Transformative Travel LLC

Tackle the adrenaline rush of Tarpon Fly Fishing in Costa Rica 💯

Come experience experience the thrill of fly fishing for Tarpon in Costa Rica. Seize the moment and cast your fly rod with confidence, create the perfect cast and make a catch that will last a lifetime

Luxury is not limited to 5 star hotels. Enjoy exclusive accommodations, with full meal service provided inside of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge. Accommodation facilities within the reserve are simple and basic. 

Adventure at its finest. Mindful and nature-filled, this adventure offers the best of both worlds: fishing and wildlife, culture, and enjoying some of the best snorkeling Costa Rica has to offer. 

OVERVIEW

  • Visa: *Not required for US citizens. 
  • Season: April, May, August, September
  • Starting from: $ 4,995 per angler  
  • Duration: 8 Days / 9 nights with most meals.
  • Country: Costa Rica 
  • International Airport: San Jose (SJO)
  • Region: Limón, Costa Rica 
  • Activity Level: Tarpon fishing is a challenging sport. It takes a lot of practice, skill and stamina to catch the elusive Tarpon. Hence, we’ve designed this itinerary so you and even your partner can experience some local explorations to compliment your travels. 

DAY BY DAY

Day 1: Enjoy a soft landing in Costa Rica, with a friendly face meeting you upon arrival at Santa Maria International Airport (SJO) for a short transfer to the Cariari (approximately a 15-20 minute drive) before settling into your room. Welcome to Costa Rica! 

Day 2: Wake up to the sounds of Costa Rican bird song and prepare for a delicious breakfast to start your journey. Next, we will literally drive to the end of the road to the walking entrance of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. There you will be greeted by your local host who will accompany you on a short walk through the sanctuary to get to the lodge. Treat your eyes to a lush ecosystem and keep an eye out for tailing Triggerfish as you are escorted to your lodge. 

Every day is an adventure, but this one will be unforgettable. Wake up to the sounds of Caribbean nature and fish jumping in the water. Get a briefing from your head fishing guide on how to prepare for the next day and plan your activities. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary happy hour of rum and beer while you receive a briefing from your guide on how to prepare for the next day.

Day 3: Enjoy exclusive accommodation within the national park or stay at our deluxe boutique hotel that is located outside the national park. Which ever package you choose you can expect to hear the sounds of howler monkeys and the smell of Costa Rican coffee.

Anglers: Spend the day (8 hrs) chasing record size Tarpon while fly fishing with your local guides. Start shortly after an early breakfast at about 7 am followed by a short hike to the edge of the park to board your boat. After being introduced to your guide (two anglers to a guide and boat) you will be steered into the direction of the best, most un pressured Tarpon fishing spots, likely steering you toward the Panama border.

Tackle for Tarpon fly fishing: Our lodge is a true retreat, where you can be as active or adventurous as your heart desires. Bring your best fly-fishing tackle and enjoy the magic of this world renowned fishing destination.

Activities for Outdoor Adventure Companions:

Wake up for an optional self-guided Sunrise Meditation (provided to all guests prior your journey) from the park’s closest view point. Post breakfast head to the entrance of the park with your host and drive over to the stunning beaches of Punta Uva. Begin with a kayak tour in Punta Uva beach. Next, take a slow walk to the observatory, where your local guide will show you a great variety of animals and plants. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared, packed or served from the lodge within the national park. As always evening happy hour at the lodge (national park pacakge) include beer and local rum.

Day 4: After an early breakfast, we will head out for the day to explore the Parque Nacional Cahuita for some of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling, along pristine protected beaches, and witness an incredible display of marine and wildlife with our local and seasoned boatman and guide. Begin by snorkeling among the coral reefs in clear Caribbean waters within the National Park.

Day 5: Another day on the water for fly fishing for Tarpon is a day well spent. Fly fishing in a tropical paradise. All you need is your fly rod to smile.

Adventure Companions: Join one of our renowned local guides as they help you gain a deeper understanding of the culture of Costa Rica’s south Caribbean. Spend the day with the Bri Bri tribe, learning about their regalia, traditions, and traditional methods of cultivation.

Day 6: Anglers have a choice (subject to package) of going out fly fishing for Tarpon or exploring sight fly fishing along the reefs in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge. We offer an exceptional experience both on land and at sea.

Adventure Companions: Highlight of the day is a bird watching trip through the mountains and beaches of Costa Rica. The group returns to your accommodations in the afternoon, relax at the beach or shop in town, followed by an evening  ceviche making class with your hosts (provided) and a toast to your adventure, the experiences you’ve had, and the people you’ve met along the way

Day 7: A leisurely morning in paradise; saying goodbye to a generous host before embarking on your adventure to San Jose.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on route are included. 

Day 8: Wake up to the sounds of Costa Rican bird calls and enjoy a nourishing breakfast before being chauffeured to the airport. Please be sure to have any required paperwork if required in hand before departure. Your airline ticket counter might ask for it. ***Independent Travel.  

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Choose your package

Choose to stay within the national park, or outside the national park if you prefer a deluxe boutique hotel that is also great for non fishing partners. 

Deluxe Package

Deluxe Boutique Hotel
$ 6,450
Per Angler
  • 3 Days Guided Fishing
  • 7 Nights / 8 Days
  • Hikes, Kayaking, National Park visit.
  • Most Meals
  • 1 Night in San Jose (b&B Plan)
National Park Package
$ 4,995
Per Angler
  • 5 Days Guided Fishing
  • 7 Nights / 8 Days
  • All Meals
  • All Ground Transportation
  • 1 Night in San Jose (b&B Plan)

Deluxe Package

Package for Companions
$ 3,950
Per Person
  • 7 Nights / 8 Days
  • Hikes, Kayaking, National Park visit.
  • Most meals.
  • Most meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

We are located in a Wildlife Refuge, so there is no vehicle access directly to the lodge and a walk of 300 yards is required. Each room at the lodge has air conditioning, two beds, ceiling fans, a private bathroom and a beachfront view (all but one room) of one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Don’t forget one thing – when you’re wading, please make sure you have a fully enclosed flats boot that offers protection from the sea urchins and sharp coral as many of our guests get tempted to fly fish for the oceanic gray triggers in Costa Rica. They’re a very popular fish because they’re so beautiful and easy to catch. However, if you hook into one of these fish, you should be prepared to keep from away from the razor sharp corals.

To see one of these majestic fish come out of nowhere as if it was shot out of a cannon, putting on a show for you and your guide, then feel your heart rate go through the roof when you set the hook to finally land one, is an experience like no other. That’s why we call them “The Silver King”.

Tarpon fishing is a great way to spend a day in the Costa Rican sun, but before you go, you should know that it requires you to cast much heavier fly rods so you can present the Tarpon with larger flies that this fishery requires. 

If you’re going for a record size Tarpon, you’ll need the strongest and most durable fly possible. These flies are tie-on, meaning you can fish them yourself or have them tied by a professional commercially producing.

Have a question? We are here to help.

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