Spearfishing course in Tamarindo: Learn to dive and hunt

Master the breath-hold dive, then hunt your own catch

A spearfishing introduction course in Tamarindo teaches you diving technique, speargun handling, fish selection and stalking over an afternoon that runs from classroom theory through an open-water hunt on a boat. You meet your English-speaking instructor at the school at 1pm, move to theory and safety, then travel by shuttle to Flamingo for the boat session where you apply what you learned. Transport, all equipment, fruits and drinks are included. Photos and video of the day come with you.

The experience

The course starts with the fundamentals: how to choose and use a speargun, how to read the water and approach fish without spooking them, and the breathing and diving techniques that let you stay under on a single breath. Your instructor covers the safety rules that keep the sport sustainable and protect you in the water. Around 2pm you head to Flamingo by shuttle, board the boat, and move into open water where the real work begins. You're hunting for actual fish, not practicing on targets.

What you take home is not just the knowledge but the catch itself. The boat time is when you put the stalking and shooting into practice, working with your guide to find fish and close in on them. You're the one holding the speargun and making the shot. The instructor is there to coach and ensure you stay safe. Bring swimwear and sun protection. You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim, though no previous spearfishing experience is required.

What’s included

• All spearfishing equipment.
• transport by shuttle from the school to the boat in Flamingo and back.
• fruits and drinks throughout the day.
• souvenir photos and video of your session.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Freedive Costa Rica

Is this one for you?This course is built for anyone curious about spearfishing who can swim and wants hands-on instruction in a single afternoon. You're in the water hunting real fish, not watching a demonstration or practicing on targets.

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Top questions

What do I actually do during the boat part of the spearfishing course?

You hunt live fish in open water with your speargun while your instructor guides your approach and safety. You're the one stalking and shooting. The guide helps you read the water and find targets, then coaches you through the stalk and the shot itself.

Do I need to have dived before or be an experienced swimmer to take this course?

No previous spearfishing experience is required, and you don't need to be an advanced diver. You do need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim, and you must be at least 18 years old.

What happens to the fish I catch during the course?

You keep your catch. The course is built around hunting real fish for dinner, not practice shooting, so whatever you successfully spear is yours to take home or prepare.

What's included in the spearfishing course price, and what do I need to bring?

The course includes all spearfishing equipment, transport from the school to the boat in Flamingo and back, fruits and drinks during the day, and photos or video of your session. Bring your own swimwear, sun protection, and a valid ID. Hotel pickup is not included.

How long does the whole spearfishing course take, and what time does it start?

The course runs about five and a half hours total. You meet your instructor at 1pm at the spearfishing school in Tamarindo for theory and safety, then head to Flamingo around 2pm for the open-water hunt on the boat.