Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa’s best fishing moments can come quickly. One boat may find skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, and a roosterfish within an hour, while another spends the morning searching. This private charter gives your group room to set the pace, and guides such as Jason, Erik, and Janvier have taken families, first-time fishers, and serious anglers out along the Nicoya coast.

I like two things right away: the equipment is included, and the price is $360 for up to five people, not per person. I also like the practical extras, including water, soft drinks, beer, fruit, and fish cleaning after the catch. The main caution is simple: fishing is fishing. One guest reported no catch and felt the boat spent too long trolling, so you should book this for the experience on the water, not a guaranteed haul.

Key points before you book

• Private boat for up to five: Your group fishes together without strangers aboard, making it easier to adjust the pace for children, beginners, or experienced anglers.
• Three and a half hours on the coast: The trip is long enough for a proper morning or afternoon outing, but short enough to fit around other Santa Teresa plans.
• Target species vary: Possible catches include yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and skipjack tuna.
• Food and drinks are supplied: Water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit are included. Breakfast is not.
• Cabo Blanco is on the route: The itinerary includes Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, along with open-water views at the end of the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Nature comes with the fishing: Dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales may appear, depending on the season.

Fishing the end of the Nicoya Peninsula

This is an inshore fishing trip, but that does not mean calm water or a quiet ride close to shore. The route reaches the waters around the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, where conditions can include large waves. One French-speaking guest described the coast as beautiful and saw a whale, while also warning that you should be ready for rougher water.

That matters when you plan the day. If you are bringing children or someone new to boating, consider how they handle waves. One family had to cut its trip short because a couple of children became nauseous. The private format helps here, since your group can discuss comfort with the guide rather than trying to keep up with other passengers.

The fishing method and exact route depend on the day. The boat may troll while searching for active fish, then stop or change direction when the captain finds a better chance. You should ask at the start what species are in season, what method you will use, and how much time will be spent moving between spots. That short conversation can make the outing clearer, especially if this is your first fishing trip.

What you may catch in three and a half hours

The species list is broad, which is part of the appeal. Yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna can provide strong runs and useful table fish. Roosterfish are a prized catch for sport, while mahi mahi, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel add variety.

Recent outings have produced very different results. One group had around 20 strikes and landed 15 fish. Another caught four fish and a stingray. A separate family landed several skipjack tuna, a yellowfin tuna, and a roosterfish. A short trip produced four bites with four fish landed, plus a second fish lost when a shark took the hooked catch.

Those details give you a fair picture of the experience. The fishing can be excellent, but the ocean does not follow a schedule. A captain can work hard and still finish without a fish in the cooler. The one poor account described blind trolling and little explanation, while the other accounts praised the effort and results. I would treat that as a reminder to set expectations clearly before leaving the dock.

The most useful question is not Will we catch fish? It is What will we do if the fish are slow? You still have the coastline, sea life, and private time on the water. If the answer needs to be several hours of nonstop action, this may not be the right activity.

The Cabo Blanco portion of the route

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is the listed stop on the itinerary. The tour information does not promise a hike, landing, or guided visit inside the reserve, so you should think of it as part of the boat route rather than a separate land excursion.

From the water, the value is the change of setting. You leave the beach area around Santa Teresa and Malpaís and run along the end of the peninsula, with open sea and coastal views around you. The boat trip itself gives you a way to see this part of Costa Rica without arranging a separate sightseeing cruise.

Ask your guide whether the boat will pause near Cabo Blanco or simply pass the area. That answer can help you decide where to keep your camera and how to pace the fishing. The trip remains a fishing charter first, not a dedicated wildlife or nature tour.

Wildlife sightings add another layer. Dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales are possible according to the season, and one outing included a whale and another included dolphins following the boat. None of these sightings is guaranteed, but they can turn a quiet fishing stretch into a memorable part of the morning.

The guides and the private format

Jason Tours operates the charter, and the named guides in the available details include Jason, Erik, and Janvier. Jason is specifically praised for finding fish, helping with navigation, assisting with the catch, and cleaning the fish afterward. Erik guided an outing that produced skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, and a roosterfish.

Janvier led a first fishing trip for a family with a son, and the group caught four fish and a stingray. That makes the trip sound workable for beginners, but you should still explain your group’s experience and ages when booking. The provider says the activity can be adjusted for different ages and abilities.

Communication style may vary by guide. One guest called the guide effective but not very talkative, while another described communication as limited but sufficient. If you want detailed instruction about tackle, species, and technique, say so at the start. If you mainly want help getting lines in the water, that quieter style may suit you fine.

The private setup is the strongest practical feature. You are not sharing the boat with an unrelated group, and the guide can respond to your needs. You can focus on fishing, spend more time watching for wildlife, or head back sooner if someone is uncomfortable. The boat is still controlled by the weather and the fish, but the day is less rigid than a shared excursion.

What is included, and what you still need

All fishing equipment is included, which removes the biggest planning chore. You do not need to rent rods or bring tackle. Water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit are also provided.

Breakfast is not included. Plan to eat before meeting the boat, especially if you are prone to seasickness or are booking an early departure. The supplied snacks are useful during the trip, but they are not a full meal.

Private transportation is listed as included. The meeting point is Jason Tours on The Lighthouse Road, 25 meters south of the stated landmark in Malpaís, in Puntarenas Province. The activity ends back at that meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the water.

Bring practical sun and boat-day clothing, but do not assume every comfort item is supplied unless the operator confirms it. The key point is to arrive ready for exposure to sun, wind, spray, and waves. If you have concerns about motion sickness, mention them before departure rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. The operator says most people can participate. Those details help, but the rough-water reports still matter more for anyone with mobility concerns, young children, or a history of seasickness.

Is $360 a fair price?

At $360 per group of up to five, the arithmetic can work well. Five people pay an effective $72 each, while a couple would pay $180 each. For a private boat, included equipment, drinks, fruit, transport, and fish cleaning, that is a reasonable value for a group that plans to fish rather than simply take a scenic ride.

The value is strongest when you fill the boat. A family or group of friends can share the cost and keep the entire charter private. For one or two people, the same flat price is harder to justify, especially on a slow fishing day.

Fish cleaning adds real value if you plan to cook your catch. One group reported eating fresh fish throughout the week, including wahoo sashimi and ceviche. Another praised the yellowtail tuna after cooking it. You should confirm local food-safety guidance and preparation plans yourself, but having the catch cleaned saves time after returning to shore.

The price does not buy guaranteed fish. That is the main financial risk. You are paying for the boat, captain, gear, time, and access to the coast, with the catch as a possible bonus. I would book it when your group values the full outing and can accept an empty cooler.

How to shape your day on the water

The charter lasts about three hours and 30 minutes. That makes it easy to pair with other time in Santa Teresa, though the best departure time will depend on the booking you choose and current conditions. Since the exact fishing pattern can change, ask the provider which time usually suits your target species.

Tell the guide what matters most to you:

• Landing a particular species such as roosterfish or tuna
• Keeping fish for meals
• Teaching a child to fish
• Spending time looking for dolphins, turtles, rays, or whales
• Returning on time for another activity

You may not get every request, but the private format makes the conversation useful. If one person wants serious fishing and another mainly wants a coastal outing, agree on priorities before boarding.

I would also ask about the expected sea conditions, the likely target species, and whether the Cabo Blanco portion involves stopping or simply passing by. Those questions are not complaints. They help you understand the trip you are buying and avoid the kind of uncertainty that led to one dissatisfied account.

Who will enjoy this most?

This charter suits a family or friend group that wants a private morning on the ocean without supplying its own gear. Beginners can get a first taste of fishing, and experienced anglers can spend their limited vacation time on a boat aimed at local species.

It is also a good fit if fresh fish matters to you. The catch can be cleaned after the trip, giving you the chance to cook tuna or another fish during your stay. The operator does not promise a particular species, so keep your menu flexible.

The trip is less suitable for someone who wants a guaranteed catch, a calm sightseeing cruise, or a detailed natural-history lesson. Communication may be brief, and water conditions can be rough. If your group includes children, ask about sea conditions and keep in mind that one family ended early because of nausea.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. The booking confirmation arrives at the time of booking.

Should you book Jason Tours?

I would book this trip if you have three to five people, want a private boat, and see fishing as an uncertain but worthwhile part of a Costa Rican coastal day. The strongest reasons are the flexible group format, supplied equipment, included drinks and fruit, possible fish cleaning, and access to the waters near Cabo Blanco.

I would pause if you are a small group watching every dollar or if your happiness depends on catching a specific fish. Ask about the guide, sea conditions, fishing method, and Cabo Blanco timing before you commit. Go in ready for either a lively morning with multiple strikes or a scenic boat ride with no catch. That honest expectation is the difference between a good booking and an expensive disappointment.

FAQ

How long is the inshore fishing trip?

The trip lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

How much does the private charter cost?

The price is $360 per group, with up to five people included.

What fish might I catch?

Possible species include yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and other fish. Skipjack tuna have also been caught on recent outings.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. All fishing equipment is included in the charter price.

Are drinks and food included?

Water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit are included. Breakfast is not included.

Where does the tour start and finish?

You meet at Jason Tours on The Lighthouse Road, 25 meters south of the stated landmark in Malpaís. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For other cancellations, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.