los sueños — herradura
The most developed marina on Costa Rica's central Pacific, a base for sailfish and marlin less than two hours from San José.
Los Sueños is a marina with a resort in Herradura Bay, near Jacó. From the marina, the fleet heads to the blue for sailfish and blue marlin, trolling with teasers, natural bait and circle hooks. Dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo show up along the way, around floating debris patches and current lines. Near shore, islands and rocks yield roosterfish and Pacific dog snapper on casting and live bait. The marina hosts international billfish tournaments. It is the destination for those who want offshore fishing with big-city infrastructure nearby.
best season
Sailfish from December to April, in the dry season, when the central Pacific sea is calmer. Marlin and dorado also produce in the rainy season.
Local rules: INCOPESCA sport fishing card (carné) required for each angler (online purchase). Marlin and sailfish are catch and release, with release done in the water. Confirm the local rules.
- getting there
- Juan Santamaría International Airport, in Alajuela. Herradura is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car, via Route 27 and the Costanera.
- facilities
- Marina with a fleet of crewed offshore fishing boats, a resort, hotels and restaurants in Herradura and Jacó.
- country
- Puntarenas, Costa Rica
tip
For roosterfish, bring a large popper and a stickbait: it follows the bait for meters before striking, so keep reeling.
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Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
what you can catch here
before you fish in Costa Rica
Every sport angler must carry the INCOPESCA sport fishing card (license), for nationals and foreigners alike. It can be obtained online on the INCOPESCA website or at regional offices. For boat fishing, the INCOPESCA table lists US$16.95 for 8 days, US$28.25 per month and US$56.50 per year (fees set in 2018, kept for 2025 by agreement AJDIP/296-2024, including tax). The annual card for shore or kayak fishing is for nationals and residents. Inside refuges and parks, inland-water fishing may also require a SINAC license.
- Marlins and sailfish: in sport fishing, catch and release in the water, according to INCOPESCA.
- In SINAC protected areas, the rules of each area's management plan apply (for example, at Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge fishing is only allowed with hook, rod or handline, and nets are prohibited).
- Anglers must observe minimum sizes, catch limits and closed seasons set by INCOPESCA.
The rules and closed seasons in the rest of the app are Brazilian. Outside Brazil, the regulations of the country and province apply: confirm with the official agency.
sources and references
Access, facilities and season information changes: check with the lodge, a local guide or the city hall before you travel.
- official INCOPESCA — Pesca deportivaLicense required; marlin and sailfish catch and release in the water
- official INCOPESCA — Carnés (licença de pesca deportiva)Card types and fees