Rio Parismina Lodge - Costa Rica

Large Caribbean Tarpon

Since 1990, Rio Parismina Lodge has been the premier destination on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast for anglers chasing giant tarpon and trophy snook. Located where the Rio Parismina River meets the sea and bordering Tortuguero National Park, the Lodge offers world-class fishing, comfortable accommodations, and a warm family-style atmosphere. In 2025, ownership transitioned from Judy, the longtime operator, to Carlos Manuitt, who brings decades of experience, energy, and passion to the Lodge. Carlos and his team are committed to maintaining Judy’s legacy of excellence while adding thoughtful upgrades, including remodeled rooms with two full-size beds, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi access throughout the Lodge. With legendary guides, custom-designed boats, and unmatched service, Rio Parismina continues to be one of the best-run lodges in the world.
2026 Rates:  Packages start at $3,450 per person for 3 nights and 3 days guided fishing.

Quick Facts - Rio Parismina Lodge

  • Location:  Caribbean coast, at the mouth of the Rio Parismina River
  • Two Seasons:  Mid-January to May and mid-August to November
  • Species:  Large tarpon, snook, guapote, machaca, mojarra.
  • Methods:  Fly, spin, and lure fishing
  • Boats:  21-ft. Ocean Craft V-hulls with T-tops & fighting chairs; flat-bottom Jon boats for rivers
  • Guides:  Experienced, English-speaking (4 IGFA snook world records)
  • Lodging:  Air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms
  • Extras:  Swimming pool, open bar, free Wi-Fi & daily laundry, massage (extra fee)
  • Travel:  Roundtrip 30-minute charter flight between San José and the Lodge’s private paved runway (included in package)
See Rates & Dates
Beautiful Rio Parismina Lodge in Costa Rica


Fishing at Rio Parismina

Rio Parismina Lodge

Anglers can choose between the Caribbean Sea, home to abundant, giant tarpon, or the jungle rivers and streams of Tortuguero National Park, which hold snook, guapote, machaca, and mojarra. Fishing is always two anglers per guide, and Rio Parismina Lodge proudly holds four IGFA world records for snook.
Casting a plug or fly into a feeding school of tarpon is just the beginning of one of sportfishing’s greatest thrills. Few fish take a lure so gently, then erupt into wild, acrobatic leaps as these silver kings try to throw the hook.

Seasons:  The Lodge is open mid-January to May and mid-August to November. Peak tarpon action runs mid-March to mid-May and September to November. Rivers are clearest from January to April, while snook fishing is best in the fall. Both tarpon and snook remain year-round residents of the area.


The Fishing Program

Fly, spin, or lure fish Costa Rica's Caribbean side for large tarpon with Rio Parismina Lodge.

Handled with care. A quick picture of an XL tarpon.

Boats:  The Lodge has 21-foot, modified V-hull, Ocean Craft boats with T-tops, a fighting chair, marine radios, fish finders, and adequately powered and well-maintained motors—custom-designed boats for safety in crossing the bar. You'll fish the jungle rivers in flat-bottom Jon boats. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides:  English-speaking guides. Larry often referred to Rio Parismina as having the best guides and boats in the Caribbean.
We’ve had clients land over thirty 60 to 150-pound tarpon during a seven-day stay.
Fishing Equipment:  The Lodge provides good tarpon outfits–good quality reels teamed with Tiger Stiks–and ultra-light spin outfits for jungle fishing. The Lodge furnishes tackle. You’ll pay for the lures you use or lose. Tackle bill averages $15 to $25 per person. Some people bring their own fishing outfits and lures. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License:  You’ll purchase a $15 fishing license at the Lodge.
Park Fee:  If you choose to fish in Tortuguero National Park, the entrance fee is $15 per person, per day, and does not apply to tarpon fishing.
View 5:37 YouTube video of world-record grouper.

A Large Grouper - Rio Parismina Lodge

Rio Parismina Lodge

A Typical Fishing Day:
5:00 a.m. – Wake-up knock and coffee, tea, or juice delivered to your door
5:30 a.m. – Full breakfast with eggs, fruit, and more
6:00 a.m. – Morning fishing (tarpon or jungle rivers)
Noon – Return for hearty Lodge lunch
2:00 p.m. – Afternoon fishing session
Before dark – Return to the Lodge and freshen up
6:00 p.m. – Appetizers, open bar, and social time by the pool or Clubhouse
7:00 p.m. – Family-style dinner with wine and desserts
After dinner – Relax with games, Wi-Fi, or join the weekly crocodile tour.

Judy's World Record Snook

Rio Parismina Lodge

About Rio Parismina Lodge

Rio Parismina Lodge

Nestled on 50 acres of lush jungle at the edge of Tortuguero National Park, Rio Parismina Lodge offers a rare blend of world-class fishing and authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Overlooking the banks of the famous Rio Parismina River, the Lodge features comfortable accommodations, wonderful meals, a swimming pool, and complimentary daily laundry service. For nearly two decades, Larry Schoenborn and his wife Ethel hosted groups here and regarded it as one of the best-run lodges in the world.

Rio Parismina Lodge

The Lodge's Private Runway

Rio Parismina Lodge's Paved Runway

You'll take a 30-minute charter flight from San José to the Lodge's paved runway in the small village of Parismina. Upon arrival, the Lodge staff and guides will handle your luggage, leaving you free to enjoy a short walk through the village. From there, it’s just a two-minute boat ride across the Rio Parismina to reach the Lodge—your home for world-class tarpon and snook fishing.

Dining Area - Clubhouse

Guests Eating Breakfast in Clubhouse listening to Orientation

Meals are enjoyed in the Lodge’s welcoming Clubhouse. On the morning of your arrival, the group gathers for a hearty cooked breakfast before heading out on the water. During breakfast, Lodge manager Fernando provides a brief orientation covering fishing plans, Lodge details, and safety notes. With everything set, you’ll head straight to the boats to begin your first day of chasing giant tarpon.

Comfortable Bedrooms

Wood-paneled Bedroom with Screened Window and Flowers

The Lodge accommodates up to 24 guests. All bedrooms now have air-conditioning with two full-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with a large shower, screened windows with drapes, a ceiling fan, a walk-in closet with a clothing bar, and spacious shelves for all your gear.

Beautiful Lodge Setting

Angler with Cup of Coffee on the Porch Overlooking Flowers

Every morning at 5:00 a.m., you will hear a gentle knock on your door. A cup of tea, coffee, or orange juice will be delivered outside your room for you to enjoy on the covered porch. Take a moment to listen to the birds singing in the early morning and savor the floral-scented air.

The Swimming Pool and Sun-Heated Jacuzzi

Swimming Pool Surrounded by Greenery

While the anglers are out fishing, non-anglers have the pool to themselves.

Fleet of 21-ft. V-hull Ocean Craft Boats

Covered Boat Dock with Fleet of Boats

There is a raised, paved walkway from the dock to the Lodge.

"Bow to the King" is a common phrase here.

Angler Bowing to a Tarpon on the Line

You'll want to be in good shape for tarpon fishing.

Photo Opportunities Abound

Green Frog and Blue Butterfly

Feeding the monkeys near the Lodge.

The Lodge's Boat Fleet

Two Anglers Holding up Large Tarpon

Covered Hammock Pavilion

After a tarpon battle, anglers enjoy unwinding in the covered hammock pavilion at Rio Parismina Lodge

Relax in the covered hammock pavilion after a day on the water.

Getting to the Lodge:

You'll arrive in San José, and a lodge member will greet you at the hotel and drive you to the DoubleTree Cariari Hotel. (The package does not include the first/last hotel nights.) The next morning, at 5:00 a.m., a lodge representative will drive you to the local airport in San José. You'll take a 30-minute charter flight to Rio Parismina airstrip (the roundtrip charter flight is included in the package). You’re limited to one 30-pound bag and a rod case for the charter flight to the Lodge. The Lodge staff will meet you at the landing strip and transfer your luggage to the dock. You'll walk through the village of Parismina, and then take a short boat ride across the Parismina River to the Lodge.

Meals, Alcohol, Communications:

Meals:  Start your mornings with cooked-to-order eggs, bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, and a choice of cereals. Lunch and dinner are served family-style with a mix of local cuisine and Tex-Mex favorites. If you’d like, your freshly caught snook can be prepared for dinner. Desserts are a highlight—think flan, brownies with ice cream, and more. The Lodge is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Alcohol:  The package includes an open bar throughout the day with sodas, beer, and domestic liquors. Wine is served with both lunch and dinner.
Communications:  Wi-Fi access is available throughout the Lodge. For cell phone coverage, please check with your provider before traveling to confirm your international plan.
Massages:  Relax with onsite massage services: $45 for 30 minutes or $60 for 45 minutes (payable in USD).

Boat Ride on the Rio Parismina River and Monkeys

2026 Packages

Our advice is free.
We never charge more than the Lodges we represent.

Two Seasons:  Mid-January through May and mid-August through November.

2026 USD Rates:

Double = Two anglers per room and boat
Single = One angler per room and boat
When there are two clients, and one is non-fishing, the angler pays the single-occupancy rate.

7 nights / 7 days guided fishing
$7,050 double p.p. / $7,500 single

4 nights / 4 days guided fishing
$4,300 double p.p. / $4,500 single

3 nights / 3 days guided fishing
$3,450 double p.p. / $3,700 single

Non-angler sharing room:
7 nights / 7 days $4,000 per person
4 nights / 4 days $2,800 per person
3 nights / 3 days $2,500 per person

Request a Rio Parismina
Information Packet.  

The Packages Include:

• Airport reception in San José
• Ground transfers between the international airport and the hotel
• Ground transfers between the hotel and the local airport
• Roundtrip charter flight between San José and Rio Parismina Lodge
• Accommodations at the Lodge
• all meals and open bar at the Lodge
• Wine with lunch and dinner
• Wi-Fi access at the Lodge
• Daily laundry service
• Guided fishing
• Use of rods and reels for all species
• All package taxes.

The Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare to and from Costa Rica
• First and last night hotel stay in San José
• Meals in San José
• Fishing license, $15
• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Terminal tackle and fishing lures
   (average $20 to $25 p.p., based on use/loss)
• Tortuguero National Park entrance fee ($15 p.p./day, if fishing there)
• Massages at the Lodge
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Any items not listed under inclusions.
• Note:  All prices are subject to change.



Fishing Travel Experts

Guy Schoenborn

1-800-205-3474 ext. 1

MT Office:  406-322-5709

Email:  guy@fishingwithlarry.com

Brad Staples

1-800-205-3474 ext. 3

Cell (503) 250-0558

Email:  brad@fishingwithlarry.com