Yellowfin tuna hunting in Santa Teresa is the plan. This private inshore charter on the Nicoya Peninsula turns a half-day at sea into a practical fishing outing, and I like that the fishing equipment is included so you’re not scrambling for gear. You’ll also get a first leg of the trip around Cabo Blanco, which makes the morning feel more like an adventure than just a boat ride.

What I like even more is how the trip is built for results: you’re not stuck in a huge crowd, and the guide can work the water for bites. In the best moments, you’re not only thinking about fish, you’re also watching for dolphins and other wildlife that can show up depending on the season, which adds a lot of payoff beyond the cooler.

One consideration: fishing depends on conditions, and not every outing is a full freezer day. Even with good effort, you could still end up doing plenty of searching if the bite is slow, so mentally budget for the possibility of a tougher day on the water.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Up to 5 people per group for a more focused, private experience rather than a crowded boat
• 3 hours 30 minutes on the water gives you a full fishing session without eating your whole day
• All fishing equipment included, plus drinks, fruit, and beer during the trip
• Common catches include yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, and wahoo
• Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is part of the experience, not just a distant name
• Wildlife sightings vary by season, including dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales

Inshore Fishing Meets the Nicoya Peninsula in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a great base because you’re close to some real fishing water, and this trip is aimed squarely at inshore sport fishing from the coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. The focus is on getting you on fish quickly while keeping the ride scenic and fun, especially if you enjoy the “search and find” rhythm of coastal fishing.

The vibe here is part work, part nature show. You’re planning around the best time to be out, but you’re also in an area where you might get lucky with dolphins or manta rays moving through. That mix matters, because even if the bite is slow, you’re still seeing something besides open water.

Private Charter Logistics: Up to 5, 3.5 Hours on the Water

This is a private tour for your group only, priced at $360 per group (up to 5), and it runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. That pricing structure is important: if you’re traveling with family or friends, it can work out like paying for one solid day of guided fishing rather than a bunch of separate tickets.

The trip includes private transportation, with the experience starting at Jason Tours near The Lighthouse Road in Malpaís. You return back to that same meeting point at the end, which keeps the day simple. It’s especially helpful if you’re pairing this with other Santa Teresa plans and you don’t want to worry about getting to the marina.

What You Might Catch: Yellowfin Tuna to Roosterfish

The fishing list is one of the big reasons people book this. You can go out aiming for yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, and Spanish mackerel, plus other species that might show up depending on conditions.

Here’s the practical truth: inshore fishing is about being in the right place at the right time and adjusting quickly. When it works, it can feel nonstop—there are comments about being busy with strikes and getting multiple fish landed. When it doesn’t, you’ll still be out there doing the searching, which is just how the ocean plays.

If you’re a first-timer, this is a smart style of trip because you’re fishing close enough to land-based cues and known coastal areas, rather than needing serious ocean endurance for a far offshore run. If you’re a regular angler, you’ll likely appreciate the short, focused window where the goal is action rather than travel time.

Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve Stop: More Than a Scenic Break

One of the trip’s standout anchors is the stop near Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve. Even if you don’t think of reserves as part of a fishing day, this one adds meaning to the outing. It’s a reminder that you’re not just chasing fish for fun—you’re also spending time in a protected, wildlife-rich area.

In plain terms, it helps break up the mental flow. A lot of boat days become repetitive if you’re only staring at the line. Having a defined region early in the trip makes it feel like you’re starting with purpose, not just waiting for the captain to decide later.

Wildlife Sightings by Season: Dolphins, Manta Rays, Turtles, Whales

This trip can include wildlife sightings depending on the season: dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales are specifically mentioned as possible. I like that the day isn’t sold as “fish or nothing.” It’s built around the reality that ocean days are shared spaces.

A good way to think about this is: don’t treat wildlife like a guaranteed checkbox. Instead, treat it like a bonus that shows up when conditions and migration patterns line up. When the wildlife does appear, it changes the tone of the trip fast—suddenly you’re not only watching for bites, you’re watching behavior and timing.

If you’re traveling with kids or non-anglers, this matters a lot. The fish is the main event, but wildlife sightings are what can turn a fishing day into a story everyone brings home.

Included and Not Included: What $360 Covers

Here’s what the experience includes:

• Soda/pop, bottled water, refrescos
• Beer and fruit
• Private transportation
• All fishing equipment

What it doesn’t include:

• Breakfast

From a value standpoint, the “equipment included” part is more than a convenience. When gear is handled for you, you spend your energy on fishing, not on prep. Drinks and fruit also help keep the day easy, especially since you’re out for several hours and there’s no breakfast included.

Quick practical note: if you don’t eat before you go, you’ll likely feel it once you’re focused on the water and the boat schedule starts moving. Plan a solid breakfast or early snack before the pickup so you’re not hungry while you’re waiting to fish.

Guides and Fishing Tactics: Finding the Bite Fast

The biggest theme in the positive comments is efficiency—getting lines in the water with a plan. Guides are named in the feedback, including Jason, Erik, and Janvier, and multiple people highlighted that the guide had a clear sense of where to fish.

You’ll also see details like this: some groups reported strong action early, others landed multiple different species, and there are mentions of the catch being cleaned so you could eat later. That matters because cleaning support can turn a good fishing day into a whole second day of enjoyment once you’re back on shore.

One balanced reality check, though: a fishing trip is not a vending machine. There’s at least one negative account where the day didn’t produce fish and the guest felt the effort to target bites was lacking. I can’t generalize that into a pattern, but it’s a reminder that ocean conditions steer the outcome. Your best bet is going in expecting a guided hunt, not a guaranteed haul.

Weather, Seasickness, and Safety: Plan for Real Ocean Conditions

This experience requires good weather, and that’s not a small detail—it’s the difference between comfort and frustration. If conditions are too rough, the trip won’t run as planned, and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Also, the ocean is the ocean. Even when you’re inshore, you’re still on moving water. One comment mentioned a kid feeling nauseous and the group heading in early. If you have anyone who’s prone to motion sickness, think about bringing what works for you and planning a calm, gradual mindset for the ride.

For most people, “Most travelers can participate” is a reassuring signal that the experience isn’t designed only for hardened anglers. But you’ll still want to dress like you’re going to be on the water for hours—layers, sun protection, and shoes that handle a wet deck.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

I’d book this if you want:

• A private fishing day with included gear
• A real chance at tuna and other sport species
• A mix of fishing plus wildlife potential around the Nicoya Peninsula
• A group setup that works for families or friends (up to 5)

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re only happy if you catch fish, every single time. (That’s the hardest requirement any sport-fishing operator can’t promise.)
• Your idea of a fishing trip is mostly resting and sightseeing. This is still a fishing-first outing, so the day moves with the search and the work.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests, this has an advantage. The wildlife potential and the Cabo Blanco connection can help keep the day exciting even when the bite needs time.

Should You Book This Inshore Fishing Trip from Santa Teresa?

If you’re looking for a straightforward, guided inshore fishing day that’s easy to plan and doesn’t require you to bring your own gear, I think this is a strong choice. The $360 group price makes sense when you have more than one person sharing the cost, and the included drinks and equipment remove friction.

I’d especially consider booking if you care about being with a guide who has a clear plan and can put you where the fish are likely to be. In the best cases, the trip can feel fast and productive, with multiple species on the deck and help handling the catch after.

Just go in with the right expectations: you’re paying for a guided attempt in real ocean conditions, not for a guaranteed trophy on demand. If you’re okay with that mindset, this is the kind of Santa Teresa experience that can turn into a highlight reel—fish stories and sea-life sightings included.

FAQ

How much does the inshore fishing trip cost?

The price is $360 per group, up to 5 people.

How long is the trip?

It’s approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The trip starts at Jason Tours on The Lighthouse Road, about 25 meters south of the Lighthouse, in Malpaís, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Does the tour include transportation?

Yes. Private transportation is included.

What fishing gear is provided?

All fishing equipment is included.

What might you catch on this trip?

Possible catches include yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and more.

Is breakfast included?

No, breakfast is not included.

What wildlife might you see?

Depending on the season, you might see dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and whales.

What drinks and food are included?

The trip includes soda/pop, bottled water, refrescos, beer, and fruit.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.