Half-Day Inshore Fishing Charter
Our Half-Day Inshore Charter is perfect for anglers who want an exciting experience without spending the whole day at sea. Fish roosterfish, snapper, grouper and more along the beautiful waters near Manuel Antonio.
Half-Day Inshore Charter Quepos
Our half-day inshore charter is the perfect introduction to fishing in the rich coastal waters of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. With two daily departures — 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM — you can plan your fishing adventure around the rest of your day. In just 4–5 hours on the water, our expert local captain will take you fishing for roosterfish, snapper, grouper and more along the reefs and flats of the Central Pacific coastline.
Whether you're an experienced angler or casting a line for the first time, the half-day inshore charter delivers non-stop action. Families, beginners, and groups of up to 6 passengers are welcome aboard our 31' Sportfishing vessel.
- Professional bilingual Captain
- First Mate on board
- Rods, reels, bait & lures
- Soft drinks, beer & water
- Fresh fruit, chips & pretzels
- Sandwiches & hot dogs
- Fishing licenses (INCOPESCA)
- Cleaning & filleting of catch
- Toilet on board
What to Know Before You Go
- Two daily departures — 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM — choose whichever fits your schedule
- Kids are welcome aboard — life jackets required for minors
- You can keep legal catches — cleaning and filleting included on board
- Bring sunglasses, non-spray sunblock, and a light layer
- No fishing license needed — covered by the INCOPESCA permit
- A 10–20% tip for the captain and mate is customary
- No hard liquor or glass bottles on board please
Upgrade to a 3/4 Day Charter
Our 3/4 day inshore charter gives you 2–3 extra hours on the water — more grounds, more species, and more fish. Or go offshore for sailfish, marlin, and yellowfin tuna.
When to Fish — Half-Day Inshore
When to Fish — Half-Day Inshore in Quepos
Inshore fishing in Quepos is productive 365 days a year — but certain months bring exceptional action for specific species. Here's what to expect month by month on your half-day inshore charter.
| Month | Roosterfish | Snapper & Grouper | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Peak | Peak | Calm · Dry Season |
| March | Peak | Peak | Driest month · Ideal |
| Apr – May | Good | Peak | Transition · Warming waters |
| Jun – Aug | Peak | Peak | Green Season · Mornings ideal |
| Sep – Oct | Good | Good | Variable · AM departures better |
| Nov – Dec | Peak | Peak | Dry season returns · Excellent |
Roosterfish
The star of the half-day inshore charter. Found along beaches, rocky points, and along the Manuel Antonio National Park coastline. Best fished with live bait along the surf line.
Red Snapper
A classic of bottom and reef fishing in coastal waters. Excellent eating — one of the most sought-after species to keep and bring home for dinner.
Grouper (Goliath & Red)
Both Goliath Grouper and Red Grouper live around reef structure and hard bottom. Caught with bottom fishing and jigging techniques. Powerful fighters with excellent table fare.
Bigeye Trevally
Hard-fighting schooling fish found in inshore and coastal waters. Bigeye Trevally responds well to light tackle and jigging — explosive strikes and powerful runs make it a favorite.
Sierra Mackerel
Fast, acrobatic, and abundant in the coastal waters of Manuel Antonio. Great fun on light tackle using lures or trolling. Common on the flats and nearby coastal zones.
Bonito · Tripletail · Grunt
Additional species that round out the inshore action — Bonito near bait schools, Tripletail around floating structure, and Grunt over reef zones. All add variety to a half-day session.
The 7:00 AM departure is ideal for calm waters and actively feeding fish — especially for roosterfish along the Manuel Antonio beaches. The 1:00 PM departure offers excellent afternoon reef action for snapper and grouper.
Half-Day Inshore vs Full-Day Offshore
Not every great fishing trip means spending the whole day at sea. Here's what sets these two charters apart — and why the half-day might be exactly what your group needs.
Half-Day Inshore
- Roosterfish, Snapper & Grouper
- Calm coastal waters · 3–15 miles
- 4–5 hours · 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM
- Perfect for families & beginners
- Your afternoon or morning is still yours
- No billfish or deep-water tuna
- Less total time on the water
Full-Day Offshore
- Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna & Wahoo
- 20–40 miles into the Pacific
- 8–9 hours · Departs 7:00 AM
- Trophy billfish potential
- Lunch included on board
- Full-day commitment
- Open ocean · rougher conditions
Traveling with kids, beginners, or just want a relaxed morning on the water? The half-day inshore delivers non-stop action close to shore and gets you back before lunch. Want billfish and blue water? That's what the full-day is for. Ask us on WhatsApp →
Common Questions Half-Day Charter
The main target species are roosterfish, red snapper, grouper, and sierra mackerel. The best action depends on the season — roosterfish peaks from January to March and June to August along the beaches and points of Manuel Antonio.
Absolutely. The half-day inshore charter is our most family-friendly option. Calmer coastal waters, shorter duration, and lighter tackle make it perfect for kids, first-time anglers, and anyone who wants an exciting but accessible fishing experience.
Yes. The half-day charter departs at 7:00 AM (morning) or 1:00 PM (afternoon). Both offer excellent fishing — the morning is generally calmer with better light, while the afternoon is ideal if you have morning plans.
Sunblock, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket. Drinks, snacks, fruit, all fishing gear, and licenses are included. Bring a camera — you'll want photos of your catch.
Yes — most inshore species like snapper and sierra mackerel can be kept. Roosterfish is a catch-and-release species by tradition and regulation. The crew will clean and fillet any fish you keep at the end of the trip.
Want More Time on the Water?
Half-Day Inshore Charter
4–5 hours · Roosterfish, Snapper · $950
3/4 Day Inshore Charter
6–7 hours · Roosterfish, Snapper · $1,150
3/4 Day Offshore Charter
6–7 hours · Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna · $1,300
All Fishing Charters
Compare all 4 options side by side
Ready to Fish Costa Rica?
Private charters available every day of the year from Quepos Marina. Expert local captains, all tackle included, hotel pickup available.