The Gulf of Papagayo in Costa Rica is well known for excellent fishing. You can find mahi mahi, jack, wahoo and many other types of fish even just a couple kilometers from shore.
You can go inshore or offshore fishing but I recently got into kayak fishing. It’s great exercise, a fun way to spend some time with friends and even though you can’t go as far, you still catch some good sized fish.
Kayak Fishing in Playas del Coco
After watching some kayak fishing videos I was ready to go for the first time, so I started to look for a “tutor” that will teach me where the good spots are and the techniques of kayak fishing. Luckily I was introduced to Diego, one of the locals who has been fishing in Playas del Coco since he was a kid and back when Coco was a small fishing village.
He loves to take his kayak and bring some fish home and goes at any chance he gets. He’s been kayak fishing for years in the Gulf so he knew all the good places to go and all the secrets to kayak fishing. So here are some important facts to know if you want to do some kayak fishing in Playas del Coco.
Where to get a kayak?
In Coco there are some places where you can rent a kayak on the beach. One good option is to go to “Cafe de Playa” located in front of the beach by Pelican entrance. Most of the people knows where it is and they are really nice and you can rent out their kayaks.
Where to get fishing equipment?
If you didn’t bring your equipment or don’t have your own equipment, there are a couple fishing stores in town, such as the one next to the Super Luperon. That one is the biggest and has all of the fishing equipment.
There is another place on the road to Playa Ocotal called the Jobo that also sells fishing equipment and bait.
You can also buy fishing gear at the supermarkets in Coco, they aren’t the best but they do sell some basic poles, nets and things like that.
Where to go?
The best spot Diego taught me was behind the Pelonas Island. It might take you 20 to 30 minutes paddling, and what you need to look for is “Bajo la sorpresa.”
This spot is right behind the big Pelona (there are 2), as soon as you see a wooden cross you will know that you are in the right spot. To be right in front of it, paddle about 40 to 50 feet.
Kayak fishing has definitely become on one of my favorite activities in Costa Rica. I work out, clean my mind and I bring dinner home! It is a must do for fishing lovers visiting Costa Rica.
Here is a video of my very first catch. See what it’s like to go kayak fishing in Playas del Coco!
Betty & Jim Stafford says
We are enjoying all your helpful information that you send to us.We will be in Coco for Feb./16 & look forward to a new experience.
Great info on bug repellant, will be sure to bring some.
Are the sailing day trips very expensive?We are retired & on a limited budget, but would like to do and see a lot.If we are lucky we may get to meet you both.
Please keep sending us very helpful information, thanks, Betty & Jim Stafford.SEE YOU SOON!
Sammi says
Hi Betty and Jim! Glad to hear the information is helpful!! Sailing trips are a bit on the expensive side but there are many options. There are half day morning and evening trips and depending which company you go with, they run around $70 which usually includes snorkel gear, beverages and snacks. There is one company that runs only in dry season on Thursdays called Arroyo Adventures that isn’t a catamaran but it’s $40 for a morning half day including snacks, drinks and use of snorkel/kayak.
We don’t know where we’ll be in Feb 2016 but if we’re in Coco we’d love to meet! Thanks for reading and happy travels!!
ron smiley says
hi I like your site I plan on fishing there soon my shoulders are sore are there leg powerd kayak s for rent ? how much$ how do I contact some one to get me started I love to fish but I don’t love computers I was wondering what a fela does with his catch I love to eat fish cooked or raw what fish do ticos target for the table thank this is my first conversation on a website
yeison says
Hi Ron,
I am glad you like the site :).
As soon as you are in Playas del Coco go to a place call Coco’s Fishing Supply the owner’s name is Carlos, he can help you to find a guide and a Kayak. I used to go Kayak fishing with his cousins.
We like to catch mahi mahi, wahoo and snappers.
Have a great trip
Dana @ Wanted Adventure says
I grew up going out fishing with my dad for years, but I’d never even heard of kayak fishing! Although, those boats are a little bigger than what I picture in my head when I hear the word “kayak” lol Love your blog! Keep up the great work 😀
Sammi says
You would really enjoy it I think! It’s a bit harder because you don’t have a lot of room to move around haha but it’s a really fun experience. Thanks Dana!!
Gary (Yakmando) says
Hi, I moved here from San Diego and live about 2 kilometers from the RIU in Playa Matapalo, not far from Playa Coco. Costa Rica is a wonderful country with great people. I have become good friends with many Ticos who would do anything for you if they can. People who are complete strangers that will invite you into their homes. It took a while to get used to living where there wasn’t a McDonalds and a 7/11 on every corner but I wouldn’t live anywhere else now. This area of Costa Rica, specifically the Nicoya Peninsula not far from me, is considered a ‘Blue Zone’. There are only five Blue Zones in the entire world where people have a ten times greater opportunity to live to 90 and 100 years old. Costa Rica IS Pura Vida.
Sammi says
Absolutely agreed! Pura vida!
Michael Orobona says
I love kayaking and fishing, but I’ve never done them together. I’d think it would kill my back sitting still like that though. I almost HAVE to move in a kayak.
Sammi says
It´s so fun! DOes your kayak have seats? It helps so much!
Jason says
I just started kayak fishing here on the Texas gulf coast. It is a blast!
I might be moving my family down there, though it will be about 3 years from now. I have lots of family in Heredia and Atenas. It’s going to be a shock to the system as I left CR when I was 4 and have been in the US ever since, with really relatively little Latin American influence except my childhood meals : \
One concern is I love to hunt and fish, and Costa Rica is very different. Probably I’ll have to give up hunting unless I want to head up to Nicaragua every now and then, which our budget probably won’t allow. BUT, it looks like the fishing opportunities are there. I wonder, does fishing tackle cost a lot down there? I was thinking of maybe bringing some lures and stuff each time I come down, and maybe leaving them at a relative’s house.
Also, is “Yeison” really his name? I’m Jason, but of course my CR relatives pronounce it Yeison : D I’ve known a lot of Mexicans here in TX, and somehow my name comes out of many of their mouths as “YACK-son”. Haha! Anyway, hope to see Yeison out on the water sometime. Right now I fish in lakes, rivers, and protected bays. Looks like I’m going to have to stretch my comfort level and learn some BTB (beyond the breakers) kayak fishing, in preparation for some of that deep-water Pacific fishing.
Kayak fishermen here often meet up so it’s not just one person on the water. When a handful get together we call it a Plastic Flotilla. Maybe Coco needs a plastic flotilla : )
Love your site!
yeison says
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your nice comment !
Yes they are HUGE differences between Costa Rica adn the US, but don’t worry you have it in your blood. You are right about hunting it will be better if you go to Nicaragua where is allow or maybe you can focus 100% on your fishing :), In regards to prices are relative I will say that it cost maybe 20 to 30 % more if you compare the prices on Amazon and the local fishing store we have, but if it is not difficult bring your lures and toys.
My name sounds like “jason” my dad is corean and my mom is a tica, so he did the best he could when he wrote my name on my birth certificate. I kind of like !
I like the plastic flotilla maybe when you moved you can be our new president of la flotilla plástica, I went fishing today and the ocean was as clear as an aquarium. I spend more time snorkeling than fishing the visibility was awesome.
Thanks again for your comment and yes I hope to see you around take care and if you need anything from us please let us know and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog.
Pura vida Mae
Nick says
About once a year I make it down to Costa Rica and fishing is always at the top of my list of things to do. We go kayak fishing out of Playa Hermosa and I think the place you are describing is on the back side of the islands between Coco and Hermosa. The past few years I have gone north towards Panama and have had some success but it has been hit or miss. This year I will try going south towards Coco and see if I have more luck. About 5 years ago I caught a 50lb Rooster off the beach where the Riu is now located. What a fight!
Email me if you are intersted in connecting to fish when I am down there in June.
Mrs. Chasing the Donkey says
I like fishing, and I like Kayaking. But this sounds like too much work for me. Do they make kayaks with a side cart so I can be dragged along?
Sammi says
haha I’m sure they can invent one like the sidecar! I wish they did actually so then I could go along because it’s a bit much work for me too.
Marie-Carmen says
Kayak fishing? That sounds awesome! Damn we gonna have to come and try it out one day!
Sammi says
yeison loves it! I haven’t tried yet but it’s one of his favorite things to do here.
Sharon @ Where's Sharon? says
That looks like awesome fun. Love your pics!! 🙂