Quepos Inshore Trip

86% (7) Quepos, Costa Rica 1 - 8 People 5 - 8 Hours From $550 Trip #9419
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

About Your Trip

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

Step aboard with Captain Melvin for an unforgettable inshore fishing experience along the vibrant Pacific coast of Quepos. These trips are all about exploring the rich nearshore waters, where rugged coastline and hidden reefs provide the perfect habitat for hard-fighting game fish. Whether you're booking a half-day, ¾-day, or full-day trip, Captain Melvin offers a laid-back, personalized adventure that’s ideal for anglers of all skill levels—and especially welcoming to families.

On half-day trips, you'll spend...

About Your Trip

Step aboard with Captain Melvin for an unforgettable inshore fishing experience along the vibrant Pacific coast of Quepos. These trips are all about exploring the rich nearshore waters, where rugged coastline and hidden reefs provide the perfect habitat for hard-fighting game fish. Whether you're booking a half-day, ¾-day, or full-day trip, Captain Melvin offers a laid-back, personalized adventure that’s ideal for anglers of all skill levels—and especially welcoming to families.

On half-day trips, you'll spend about five hours working the local coastlines and reefs. These outings are perfect for those who want a quick shot at exciting species like Roosterfish, Red Snapper, Snook, and Amberjack without spending the full day at sea. Captain Melvin supplies all the necessary gear, and you'll be treated to fresh fruit, snacks, and cold drinks to keep you refreshed while you're chasing bites.

For a little more time on the water, ¾-day trips offer around six hours of fishing with a broader range of possibilities. Target species expand to include Tarpon, Cubera Snapper, African Pompano, and Broomtail Grouper. With techniques ranging from trolling and jigging to spinning, popping, and even spearfishing or fly fishing, the day’s action can be as hands-on and adventurous as you want it to be.

Full-day trips stretch to eight hours and come complete with lunch in addition to snacks and drinks. With the extra time, you'll be able to cover more ground and dial in on the day’s most active spots, whether you’re drifting reefs for Grouper or tracking Roosterfish along the surfline. Light tackle and fly gear are available for anglers looking for an extra challenge, and the diversity of species—paired with Captain Melvin’s local expertise—makes for an epic day on the water.

The 24’ center console comfortably fits up to four guests and is outfitted with modern navigation and fishfinding tech. A bilingual First Mate is on hand to assist throughout the trip, and as always, tipping is encouraged as a way to show appreciation for great service. Live bait is available depending on the day, and your catch will be cleaned and filleted on board for your convenience.

Make sure to bring polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat. A local fishing license is required for all anglers and can be arranged in advance or with help from the captain. With top-tier gear, local knowledge, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, Captain Melvin’s inshore trips are the perfect way to connect with Costa Rica’s world-class fishery—without heading too far from shore.
Amenities

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 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.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

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Pricing Matrix

5 hours 6 hours 8 hours
1 Person
$550.00
$650.00
$800.00
2 People
$550.00
$650.00
$800.00
3 People
$550.00
$650.00
$800.00
4 People
$550.00
$650.00
$800.00
5 People (two boats)
$1,100.00
$1,300.00
$1,600.00
6 People (two boats)
$1,100.00
$1,300.00
$1,600.00
7 People (two boats)
$1,100.00
$1,300.00
$1,600.00
8 People (two boats)
$1,100.00
$1,300.00
$1,600.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Melvin
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Melvin A.

Certified Damn Good Guide
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Independent Guide
Adventurous
Quality
Laid-back
Talkative
Meet Captain Melvin, a seasoned fisherman whose journey began in the year 2000. Starting out as a humble deckhand, Melvin worked his way up through hard-earned experience and unwavering dedication, eventually earning his place at the helm as a respected fishing captain.

Over the years, Melvin has mastered the art of sportfishing, working aboard top-rated charter boats and guiding both amateurs and seasoned anglers to unforgettable catches. Now operating independently, he brings over two decades...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Melvin

Melvin A.

Certified Damn Good Guide
Independent Guide
Meet Captain Melvin, a seasoned fisherman whose journey began in the year 2000. Starting out as a humble deckhand, Melvin worked his way up through hard-earned experience and unwavering dedication, eventually earning his place at the helm as a respected fishing captain.

Over the years, Melvin has mastered the art of sportfishing, working aboard top-rated charter boats and guiding both amateurs and seasoned anglers to unforgettable catches. Now operating independently, he brings over two decades of ocean wisdom, sharp instinct, and pure passion to every trip.

Captain Melvin specializes in a wide range of fishing techniques, including:

- Lliguin (Live bait trolling)
- Popper Fishing
- Battle Fishing
- Casting
- Light Bait Fishing
- Cholin (Bonito) Fishing
- Tuna & Billfish Hunting
- Fly Fishing
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Quepos Inshore Trip
1/2
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Mako
Year Built
2008
Boat Length
26'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Mako
Year Built
2008
Boat Length
26'
Boat Restroom
No
Engine Manufacturer
Suzuki
Total Horsepower
175
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
GPS, Fishfinder
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Trip Details & Amenities

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

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

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 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.

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

Everything Else to Know

All gear 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 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 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.

Reviews

3.0
based on 2 reviews

Bradley

Verified Review

February 17

Melvin and his crew were great! My husband broke his leg the day before our charter and they helped him have a safe experience. I caught a sailfish, which was super awesome!

Bradley

Verified Review

February 17

Melvin and his crew were great! My husband broke his leg the day before our charter and they helped him have a safe experience. I caught a sailfish, which was super awesome!
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Trip: Quepos Offshore Trip

Ben

Verified Review

June 3

This trip was underwhelming at best, myself and my friend are experienced boat owners, near shore fisherman targeting small and large species on live bait, lures and flies and have been on a dozen charter trips between us. The plan as discussed with Melvin, the manager/owner of the charter boat who apparently subs out to other guides was to target Rooster on fly and live bait, we were a two person party, my friend doesn't...

Ben

Verified Review

June 3

This trip was underwhelming at best, myself and my friend are experienced boat owners, near shore fisherman targeting small and large species on live bait, lures and flies and have been on a dozen charter trips between us. The plan as discussed with Melvin, the manager/owner of the charter boat who apparently subs out to other guides was to target Rooster on fly and live bait, we were a two person party, my friend doesn't fly fish. We were picked up on time at which point the captain said they didn't have any live bait as the guy they usually get bait from didn't have any. So we set out looking for sardines, but his depth finder doesn't work, so we pivot to fishing for bait. We fish for bait for an hour and then head to the fishing grounds. Captain tells me catching a rooster on the fly would be miraculous today, to which I say no problem, all we can do is try, and he proceeds to troll for an hour or so, with no opportunity to throw a fly. We then run out of bait and go to catch more, all the while the captain and first mate are smoking cigarettes on and off the whole time. We aren't able to catch more bait, we get some less than optimal bait from another boat and troll for another hour or so, never really stopping to try to fly fish. We then get dropped off at 11:30am at the dock, after having paid for a 5 hour fishing trip during which we fished for maybe three hours. Part way through the story changes as to why they didn't have bait, they were told we were fly fishing only, completely false. Along with the depth finder not working all they had to cut line was an undersized machete. They were poorly prepared, didn't try to meet the requests of the fishing type for their guests. The ONLY positive was the captain wasn't reckless driving the boat, he was handling it appropriately for the conditions.
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Response from Captain Experiences:
Hey Ben, this is Trey with Captain Experiences. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. This does not sound like the experience we aim to provide, and I have passed your concerns along to Captain Melvin's team. I'm glad we were able to connect behind the scenes and make things right. Looking forward to our next trip!

Response from Captain Experiences:

Hey Ben, this is Trey with Captain Experiences.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. This does not sound like the experience we aim to provide, and I have passed your concerns along to Captain Melvin's team.

I'm glad we were able to connect behind the scenes and make things right. Looking forward to our next trip!
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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.
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