Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

The most appealing part of this Santa Teresa fishing trip is its private boat and flexible pace. You fish with only your own group, and the crew can adjust the outing for different ages and abilities. The water off the Nicoya Peninsula can produce yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, mahi mahi, snapper, wahoo, and jack crevalle.

I like the simple setup: all fishing equipment is included, and water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit are provided. I also like the chance to bring home a catch, since guides have cleaned fish for guests to cook later. The main drawback is the sea itself. Fishing is never guaranteed, and large waves can make the ride rough or leave some people seasick.

Key points before you book

• Private charter for up to five: You get the boat to yourselves rather than sharing space with a larger group.
• About three and a half hours on the water: This is a focused morning or half-day outing, not a full-day offshore expedition.
• Cabo Blanco route: The trip reaches the waters around Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, with fine coastal views along the way.
• Several possible target species: Yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jacks, Spanish mackerel, and skipjack tuna are among the possible catches.
• Useful onboard supplies: Rods and fishing gear come with the trip, as do bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit.
• Mixed fishing results are normal: Some outings produce many strikes and several fish, while another day can bring no catch at all.

A private fishing morning from Malpaís

Jason Tours meets you at The Lighthouse Road, 25 meters south of the stated meeting point in Malpaís, near Santa Teresa. The activity ends back there, and private transportation is included. Since the charter costs $360 per group of up to five, the price makes more sense for a family or small group than for one or two people booking alone.

For five people, that works out to $72 per person before any extras. For two people, the same boat costs $180 each. That difference matters. The charter is strongest as a shared outing for friends or a family group that wants privacy, a flexible pace, and a chance to keep the catch.

The boat time is about three hours and 30 minutes. That gives you enough time to get beyond the immediate shoreline, try several fishing areas, and enjoy the coast without giving up an entire day in Santa Teresa. Breakfast is not included, so eat beforehand. The supplied water, drinks, beer, and fruit are useful, but they are not a substitute for a proper meal.

Fishing near the end of the Nicoya Peninsula

The fishing takes place around the end of the Nicoya Peninsula, where the route includes Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve. The point of the stop is not presented as a land visit, so you should think of Cabo Blanco as part of the boat route and coastal setting rather than a separate hike or reserve tour.

This section of coast gives the trip more than a rod and reel. You can look for dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales, depending on the season. These sightings are not promised, but they add a welcome second layer to the outing when the fish are quiet.

The water can also be rough. One account describes large waves and another mentions children feeling nauseous before the group cut the trip short. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. A private boat gives you more control than a shared departure, but it cannot flatten the Pacific.

What you might catch from yellowfin tuna to roosterfish

The advertised fishing targets cover a useful range:

• Yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna
• Mahi mahi
• Roosterfish
• Wahoo
• Snapper
• Jack crevalle
• Spanish mackerel
• Other inshore species

The catch can change quickly from day to day. One outing produced around 20 strikes and 15 fish. Another produced four landed fish and a stingray, while a separate morning brought several skipjack tuna, a yellowfin tuna, and a roosterfish. A different trip resulted in two yellowfin tuna.

That spread tells you what to expect: the crew can work hard and still cannot control the fish. The sea decides. A disappointing catch is possible, and one poor outing included no fish and criticism that the boat spent too much time trolling without enough explanation. That is the risk you accept when you book fishing instead of a sightseeing cruise.

When the fishing clicks, the payoff is excellent. Jason has helped guests land several fish in a short period, including a double hookup where one fish was taken by a shark. Guides have also cleaned the catch afterward, allowing people to prepare fresh fish during the rest of their stay. Wahoo sashimi, ceviche, and grilled tuna are the sort of meal this trip can put on your table, though you should not book on the assumption that a specific species will be caught.

Guides Jason, Erik, and Janvier

Several guides are identified by name in the trip feedback, including Jason, Erik, and Janvier. Jason is particularly associated with efficient fish-finding, boat handling, and cleaning the catch. Erik helped a group catch skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, and a roosterfish. Janvier guided a first-time outing for a child that produced four fish and a stingray.

The guiding style appears practical rather than theatrical. One account describes a guide as efficient but not very talkative. That may suit you if you want to fish without a running commentary, but it could disappoint you if you expect a naturalist guide explaining every tactic, species, and change of location.

Before leaving, ask what style of fishing you will use and what species are likely at that time of year. That small conversation can make the trip clearer, especially for children or first-time fishers. You should also confirm how the catch will be handled if you land something worth keeping.

How the 3.5-hour itinerary works

The supplied route names Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve as the trip’s stop. The listed timing is about three and a half hours, so the outing is best understood as a compact fishing charter that combines travel along the coast, time spent fishing, and the return to Malpaís.

The exact order of travel and fishing areas is not specified. You may spend the bulk of your time trolling or working productive water, with the reserve area forming part of the coastal route. Since fish movement and weather affect the day, do not expect a fixed sightseeing schedule.

That flexibility is useful. If the fish are biting, you can focus on fishing. If the water is quiet, you still have the Nicoya coast and possible marine life to watch. It is less useful if you want a tightly scripted nature tour with guaranteed stops and explanations.

What is included, and what you still need

You receive all fishing equipment, which removes the need to bring rods and tackle. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit are also included. Private transportation is listed as part of the package, and the trip returns to the meeting point.

Breakfast is not included. Eat before the departure, and bring any personal snacks or medication you need. The available drinks are helpful, but the information does not specify a full lunch.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The charter is private, so only your group joins the boat. That makes it easier to plan around children, older relatives, or guests with different comfort levels, although rough water remains a real consideration.

Is $360 a fair price?

For a full boat of five, yes, the price can be good value. You are paying for a private charter, equipment, transportation, drinks, fruit, and direct time on the water. You also avoid the awkwardness of sharing a boat with strangers who may want a different pace.

For one or two people, the cost is much harder to justify unless fishing is a major priority. The price is fixed per group, not per person, so bringing friends or family improves the value quickly.

There is also a practical benefit to the private format. If someone gets seasick, needs a quieter pace, or wants to stop early, the group does not have to follow the wishes of a larger boatload. One group did end its fishing early when children felt unwell. That choice is easier on a private charter, although the short trip does not automatically mean a reduced price.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this outing to a small group that wants a real chance at Pacific fish rather than a polished sightseeing ride. It suits people who are happy with uncertainty and who will enjoy the day even if the final count is low.

It is also a good fit for families with different levels of fishing experience. A first-time child has caught fish here, and the private format lets the guide adjust the pace. Adults who want to bring home fresh fish will appreciate the cleaning service reported after successful outings.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike rough water, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or want a highly detailed explanation of marine ecology. You should also think twice if you are booking alone, since the fixed group price becomes expensive quickly.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since sea conditions affect both comfort and safety, this policy is useful rather than a minor formality.

The activity is booked about 24 days ahead on average. That suggests you should reserve early if your Santa Teresa dates are fixed, especially if you need a private boat for a family or small group.

My verdict on Jason Tours

Book this trip if you can fill most of the five seats, want a private fishing morning, and understand that a successful catch is never guaranteed. The strongest points are the private setup, the included gear, the range of possible fish, and the chance to have the catch cleaned for later meals.

I would be more cautious for a small party on a tight budget, or for anyone who wants calm water and a scripted coastal tour. Ask about the fishing method, expected sea conditions, and catch handling before departure. With those expectations set, this is a useful, straightforward way to spend part of a Santa Teresa day on the Pacific.

The 4.8 rating from 48 ratings and 96 percent recommendation figure fit the overall picture: many outings have produced memorable fishing and fresh meals, but the ocean can still deliver a blank day. That is not a flaw unique to this charter. It is the basic bargain of fishing, you pay for the chance, the skill, and the time on the water, not a guaranteed fish.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start and end?

It starts at Jason Tours on The Lighthouse Road, 25 meters south of the stated meeting point in Malpaís, Puntarenas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the fishing trip?

The trip lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the private charter?

The $360 price covers one private group of up to five people. Only your group participates.

What fish can I catch?

Possible catches include yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, skipjack tuna, and other species. Fishing results depend on the day.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. All fishing equipment is included, along with bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit.

Is breakfast included?

No. Breakfast is not included, so you should eat before the trip.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.