About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

This is where remote jungle meets the wild Caribbean Sea—and where anglers come to battle some of the biggest tarpon on the planet. Just north of the Panama border and deep within the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, this off-the-grid destination offers an incredible fishing experience guided by Giuliano and his expert team.

Designed for two anglers per boat and room, this package is perfect for fishing partners seeking both adventure and comfort in one of Costa Rica’s most productive and untouched fisheries.

These waters are famous for producing Silver Kings in the 80–90 lb range, but it’s not unusual to hook into fish tipping the scales at 150–200+ lbs. Whether you’re casting a fly or working a lure, the tarpon here are aggressive, powerful, and relentless. If landing a 120+ lb tarpon is your goal, this is one of the best places on Earth to do it.

But tarpon aren’t the only stars of the show. Depending on conditions and your preferences, you may also encounter snook, cubera snapper, jacks, kingfish, triggerfish, and even mahi-mahi. You’ll also have the chance to fish the Gondoca Lagoon, a peaceful backwater lined with mangroves where baby tarpon and snook lurk.

Each day begins with breakfast at the lodge, followed by a short walk to the creek where your captain will be waiting. Fishing days can be split into two sessions or spent as one continuous trip with lunch on the boat or beach. The boat ride to the fishing grounds takes just 20–30 minutes, depending on where the fish are holding. If you'd like to adjust your fishing style or target species, just let Giuliano or the lodge manager know in advance so the guides can prepare accordingly.

Daily Schedule (Split Fishing):

6:30 AM – Breakfast

6:50 AM – Depart for fishing

11:00 AM – Return to lodge

12:00 PM – Lunch

2:00 PM – Return to fishing grounds

5:30 PM – Return & Happy Hour (beer, rum, appetizers)

7:00 PM – Dinner

The accommodations are simple, cozy, and just steps from the sea. Each room includes air conditioning, ceiling fan, private bathroom, and comfortable beds—offering a cool, quiet retreat after a long day on the water. Surrounded by rainforest and the sound of the surf, the setting is peaceful and completely unplugged.

Meals are made fresh daily by local chefs and feature bold Creole flavors, fresh-caught fish, and tropical produce. Special dietary needs are no problem—whether you’re vegetarian, allergic, or just have strong food preferences, the staff is happy to accommodate.

Fishing here is best during two main seasons: spring (late February to May 31) and fall (August 1 to October 31). Both seasons offer ideal conditions, active fish, and exciting opportunities for tarpon and more.

Trip lengths are flexible, with options including 4 nights/3 fishing days all the way up to 8 nights/7 fishing days. All packages include lodging, guided fishing, all meals, and drinks during happy hour.

Whether it’s your first time chasing tarpon or your fiftieth, Giuliano and his crew will give you their full attention, local knowledge, and dedication to make your trip truly unforgettable. This is one of the last truly wild tarpon fisheries left—where the fish are big, the jungle is alive, and the adventure is real.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included.

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 60 days before the trip.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

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Pricing Matrix

	3.5 days	4.5 days	5.5 days	6.5 days	7.5 days
1 Person	$3,168.00	$3,685.00	$4,250.00	$4,840.00	$5,445.00
2 People	$3,168.00	$3,685.00	$4,250.00	$4,840.00	$5,445.00
3 People (two boats)	$6,336.00	$7,370.00	$8,500.00	$9,680.00	$10,890.00
4 People (two boats)	$6,336.00	$7,370.00	$8,500.00	$9,680.00	$10,890.00

Pay 30% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

Reserve Your Trip

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Giuliano M.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Expert Oriented

Quality

Comfortable

I've been travelling around the world looking for new fish and new destinations.

Fishing has been part of my life since I was born and it will be till my last breath!!!

Can't live without it.

About Your Guide

Giuliano M.

Independent Guide

I've been travelling around the world looking for new fish and new destinations.

Fishing has been part of my life since I was born and it will be till my last breath!!!

Can't live without it.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

190 pounds Tarponville Tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

spaghetti

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

190 pounds Tarponville Tarpon

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

spaghetti

What’s your favorite band?

Nick Cave

What’s your favorite movie?

Frankenstein junior

What’s your favorite sports team?

Bologna soccer team

What’s your drink of choice?

Gin Tonic

What was your last halloween costume?

Dracula

What do you want for Christmas this year?

more firends and adventures

How did you get started guiding?

people were asking me so I decided to start this type of activity. From the country I come from; Italy; being a fishing guide is not as common as it is in the United States.

What makes you different from other guides?

need you to ask my people.... they say they enjoy their time with me. I think it's good

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About The Lodge

This lodging is included in the cost of your trip.

Manzanillo, Limón Province, Costa Rica

Areas Fished

Caribbean Sea

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Panga
Boat Length: 26'
Boat Restroom: No
Additional Amenities: beverages

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Panga
Boat Length: 26'
Boat Restroom: No
Additional Amenities: beverages

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Lodging

Lodging is included.

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 60 days before the trip.

Lunch

Lunch / light snacks are included.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Fly Fishing
Jigging
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 60 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 60 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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Trip: Inshore/Nearshore Experience

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.

2 Per Room 2 Per Boat

About Your Trip

About Your Trip

Pricing Matrix

You're in good hands

Reserve Your Trip

You're in good hands

About Your Guide

About Your Guide

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

About The Lodge

About Your Boat

About Your Boat

Trip Details & Amenities

Target Species

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

First Time Booking with Us?

1 PER ROOM 1 PER BOAT

2 Per Room 2 Per Boat

About Your Trip

About Your Trip

Pricing Matrix

You're in good hands

Reserve Your Trip

You're in good hands

About Your Guide

About Your Guide

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

About The Lodge

About Your Boat

About Your Boat

Trip Details & Amenities

Target Species

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

First Time Booking with Us?

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1 PER ROOM 1 PER BOAT