The Essential Packing List for Your Costa Rica Fishing Trip
After guiding thousands of anglers in Guanacaste, we know exactly what makes the difference between a comfortable day on the water and a miserable one. The tropical sun is intense, the salt spray is relentless, and the action can be non-stop. Here's what to bring.
Must-Have Items
Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)
The Costa Rican sun at sea is significantly stronger than on land. Sunburn can ruin your entire trip.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: reef-safe preferred (protects the marine ecosystem). Apply 30 minutes before boarding and reapply every 2 hours
- Wide-brimmed hat or fishing cap: with a neck flap if possible
- Lightweight long-sleeve SPF shirt: UPF 50+ fishing shirts are ideal. Much better than sunscreen alone
- Buff or neck gaiter: protects your neck and face from wind and sun
Polarized Sunglasses
This is the single most important piece of gear after sun protection.
- Why polarized? They cut water glare so you can see fish, bait, and structure beneath the surface
- Bring a retention strap (Croakies). A wave or quick head turn can send them overboard
- Consider a backup pair. Losing your only sunglasses on hour one is no fun
Seasickness Prevention
Even experienced boaters can get seasick in open ocean conditions. Don't take the risk.
- Dramamine or Bonine: take one the night before and one the morning of your trip
- Ginger tablets or ginger candy: natural alternative that works for mild cases
- Sea-Bands (acupressure wristbands): drug-free option
- Avoid: heavy meals, alcohol the night before, and reading/phone screens on the boat
Footwear
- Non-slip, non-marking shoes: boat shoes, water shoes, or sport sandals with grip
- For Tamarindo beach boarding: you'll wade through shallow water, so wear something that can get wet
- Avoid: flip-flops (slippery on wet decks), dark-soled shoes (leave marks on the boat)
Recommended Extras
Cash
- Crew gratuity: 10-20% of charter cost is standard for great service (cash preferred)
- INCOPESCA license: if not pre-purchased, some locations accept cash
- Restaurant "cook your catch" fee: typically $10-$20 per person
- Small bills in USD are widely accepted; colones work too
Food & Drinks
- Most charters include water, soft drinks, and snacks -confirm when booking
- If bringing your own: light snacks (granola bars, fruit, crackers), sandwiches
- Cooler with ice is available on all our boats
- Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can worsen seasickness
Electronics
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag, essential for protecting your phone from spray and splashes
- GoPro or action camera: much better than a phone for action shots. Bring a chest or head mount
- Portable charger: long days drain batteries fast
- Pro tip: Put your phone in airplane mode to save battery (no signal offshore anyway)
Clothing
- Light rain jacket: quick tropical showers are common, especially in green season (May-Nov)
- Change of dry clothes left in the car. You'll want them after a wet, salty day
- Board shorts or quick-dry pants: avoid jeans or cotton that stay wet and heavy
What NOT to Bring
- Expensive jewelry: salt, sun, and waves are not kind to it
- Heavy luggage: boats have limited storage space
- Glass bottles: safety hazard on a rocking boat
- Bananas. Yes, really. It's a long-standing fishing superstition, and many captains take it seriously!
- Your own fishing gear (unless discussed in advance). Our boats are fully equipped with professional tackle
Quick-Reference Checklist
Before You Leave the Hotel
- SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen (applied)
- Polarized sunglasses + strap
- Hat with brim
- Long-sleeve UPF shirt
- Seasickness medication (taken night before + morning)
- Non-slip shoes / water shoes
- Cash for tips and extras
- Waterproof phone case
- Camera / GoPro
- Light snacks (if not included)
- Rain jacket (green season)
- Dry change of clothes (left in car)
- INCOPESCA fishing license (digital copy on phone)
What We Provide on Every Charter
You don't need to worry about fishing gear. Here's what's already on board:
- Professional rods, reels, and tackle
- Live bait and lures
- Ice chest and fish bags
- Safety equipment (life jackets, first aid, radio)
- Water, sodas, and snacks (confirm when booking)
- Fish cleaning and filleting service
Have Questions About What to Bring?
Contact us before your trip and we'll make sure you're fully prepared. We want every angler focused on the fishing, not wishing they'd packed differently.
