A good fishing day starts fast. This Santa Teresa inshore trip is built around a private charter and included equipment, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time fishing. The one catch: fish action varies by day and weather, so you’ll want to go with flexible expectations.

I like how the plan stays simple: head out for inshore sport fishing along the Nicoya Peninsula with a real chance at species like yellowfin tuna and roosterfish. The bonus is the wildlife you might spot depending on season, like dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales. One more practical note: if you’re hoping for a nonstop commentary from the guide, some outings can be more efficient than talkative.

For value, this is priced at $360 per group (up to 5) for about 3.5 hours. It’s also the kind of activity that fills ahead of time on average, so if you want a specific date, don’t wait too long.

Key points to know before you cast

• Private group (up to 5) means you’re not stuck with a big mixed crew
• Fishing gear included so you can travel light
• Inshore action along the Nicoya Peninsula with targets like tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, and wahoo
• Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is the first stop during the trip
• Fresh catch is cleaned so you can eat like kings the same night
• Wildlife sightings depend on season (dolphins, manta rays, turtles, whales are possible)

Santa Teresa inshore fishing: what makes this charter feel different

Santa Teresa sits on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, where ocean time is the main event. This trip keeps the focus on that: a private inshore charter designed for sport fishing rather than a long, slow sightseeing cruise.

The private setup matters more than it sounds. When you’re with your own group, the guide can work at the pace that fits your crew’s ages and abilities. If you’ve got first-timers, it’s easier to help them get set up and comfortable. If everyone’s experienced, the guide can concentrate on staying on fish.

Price and value: $360 for up to 5 people

At $360 per group (up to 5), you’re paying less per person than many “single-day” tours that price by head. What you’re really buying is a chunk of boat time plus gear, plus a guide focused on catching.

It also helps that a lot is included:

• soda/pop and bottled water
• refreshments including beer
• fruit
• fishing equipment
• private transportation

That “included” list is where the savings show up in real life. You don’t have to scramble for snacks, drinks, or rentals the morning of. You can also budget better because breakfast is the only clearly stated meal item not included.

The 3.5-hour structure: enough time to fish, not enough time to drag

This trip runs about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.). That timing is a sweet spot for inshore fishing because:

• you get meaningful time on the water
• you’re not stuck out so long that everyone loses energy
• you still have time to plan the rest of your day in Santa Teresa

From experience (and from how these trips usually go), the ocean can decide the schedule. Swells can make casting and trolling feel tougher. If that happens, you’ll want a guide who’s flexible about where to work the water. The best days feel efficient—get on the right stretch, run the right pattern, and keep you fishing.

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve: why the first stop is more than a formality

The trip’s first stop is Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve. Even without overcomplicating it, the reserve label signals that this isn’t just any random stretch of coast. It’s a protected area, which often means you’re more likely to enjoy the coastline with wildlife in the background.

Practically, this stop also helps break up the outing. You start with scenery and possible marine life, then shift into fishing as the plan calls for it. If your group cares about more than just hauling fish—dolphins, rays, and big ocean sightings—you’ll appreciate this added flavor.

Nicoya Peninsula waters: the wildlife bonus is real, but seasonal

This is an inshore fishing trip, but it’s also an ocean watch. The waters of the Nicoya Peninsula are where you can get surprise sightings depending on the season, including:

• dolphins
• manta ray
• turtles
• whales

That doesn’t mean you’ll see all of them every time. The trip is still about fishing first. But it’s one of the reasons people like this coast: when the ocean wakes up, it can put on a show without changing the plan.

If you’re the type who loves a quick photo between casts, this trip fits you. If you only care about numbers of fish, you’ll still enjoy the scenery because you’re on the water anyway.

The catch list: what you can realistically aim for

The best part of sport fishing is the variety. On this trip, you’re targeting a mix of big-game and table-friendly fish, with the stated potential including:

• Yellowfin Tuna
• Mahi Mahi
• Roosterfish
• Wahoo
• Snapper
• Jack Crevalle
• Spanish Mackarel
• and more

That matters because it improves your odds of a fun day even if one species doesn’t cooperate. Some days the tuna action is hot. Other days you might find better luck with roosterfish or mahi mahi. Inshore waters can shift quickly.

Also, don’t underestimate how much “and more” counts in real fishing. It usually means the guide adjusts based on conditions—what the bait is doing and where the fish are holding that day.

Guides make or break the day: Jason, Erik, Janvier in the mix

A fishing trip lives or dies by the guide’s ability to put you in the right spot and keep you there. In the standout feedback, guides like Jason are praised for efficiency—getting people onto the fish quickly and staying productive for hours.

Erik is specifically noted as very knowledgeable, with catches that include skipjack tuna and a roosterfish. Janvier gets credit for making a first experience work well for a son who enjoyed the day (and even landed something unexpected).

What you can take from this? Ask questions early and communicate your group’s expectations:

• Are you aiming for a specific fish?
• Do you want more trolling-style fishing or a different approach?
• If someone gets motion sick, tell the guide right away so the plan can adjust.

And if you’re worried about comfort, pick the mindset of a real sport outing: expect to work, cast, and get wet a bit.

What’s included on board (and what you should bring yourself)

Included is straightforward: fishing equipment, plus drinks and snacks like soda/pop, bottled water, beer, and fruit. The big missing item is breakfast—so plan to eat before you go.

For your personal packing list, I’d keep it simple:

• sunscreen and a hat
• sunglasses (glare off the water can be intense)
• a light layer for wind
• motion-sickness helpers if you’re prone to nausea

Also, think about clothes. You’re on a working boat in open ocean conditions. Even when things are calm, you’ll want something you don’t mind getting salty.

Catch handling: cleaning the fish and turning it into dinner

One of the most satisfying parts of this kind of trip is what happens after the ride. The trip includes fish gear, and the experience is set up so your catch can be cleaned for you. That’s a big deal if you want to eat fresh the same day or within a day.

In particular, people have talked about eating their catch soon after—things like yellowfin tuna prepared well, plus dishes that include wahoo sashimi and ceviche. Even if you don’t cook like a chef, you’ll still feel the difference when the fish is handled properly right after you catch it.

Ocean reality check: fish aren’t guaranteed

Here’s the balanced part. Some days you’ll catch plenty. Other days the ocean just won’t cooperate.

That doesn’t automatically mean the guide is doing things wrong. Fish behavior depends on water temperature, currents, bait presence, and offshore conditions. One sharp consideration: if you want a guarantee, this isn’t that kind of activity. It’s sport fishing, so treat it like a chance—bring patience.

Still, you can improve your odds by setting the right expectations and choosing a day with good weather. This experience is weather-dependent.

Who should book this in Santa Teresa

This charter fits well if you:

• want a private boat experience without paying “everyone has to be onboard separately” pricing
• care about inshore sport fishing targets like tuna, mahi mahi, and roosterfish
• like the added possibility of seeing dolphins, manta rays, turtles, or whales
• want a guide who works efficiently to keep your time on the water productive
• plan to eat your catch and want it cleaned

It may not be the best fit if you:

• dislike rougher ocean rides during higher-activity seasons
• need tons of verbal explanations throughout the day
• get extremely stressed when catch rates are lower than expected

Price and logistics in one breath: meet point and duration

You’ll start at Jason Tours, on The Lighthouse Road in Malpaís, Puntarenas, about 25 meters south of the named landmark on the road. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

With a 3.5-hour runtime, it’s easy to pair this with other Santa Teresa plans the same day. Just make sure you have time afterward for rest and (if you’re cooking) cleaning up.

Should you book Jason Tours in Santa Teresa?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward, private inshore fishing charter with a realistic mix of targets and a strong chance of a great catch day. The best part is the structure: gear included, private group time, and an approach aimed at getting you fishing quickly. Add the wildlife possibility and Cabo Blanco stop, and it turns into more than just a fishing session.

If you’re booking with kids or anyone who gets seasick, bring the right mindset (and possibly motion-sickness help) and stay flexible if the water gets choppy. And if you speak a specific language, be ready to communicate clearly at the start, since some trips can be more focused on action than chat.

FAQ

FAQ

What fish species can I expect on this inshore trip?

The trip description lists potential catches such as yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel, plus more.

Is the fishing gear included?

Yes. All fishing equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring or rent gear.

What food and drinks are provided during the trip?

You’ll get soda/pop, bottled water, refreshments including beer, and fruit. Breakfast is not included.

How long is the trip, and how many people are in a group?

The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes. It’s a private tour/activity, and pricing is per group of up to 5 people.

Where does the trip start and end?

It starts at Jason Tours on The Lighthouse Road (about 25 meters south of the listed landmark) in Malpaís, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What wildlife might we see while fishing?

Depending on the season, you may see dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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