Sportsfishing Marinas in Costa Rica marina
The Top 5 Sportsfishing Marinas in Costa Rica: A Guide for Anglers
Costa Rica is world-renowned for its incredible sportfishing opportunities. Anglers from across the globe flock to the country’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts in pursuit of sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and more. The marinas here provide top-tier facilities for sportfishing enthusiasts, making it easier to enjoy a fishing adventure like no other. In this guide, we’ll explore the best marinas in Costa Rica, starting with one of the crown jewels on the Pacific coast—Flamingo Marina in Guanacaste.
1. Flamingo Marina – Guanacaste's Premier Sportsfishing Hub
Recently redeveloped and set against the stunning backdrop of Playa Flamingo, the Flamingo Marina is quickly becoming the top destination for sportfishing in Costa Rica. Located on the “Gold Coast” of Guanacaste, this state-of-the-art marina provides everything an angler needs for a successful fishing trip, from high-end charter services to modern yacht facilities. The official inauguration took place in Feb 2023.
Phase one of Marina Flamingo’s development introduced over 90 modern slips, with further plans to extend dockage to over 500 linear feet, capable of accommodating a variety of vessels. Additionally, the marina features dry storage facilities for boats up to 34 feet in length and a powerful 75-ton marine travel lift, ensuring smooth operations for boat maintenance and service.
Flamingo Marina is strategically located near some of the best fishing waters in the Pacific. Within just a short boat ride, you’ll have access to prime fishing grounds where marlin, sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi abound. It’s also home to the annual international sailfish tournament, drawing professional anglers from all corners of the globe.
Flamingo Marina is not only about fishing. Its location offers a gateway to explore the diverse landscapes of Guanacaste, with luxury homes, upscale restaurants, and a range of outdoor activities nearby, including golfing, diving, and horseback riding. Just a few kilometers from Playa Flamingo, the bay of Playa del Coco offers additional yacht mooring options, particularly in its calm waters sheltered by the Papagayo Peninsula.
Onshore, Marina Flamingo is among Costa Rica’s most well-equipped marinas. It offers 40 luxurious villas available for both long- and short-term rentals, complete with stunning views and modern amenities. The marina is also home to essential services including a medical clinic with urgent care, a pharmacy, and ambulance services, ensuring visitors’ peace of mind. A variety of businesses are conveniently located on the marina’s dock, including multiple restaurants, cafés, and a grocery store for provisioning. Boaters and visitors can find a marine supply store, bank, attorney offices, and even boutique shops selling clothing and jewelry, catering to both practical needs and leisurely indulgence. These facilities make Marina Flamingo not just a fishing hub but a comprehensive lifestyle destination.
The office of Summer Coast Realty is just up the hill behind Flamingo Marina. If you are visiting, drop in and see us, or better still, call in advance and we’ll show you the properties nearest to the marina or other boat moorings.
2. Marina Pez Vela – Quepos
Marina Pez Vela, located in the bustling town of Quepos, is another top-notch facility for sportfishing enthusiasts. It is famous for hosting several prestigious tournaments, including the Offshore World Championship. Known for its first-rate services, Marina Pez Vela is the largest marina in Costa Rica and can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet. The waters off Quepos are home to a rich variety of fish species, particularly billfish, which are abundant throughout the year.
Apart from sportfishing, the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, from wildlife viewing to zip-lining through lush tropical forests. With its proximity to one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations, Marina Pez Vela is a favorite among both seasoned anglers and casual vacationers.
3. Los Sueños Marina – Herradura Bay
Situated in Herradura Bay, Los Sueños Marina is part of the prestigious Los Sueños Resort and is one of the most luxurious marinas in Central America. The marina provides world-class facilities, including fishing charters, yacht services, and an extensive retail village. Anglers visiting Los Sueños can expect to catch black and blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, and roosterfish just a short distance offshore.
Los Sueños also hosts one of the most popular billfish tournaments in the world—the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown. The luxury marina is complemented by a stunning 18-hole golf course, spas, and five-star dining options, making it an all-encompassing destination for travelers looking to blend relaxation with their sportfishing adventure.
Situated in Herradura Bay, Los Sueños Marina is part of the prestigious Los Sueños Resort and is one of the most luxurious marinas in Central America. The marina provides world-class facilities, including fishing charters, yacht services, and an extensive retail village. Anglers visiting Los Sueños can expect to catch black and blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, and roosterfish just a short distance offshore.
Los Sueños also hosts one of the most popular billfish tournaments in the world—the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown. The luxury marina is complemented by a stunning 18-hole golf course, spas, and five-star dining options, making it an all-encompassing destination for travelers looking to blend relaxation with their sportfishing adventure.
4. Papagayo Marina – Papagayo Peninsula
Located in the northern region of Guanacaste, Marina Papagayo is a secluded gem offering unparalleled access to the rich fishing grounds of the Papagayo Gulf. This marina is well-known for its eco-conscious design, seamlessly blending into the surrounding tropical environment. It caters primarily to the luxury yachting community but also provides excellent sportfishing charters.
The waters surrounding the Papagayo Peninsula are teeming with big game fish such as marlin and sailfish, especially during peak fishing seasons. If you’re seeking a more serene experience, Marina Papagayo offers yacht owners a peaceful retreat with access to the beautiful and quiet beaches of the peninsula.
5. Golfito Marina Village – Golfito
On Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast lies Golfito Marina Village, or Marina Bahia Golfito, an ideal stop for anglers exploring the Osa Peninsula. The marina’s deep-water docks accommodate large yachts, and its proximity to the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce makes it a standout for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers here can expect to find roosterfish, snapper, and snook inshore, as well as sailfish, marlin, and tuna further offshore.
Golfito Marina Village provides a quiet escape into one of Costa Rica’s more remote regions, but that doesn’t mean it lacks facilities. It offers full yacht services and easy access to eco-tours, including whale watching, rainforest treks, and wildlife expeditions in nearby national parks.
On Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast lies Golfito Marina Village, or Marina Bahia Golfito, an ideal stop for anglers exploring the Osa Peninsula. The marina’s deep-water docks accommodate large yachts, and its proximity to the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce makes it a standout for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers here can expect to find roosterfish, snapper, and snook inshore, as well as sailfish, marlin, and tuna further offshore.
Golfito Marina Village provides a quiet escape into one of Costa Rica’s more remote regions, but that doesn’t mean it lacks facilities. It offers full yacht services and easy access to eco-tours, including whale watching, rainforest treks, and wildlife expeditions in nearby national parks.
Fishing Tournaments in Flamingo Marina
Sportfishing in Guanacaste is more than just a day out on the water—it’s part of the rich lifestyle that this region offers. Flamingo Marina, with its luxurious homes and proximity to lively towns like Tamarindo and Brasilito, places you at the heart of coastal living. From upscale dining to lively nightlife, there’s always something to do when you’re not on the water.
For yacht owners, the sheltered coastline near Playa del Coco offers excellent opportunities for beach mooring. This calm bay is the perfect spot to anchor your boat and enjoy some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the pristine beaches and offshore fishing grounds of the Gulf of Papagayo.
The Guanacaste region, known as Costa Rica’s “Sunshine Coast,” boasts some of the best beaches in the country, national parks, and access to numerous outdoor activities, from surfing to hiking. With its low-key but upscale lifestyle, Guanacaste is a dream destination for those who appreciate both luxury and nature.
Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo
The Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo is one of the premier sportfishing events hosted at Marina Flamingo. In 2025, the tournament will take place from 18th – 20th July. This exciting event brings together anglers from all over the world, competing in both offshore and inshore divisions. It offers categories for billfish, tuna, dorado, wahoo, snapper, and roosterfish.
The tournament atmosphere is lively, with festivities such as a welcome cocktail party, weigh-ins, and an awards ceremony, all taking place at Marina Flamingo. In addition to the competitive fishing, the event supports local marine conservation efforts and benefits a charity organization called Abriendo Mentes, which helps improve educational and employment opportunities in the region.
For more details or to participate, you can visit the official Marina Flamingo website or the Presidential Challenge pages.
https://www.visitmarinaflamingo.com/
https://preschallenge.com/tournaments/presidential-flamingo-fishing-rodeo/
Other Sportfishing Tournaments at Flamingo Marina
In addition to the Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo held in August, Marina Flamingo hosts other exciting tournaments throughout the year. One of the most notable is the ILTT (International Light Tackle Tournament), which typically occurs in June. This event is part of a prestigious global series, attracting international anglers and teams to compete in light tackle fishing categories. Other smaller local tournaments and fishing events are also held at Marina Flamingo, providing various opportunities for anglers to showcase their skills.
These tournaments focus on various species such as marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, and wahoo, among others, with categories for both inshore and offshore fishing.
https://www.specialplacesofcostarica.com/blog/marina-flamingo-fishing-tournament/
https://www.crfishingcharters.com/category/flamingo-marina-costa-rica-tournament/
Fishing Tournaments in Costa Rica and their Proximity to Flamingo Marina
Many other marinas hosting sportfishing tournaments are within easy cruising distance from Marina Flamingo, making it convenient for anglers to participate in multiple events throughout the year.
- Marina Papagayo: Located about 30 nautical miles north of Flamingo, this marina is easily reachable by boat. Marina Papagayo is renowned for its high-end facilities and is home to various tournaments, including some international events focused on marlin and sailfish.
- Marina Pez Vela in Quepos: While farther south, approximately 130 nautical miles from Marina Flamingo, it’s still a popular destination for longer cruises. Marina Pez Vela hosts world-class tournaments such as the Offshore World Championship and the Pelagic Rockstar, making it a prime spot for serious sportfishing enthusiasts.
- Los Sueños Marina: About 110 nautical miles south of Flamingo, Los Sueños is a luxury marina near Herradura Bay, known for its Signature Triple Crown Series and top-tier sportfishing events. It offers excellent facilities and is a central hub for sportfishing on the Pacific coast.
These marinas, all located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, provide smooth sailing opportunities for participants moving between them. The proximity of these marinas ensures that avid anglers can easily join multiple tournaments throughout the year.
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s marinas are the perfect base for world-class sportfishing adventures. Whether you choose the luxury of Flamingo Marina in Guanacaste or the eco-conscious Marina Papagayo, you’ll find excellent facilities, rich fishing grounds, and the warm hospitality Costa Rica is famous for. Add to that the incredible scenery and laid-back lifestyle of Guanacaste, and it’s clear that this region is a must-visit for any angler.
Some Current Listings at Playa Flamingo
Costa Rica’s marinas are the perfect base for world-class sportfishing adventures. Whether you choose the luxury of Flamingo Marina in Guanacaste or the eco-conscious Marina Papagayo, you’ll find excellent facilities, rich fishing grounds, and the warm hospitality Costa Rica is famous for. Add to that the incredible scenery and laid-back lifestyle of Guanacaste, and it’s clear that this region is a must-visit for any angler.
