walk from the Lodge
Getting Here - Golfito, Costa Rica
You'll fly into San José (SJO). After clearing immigration, a lodge representative will drive you to the Fairfield by Marriott San José Airport, about five minutes away. Early the next morning, you'll take a SANSA Airlines flight to Golfito (GLF) aboard a 12-passenger aircraft. The flight takes about one hour, followed by a 10-minute transfer to the Resort. Note: The package includes the first night's hotel in San José and the round-trip domestic flights between San José and Golfito. Meals in San José are not included. Departure Day: You’ll depart the Lodge at 6:00 a.m. for the return flight to San José. Upon arrival, a representative will transfer you to either your overnight hotel or international departures if you are flying home the same day. Note: The final overnight in San José is at guests’ discretion and not included in the package.
2027 USD Rates
Season: Year-round fishing. You will need to fill your own boat. Groups are not mixed. Double occupancy rooms
7 nights / 6 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $6,266 per person
3 per boat: $8,074 per person
2 per boat: $10,057 per person 6 nights / 5 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $5,679 per person
3 per boat: $6,899 per person
2 per boat: $8,549 per person 5 nights / 4 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $4,724 per person
3 per boat: $5,718 per person
2 per boat: $7,046 per person 4 nights / 3 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $3,780 per person
3 per boat: $4,538 per person
2 per boat: $5,537 per person
Non-Angler Companion Rates:
4 nights / 3 days at the Lodge $3,744
5 nights / 4 days at the Lodge $4,992
6 nights / 5 days at the Lodge $6,240
7 nights / 6 days at the Lodge $7,488 Non-anglers are welcome to join anglers on the boats when space permits. Numerous Eco-tours available:
- Whale and dolphin viewing
- Sunset boat tour
- Surfing trip
- Pelican Island tour and more.Request a Marina Bahia Golfito Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Airport reception in San José, Costa Rica
• Private ground transfers between San José Airport, hotel, and domestic terminal
• First night stay at Fairfield Hotel in San José
• Roundtrip domestic flights between San José and Golfito
• Ground transfers between Golfito Airport and the Resort
• Accommodations at the Lodge
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• Daily housekeeping
• Breakfast and dinner at the Lodge
• Sack lunches on fishing days
• All beverages at the Lodge, including alcohol
• Guided fishing
• Use of conventional and spinning tackle
• Live bait and lures
• Costa Rican sportfishing license
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from San José
• Meals in San José
• Possible last night stay in San José and next day ground transfers
• Fly fishing equipment
• Gratuities for the guides and Lodge staff
• Laundry service: $8 to $15 per load
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• 13% VAT on the total package price
• Anything not listed under inclusions
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Marina Bahía Golfito POLICIES:
Required Waiver of Liability Form: Upon your arrival, you’ll be required to sign a Waiver of Liability form. It’s a legal contract asking you not to hold their business responsible for accidents.
Deposit Policy: A deposit of 50% of the total package is required to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to arrival. Reservations are subject to availability and are confirmed once the deposit has been received.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations or date changes must be made at least 8 days prior to arrival to receive a refund of payments made. Cancellations made within 7 days of arrival are non-refundable. Exceptions may be considered in cases of force majeure and are subject to management approval.
Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage and Global Rescue medical evacuation. Visit our Travel Insurance page. Fishing with Larry Payment Options: 1.) Credit Card: A 2.5% convenience fee applies for all credit card transactions. 2.) Check: Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019. 3.) Wire Transfer: Send money electronically. Typical fees are approximately $15–$30 for domestic transfers and $45–$50 for international transfers. Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions. 4. Please review our Travel Terms & Disclaimers prior to submitting your deposit.
