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 may target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, and dorado offshore, while the protected waters inside the gulf hold roosterfish, snapper, snook, and jacks.
Quick Facts - Golfito Bay
2026 Rates: From $3,345 + Tax (4 nights / 3 days fishing)
Location: Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Season: Year-round fishing. Marlin best June–December.
Species: Sailfish, blue, black, and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, roosterfish, snapper, and more
Boats: Two 32-ft Contenders and additional charter boats
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—provides 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
Marina Bahia Golfito, open since 2019, is a modern full-service marina located in the town of Golfito on Costa Rica’s sheltered Golfo Dulce.
Season: Sportfishing in Golfito is productive year-round. Offshore fishing for sailfish and marlin typically peaks from June through December, when calmer seas and favorable currents concentrate bait and billfish. Yellowfin tuna and dorado are available most of the year, with dorado (mahi-mahi) numbers often increasing during the rainy season (May–November). Inshore fishing for roosterfish, snapper, and other coastal species remains consistently strong throughout the year.
Located near the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, the Marina is surrounded by lush rainforest and offers easy access to eco-adventures throughout the region.
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 300 HP Outboards
The Fishing Program:
Boats: The fleet includes two 32-foot Contender center-console boats with twin 300 HP outboards, along with 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 reaching 5,200 RPM, and provide a fast, stable, and 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, possess extensive local knowledge of the area, maintain proficient English levels, and are supported by highly experienced deckhands to ensure both safety and an exceptional fishing experience. Fishing Equipment: The use of top-quality conventional and spin fishing equipment is provided in the package. 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: A sportfishing license is included in the package. Fish Care: No fish care is provided. If tuna, snapper, wahoo, or other edible species are caught, the crew will coordinate with the kitchen to prepare the fish for dinner, if desired.
Brad Staples with a Red Snapper (2026)
A Typical Fishing Day:
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, a coffee shop, jade jewelry, a barber/beauty salon, a surf shop, golf cart rentals, a pharmacy, and a doctor's office.
• Rooftop jacuzzi
• Fully equipped gym • Indoor Bar (package includes alcohol)
• Private guest lounge (board games, pool table, darts, TV)
Standard Queen Room
Standard rooms with a king or queen bed, 50-inch TV, hammock, coffee maker, and more. Meals: You'll dine at La Playa Restaurant on the first floor of the resort complex. All meals are included in the package. Beverages: The package includes 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 driver will transfer 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 overnight hotel in San José and the round-trip charter flight between San José and Golfito are included in the package. 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 either to your overnight hotel or to 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.
6 nights / 6 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $5,545 per person
3 per boat: $7,145 per person
2 per boat: $8,900 per person 5 nights / 5 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $5,025 per person
3 per boat: $6,105 per person
2 per boat: $7,565 per person 4 nights / 4 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $4,180 per person
3 per boat: $5,060 per person
2 per boat: $6,235 per person 3 nights / 3 days guided fishing
4 per boat: $3,345 per person
3 per boat: $4,015 per person
2 per boat: $4,900 per personNon-Angler Companion Rates:
3 nights / 3 days at the Lodge $3,312.00
4 nights / 4 days at the Lodge $4,416.00
5 nights / 5 days at the Lodge $5,520.00
6 nights / 6 days at the Lodge $6,624.00
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 (required) ground transfers in San José
• First night stay at Fairfield Hotel in San José
• Roundtrip charter flight between San José and Golfito
• Private ground transfers between Golfito Airport and the Resort
• Double occupancy accommodations at the Lodge
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• Daily housekeeping at the Lodge
• 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 fishing tackle
• Live bait and lures
• A 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
• Anything not listed under inclusions.
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Fishing with Larry Payment Options: 1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies) 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 – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
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.
