Costa Rica: Fishing & Snorkeling by Boat with Local Crew

Summary

Pacific coast adventure mixing fishing, snorkeling and local flavors

You’ll set off early from Playa Flamingo with a small group and local crew for a fishing & snorkeling combo tour along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Expect hands-on fishing (maybe even your first snapper), exclusive snorkeling spots only reached by boat, fresh tropical snacks onboard, and plenty of laughs with your guide. It’s more than just catching fish or spotting parrotfish — it’s about feeling part of this wild coastline for a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before 8am, but there we were — squinting at the sun on Playa Flamingo while our guide, Diego, tried to teach us the difference between a jack crevalle and a roosterfish. (I still can’t tell them apart.) The Beluga isn’t fancy but it felt sturdy under my feet, and as we motored out past Las Catalinas Islands, the salt air got into everything — hair, lips, even my phone case. Diego handed me a rod and said something about “beginner’s luck.” I think he meant it kindly.

The fishing part was slower than I’d imagined — not boring, just sort of meditative. We trolled along the Pacific coast for what felt like an hour, watching for dolphins (spotted two!) and pelicans that seemed to know more about where the fish were than we did. When I finally felt that tug on the line — sharp and sudden — my heart jumped. Turned out to be a snapper. Not huge, but enough to make me grin like an idiot. Diego cheered louder than anyone.

Snorkeling came next. The water was cooler than I expected when I slid in — kind of bracing after the sun on my shoulders all morning. There were these flashes of parrotfish everywhere, blue and green like someone had colored them in with markers. At one point I surfaced just to hear how quiet it was out there; only the slap of water against the hull and someone laughing about their fogged-up mask. The snacks after — pineapple so sweet it almost stung my tongue, chips with guacamole that disappeared fast — tasted better because we’d earned them somehow.

We fished again near some rocky outcrops before heading back in. My arms were tired but in that good way you get from doing something real. On shore again by 11:30am, I realized how salty my skin felt and how much lighter my head was than when we started. It’s funny what a morning on the water can do for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fishing and snorkeling adventure

• Meet on shore at 7:00
• Briefing and board 28-foot boat
• Troll Pacific waters for fish
• Observe marine wildlife while fishing
• Snorkel at pristine Pacific spots
• See tropical fish species
• Enjoy tropical fruits and refreshments
• Fish near rocky terrain
• Return to shore at 11:30

Top questions

What time does the fishing & snorkeling tour start?

The tour meets at 7:00am on the shore before boarding the boat.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Playa Flamingo on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are snacks or drinks included during the trip?

Yes, you’ll get tropical fruits, juices, chips with guacamole, cookies, water and beer onboard.

How long does the fishing & snorkeling combo last?

The experience lasts about 4.5 hours total, returning around 11:30am.

What kind of fish might we catch?

You might catch roosterfish, tuna (four types), jacks, snook, bonito or snapper depending on conditions.

Is this suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes; all fitness levels are welcome and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will we see wildlife besides fish?

You may spot dolphins, turtles, whales or rays depending on season while trolling along the coast.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all fishing gear and snorkel equipment plus bottled water, beer, juices and fresh snacks like fruit and guacamole served onboard before returning to shore late morning.