Quepos is one of the great Pacific sport-fishing ports. The continental shelf drops off sharply just offshore, and the FAD (fish-aggregating-device) lines that local captains run produce some of the most consistent billfish action in the world. Sailfish are the headline catch, with peak season from December through April; blue and black marlin run hardest from November to April; dorado, tuna, wahoo, snapper and roosterfish are reliable year-round.
Charters leave from Marina Pez Vela. Day rates start around US$600 for a smaller centre-console (good for inshore work) and run to US$1,500 or more for a larger sport-fishing boat capable of running 30+ miles offshore. Booking direct with the captain or the boat office on the marina is usually cheaper than booking through a hotel or San José agent — commissions add 15-20%. All boats are catch-and-release for billfish.