Fishing in Quepos with kids: a family guide

Choose an inshore charter

For families, inshore fishing is the easy choice. The boat stays close to the coast, uses lighter tackle and moves at a relaxed pace, and kids get more chances at a bite than on a long run offshore. Both inshore charters are private: only your family is on board.

The price is the same whether you bring two people or six, so grandparents, cousins or friends can come along at no extra cost. See all four charters.

How long to stay out

With young children, the half-day inshore is the sweet spot: 5 hours is long enough for real fishing and short enough to end before anyone gets tired. Choose the 7:00 departure for the cooler hours of the morning, or 13:00 if your family prefers a slower start.

Teenagers who already enjoy fishing, or families who want more time to find roosterfish, can step up to the 3/4-day inshore, with 7 hours on the water. If your kids are ready for the open ocean, read what to expect on your first deep sea fishing trip.

What kids can catch inshore

Inshore trips fish around the rocky points, river mouths and reefs near Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The stars are roosterfish, with the tall crest on their back, along with snapper and jacks, which put a strong bend in the rod and keep kids busy. These species are around all year.

See every inshore and offshore fish, with photos and best months, in the Quepos species guide.

Safety and comfort on board

When you book, tell the team how many children are coming and how old they are. The crew uses that to plan the day and have the right equipment ready, and it is the moment to ask any question about life jackets in children's sizes or anything else your family needs.

On the water, the sun is the main thing to manage: hats, sunglasses, light long sleeves and sunscreen, reapplied often. Keep everyone drinking water, and if anyone in the family gets queasy on boats, read our tips on how to avoid seasickness on a fishing charter before the trip.

Keep young anglers happy

A good family trip is less about the size of the fish and more about the moments. A few things that help:

1. Let the kids reel in the fish; the crew helps with the rest.
2. Bring their favourite snacks and plenty of water.
3. Set expectations: some stretches are quiet, and that is part of fishing.
4. Watch for birds, turtles and dolphins between bites.
5. Take lots of photos, and celebrate every fish, big or small.

A lesson in catch-and-release

Fishing is a great way to show kids how to respect the ocean. Billfish such as sailfish and marlin are always released, and the crew handles every fish carefully so it goes back in good shape. Table fish can be kept when regulations allow. Learn more in how billfish are released in Costa Rica.

What to pack for the kids

• Hats and sunglasses for everyone
• Sunscreen, plus light long-sleeve shirts
• Water and the snacks they like
• A change of clothes and a small towel
• A motion-sickness remedy suitable for children, if your doctor recommends one
• A camera, or a phone in a waterproof case

All rods, reels and tackle are provided on board, so you do not need to bring any fishing gear.

Make a day of it

A morning half-day trip leaves the afternoon free for the beach. Manuel Antonio is minutes from the marina, with calm beaches, wildlife and easy family plans. Find ideas, places to stay and how to get around in our Quepos area guide.