Nosara is home to some of Costa Rica’s richest fishing grounds. Our charters take you offshore with a highly-experienced local captain who's spent a lifetime fishing these waters. If you’re after mahi, tuna, roosterfish, or simply just a relaxing day on the ocean, we provide you a smooth, stress-free experience.
We run a selection of boats, each offering a different way to experience these waters. All charters are available in Half Day, 3/4 Day, and Full Day options.
32’ premium flagship boat
Premium private charter for up to 12 guests. Air-conditioned cabin, bathroom, shaded deck, and a small kitchen.
Starting from $950
Ideal for: offshore trips, comfort, families, larger groups
27' center console
Seats up to 6 guests comfortably. Fast, smooth, and ready for nearshore or offshore fishing.
Starting from $650
Ideal for: mixed nearshore and offshore, 2–6 guests, anglers wanting speed
19' panga
Traditional Costa Rican panga for up to 4 guests. Great for reef fishing and nearshore species from Playa Garza.
Starting from $350
Ideal for: reef fishing, small groups, quick trips, budget-friendly charters
Boarding the Boat: Step onto our well-equipped fishing boat at Playa Garza, where your captain and crew welcome you aboard and get everything set up for the day. All captains and crew are bilingual, fully certified, and deeply familiar with these waters. Top-of-the-line fishing equipment, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle are prepared in advance so you can settle in and enjoy the start of your charter.
Coastal Warm-Up: As we head out, you’ll cruise along Nosara’s coastline while your captain reviews the plan for the day. Our vessels are built for both comfort and performance, with modern navigation and fish-finding systems guiding the route. Panga and 27-foot boats are equipped with Garmin technology, while the 32-foot vessel features advanced Simrad systems for offshore runs.
Settle In: Grab a seat, pull a cold drink from the cooler, and take in the Pacific air as we make our way toward the fishing grounds. Our vessels are designed for both comfort and performance, offering a premium sportfishing experience led by seasoned local professionals. Every boat is well maintained and outfitted for safe, efficient travel, allowing the crew to focus on providing deep local knowledge of inshore and offshore waters so you are in the right place at the right time.
Bluewater Run: Once we reach deeper water, the crew sets out a spread of lures and baits to draw in mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and other seasonal pelagic species.
Common Species in Nosara:
• Mahi-mahi (dorado)
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• Roosterfish
• Snapper
• Amberjack
Seasonality: Fishing in Nosara is great year-round. Offshore action peaks from December through April with mahi, tuna, and billfish, while inshore species like roosterfish and snapper stay consistent throughout the year.
The Strike: When a line bends, you’ll be in the action. If you’re completely new or an experienced angler, the crew is available to guide you through the fight, from the first pull to landing the fish.
Ocean Life: Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and seabirds. These offshore waters are alive with activity.
Landing the Catch: As the action continues, the crew is available to help you safely bring each fish aboard. You’ll learn techniques and be part of the excitement as each catch comes in.
Catch Care: The crew cleans, fillets, and bags your catch so it’s ready to cook at your villa or bring to a local restaurant for a fresh boat-to-table meal. You can also enjoy your fresh catch on board, we're happy to prepare it for you.
Relax On the Water: Between catches, enjoy calm moments on deck, take photos, and soak in the ocean views. Expect a balance of adventure and relaxation.
Coastal Return: After your day on the water, we make our way back toward Nosara’s coastline. This is your chance to stretch out, enjoy the breeze, and take in the day's final views of the Pacific.
Wrap-Up: The crew will pack your fillets, help you offload, and make sure everything is ready for your onward plans.
Memorable Day: Head back to shore sun-tired and satisfied from the kind of day on the water that just feels good whether you caught something big or simply enjoyed being out there.
Book your private fishing charter from Playa Garza.
Everything you need to know before your fishing trip from Playa Garza.
In Nosara you can catch mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, roosterfish, amberjack, and red snapper. Offshore species peak in the dry season, while inshore fishing is strong year-round.
Fishing is good all year, but December–April is peak season for offshore species like mahi, tuna, and billfish. Inshore species such as roosterfish and snapper bite consistently throughout the year.
Yes. All Monkey Head Adventures fishing trips are 100% private, meaning your group has the boat, captain, and crew to yourselves.
All fishing charters include fresh fruit, snacks, juices, and plenty of water, along with adult beverages for those who want to enjoy them. On ¾-day and full-day charters, a full lunch is also provided.
Additionally, we include all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, and are happy to clean and fillet your fish for you.
We offer half day (4 hours) charters from 7:30a-11:30a or 1:30p-5:30p, three-quarters day (7 hours) from 7:30a-2:30p, and full day (9 hours) from 7:30a-4:30p.
Yes. The crew cleans, fillets, and bags your catch so it’s ready to cook at your villa or bring to a local restaurant for a boat-to-table meal. We are happy to recommend restaurants that will prepare your catch for a fresh meal.
No experience is required. Our captain and crew guide you through everything, from setting lines to landing your fish.
All trips depart from Playa Garza, about 10 minutes south of Nosara. The meeting location for our tours is at our Monkey Head Adventures office in Garza, which you can see on Google Maps.
We offer half-day and full-day charters for both inshore and offshore fishing. Trip length depends on the type of fishing experience you choose.
Groups up to 12 can join depending on the boat. The 32’ flagship carries the largest groups, the 27’ center console seats up to 6, and the panga is ideal for 1–4 guests.
Light, sun-protective clothing, a hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and an optional dry bag. We recommend closed-toe or deck shoes. We provide all fishing rods, reels, bait, tackle, and ice.
Yes. Families with children are welcome, and we provide the proper safety equipment for all ages.
If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking your preferred precaution before departure. The crew will help keep everyone comfortable.
Guests are welcome to capture their experience, and our crew is happy to help take photos of your catch and time on the water.
