Two Ways to Start Your Fishing Trip
One of the most common questions we get from first-time visitors is: "Where do I board the boat?" The answer depends on which of our two departure points you choose, and both offer a unique experience.
Tamarindo Beach Pick-up: The Authentic Costa Rica Experience
In Tamarindo, there is no formal marina. Instead, we use a traditional and efficient water taxi service directly from the beach. Here's how it works:
- Our team meets you at the designated pick-up point on the beach (near the north end of Tamarindo Beach)
- A small panga (local skiff) ferries you out to your charter boat anchored in the bay
- The ride takes about 2 minutes. Quick, safe, and part of the adventure
What to Expect
- Your feet will get wet. Wear sandals or water shoes for the short wade to the panga
- Boarding takes place in calm, shallow water
- Our crew assists with all gear and helps everyone aboard safely
- The whole process from beach to charter boat takes under 5 minutes
Pro Tips for Tamarindo Beach Boarding
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
- Bring a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for electronics
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting a little splash on
- Sunscreen goes on before you get to the beach. You're in the sun immediately
Marina Flamingo: World-Class Convenience
For those who prefer a luxury start, we also operate out of the brand-new Marina Flamingo in Playa Flamingo, just 25 minutes north of Tamarindo. Here, you board directly from the dock slips. No water taxi required.
Marina Flamingo Amenities
- Dry boarding directly from the slip to the boat
- Clean restrooms and lounge areas
- Coffee shops and restaurants on-site
- Ample parking right at the marina
- Professional dock staff to assist with boarding
Best For
- Groups with limited mobility or elderly family members
- Families with small children
- Anyone seeking a seamless, dry boarding experience
- Anglers who want to enjoy pre-trip amenities
Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Tamarindo Beach | Marina Flamingo |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding style | Water taxi from beach | Walk-on from dock |
| Feet get wet? | Yes | No |
| Drive from Liberia airport | ~1 hour | ~1 hour 15 min |
| On-site amenities | Nearby restaurants & shops | Full marina facilities |
| Parking | Street/lot parking | Marina parking |
| The vibe | Authentic, adventurous | Polished, convenient |
| Best for | Adventurous anglers | Families, luxury seekers |
Both Options, Same World-Class Fishing
No matter which departure point you choose, you'll have access to the same incredible fishing grounds off Guanacaste's Pacific coast. Our captains know these waters inside and out, whether we're heading to the Catalina Islands, offshore seamounts, or the inshore reefs.
The only difference is how your adventure begins, and both ways are part of what makes fishing in Costa Rica unforgettable.
Ready to Choose Your Departure?
Contact us when booking and let us know your preference. We'll coordinate everything, from pick-up times to directions, so you can focus on the fish.
