One of the best things about Costa Rica fishing out of Marina Pez Vela in Quepos is that there really is no bad time to go, the target species just shift depending on when you book. Here is a practical breakdown to help time your trip around what you actually want to catch.
December Through April: Peak Sailfish Season
Winter is prime time for sailfish out of Marina Pez Vela, and it is also the busiest tournament stretch of the year, with offshore billfish tournaments running throughout the season. Multiple-fish days are common during this window, which is why a lot of repeat guests book their trip specifically for these months.
This is also a strong stretch for blue marlin, so a full-day trip on Legacy One or a multi-day run on Costa Bella during peak season gives you a real shot at both species in one outing.
May Through September: Dorado and Marlin Season
As the calendar shifts into the summer months, dorado moves to the front of the target list, alongside continued marlin action. Dorado tend to run in schools and hit aggressively, which makes for a fast-paced, high-energy trip that is popular with groups and first-time offshore anglers.
Yellowfin tuna and wahoo are also in play through this stretch, rounding out a solid mixed-bag offshore trip.
Inshore Fishing Runs Year-Round
While the offshore calendar shifts by season, inshore fishing out of Marina Pez Vela on the Reel Deal stays productive all year. Roosterfish, cubera snapper, and jack crevalle hold near structure close to shore regardless of the month, which makes an inshore trip a reliable option any time you are in Quepos, including outside peak offshore season.
Planning Your Trip Around the Season
If sailfish or marlin are the priority, aim for December through April and book early, since this is peak season and dates fill fast, especially around known tournament windows. If dorado and a faster-paced offshore trip sound better, May through September is the move. Either way, Legacy Fishing Costa Rica can confirm what has been biting recently before you lock in a date.
Costa Rica fishing at Marina Pez Vela rewards planning around the season, but honestly, any month puts you on productive water. Reach out to the crew before booking if you have a specific species in mind, they track what is running week to week.
