For those in the know, fishing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica isn’t just a sport – it’s a statement of style, skill, and immersion in one of the angling world’s most elite destinations. It’s chasing 1,000-pound marlin under cobalt skies, sipping a favorite drink while sailfish leap at sunset, and casting lines from sleek yachts crewed by world-class captains.
It’s also the thrill of glimpsing humpback whales or playful spinner dolphins. It’s witnessing nesting sea turtles as they lumber silently ashore under moonlight. It’s a season of little-known wonders.
Welcome to Costa Rica’s green season – or as we like to say, “secret” season, a private chapter of paradise known only to those who seek the extraordinary. It’s time when ocean giants migrate, fishing conditions peak, and and our luxury villas offer rare availability and exceptional value. It’s when our vacation rentals in Costa Rica on the beach transform from simply stunning to serenely spectacular.
The Secret Season Defined: Why Now, Why Here?
From late May through early November, our province of Guanacaste welcomes a slower rhythm and a richer experience. Morning rains give way to glowing afternoons. The dry forest, newly awakened, hums with life. And on the water, the magic intensifies.
In these months, southern humpback whales arrive to breed and raise calves along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Simultaneously, elite fishing conditions explode offshore: marlin are on the move, yellowfin tuna school in huge numbers, and dorado dart nearshore under storm-fed currents. It’s not just a good time to visit – it may be the best.
Offshore Sportfishing: Where Legends Are Made
There’s a reason anglers from around the world descend on Guanacaste this time of year. With deep Pacific waters just minutes from shore, these are hallowed grounds for serious fishing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
- Marlin: The heavyweight champion. Blue and black marlin can reach an astonishing 1,000+ pounds. They strike like torpedoes and fight with the force of legend. Peak season: August through October.
- Sailfish: Sleek, powerful, and wildly acrobatic, sailfish light up the surface in spectacular displays. Hook one, and prepare for a fight that matches the drama of their 7-foot sail. Peak season: January to September.
- Yellowfin Tuna: Fast, ferocious, and absolutely delicious, yellowfin run large here – often topping 200 pounds. Spot dolphins, and chances are you’ll find tuna below. It’s always tuna season, but catches peak from June through October.
- Dorado (Mahi Mahi): Iridescent flashes of green and gold give dorado its glamor. Their fight is thrilling, but it’s the fresh ceviche your chef prepares from your catch that seals the memory. Peak season: May through October.
And remember: At Luxury Villas in Costa Rica, we work with offshore captains who practice responsible, catch-and-release fishing for billfish, keeping Costa Rica a world-class destination for generations to come.
Inshore Adventure: The Thrill of the Coast
If offshore is a test of endurance, then inshore fishing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is about precision, instinct, and adrenaline. And in Guanacaste, you’re spoiled for choice:
- Roosterfish: The trophy of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Known for their dramatic dorsal fin and staggering strength, roosterfish routinely hit 50+ pounds. Fight one, and you’ll never forget it. Available year-round, with a seasonal peak in June through August.
- Snapper (Cubera & Pargo): Hulking red predators that lurk near rock outcroppings and reefs. Cubera snapper can grow over 100 pounds – and when they hit, they hit hard. Peak season: June to October.
- Wahoo: The rocket of the inshore world. With bursts topping 60 mph and razor-sharp teeth, wahoo are unforgettable. Best fished through July.
- Mackerel & Snook: Both known for their meaty filets and exciting fights, these species round out a well-balanced day on the water. Snook peaks in December/January; mackerel is common year-round.
Whale Watching & Wildlife: Giants on the Horizon
Of course, not all the magic is found at the end of your line.
From July to October, southern humpback whales return to the warm Pacific waters to birth and raise their young. You may see them breach right from your infinity pool. Or, better still, we’ll arrange a private catamaran with marine biologist guides who’ll bring you quietly alongside a pod.
Other species often spotted include dolphins galore: bottlenose, spinner, and rough-toothed, to name a few. With over 25 marine mammal species gracing our coastline, every day on the water holds new promise.
Learn more about whale watching in Costa Rica.
Sea Turtle Nesting: Moonlight Rituals on Silent Shores
Not far from your villa, five species of sea turtle come ashore to nest. From leatherbacks and olive ridleys to hawksbills and greens, this is a land where ancient rituals unfold nightly in the sand.
A private guide will take you to protected beaches, where under the cover of night, you may witness a mother turtle heaving herself onto shore to lay eggs – or a hundred tiny hatchlings scrambling to the sea.
Learn more about sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica.
The Villa Experience: Fishing Meets Five-Star Living
Imagine a day that begins with sunrise yoga on the terrace of your oceanfront villa. Your private chef prepares a breakfast of ripe mango, local eggs, and Costa Rican gallo pinto. By mid-morning, your captain is waiting at the marina. Ice-cold drinks are stocked, rods are rigged, and the radio is already abuzz with sightings: sailfish inshore, tuna at the drop-off, and a pod of dolphins breaching just offshore.
When you’re finished, your villa awaits. A quick rinse, and you’re poolside with fresh sushi and a craft cocktail. The kids are exploring tidepools with your private naturalist. Your massage therapist is preparing the spa cabana. And later? A chef’s tasting menu, prepared with your morning catch.
These are the vacation rentals in Costa Rica on the beach that redefine what it means to travel well. Private staff, ocean views, custom adventures – all curated to your priorities.
Villa Carao 1
Reserva Conchal | 5 Beds | 5 Baths | 12 Guests
Perfectly positioned on the 10th hole of the world-class Reserva Conchal golf course, Villa Carao 1 is a luxury retreat designed for families and groups who want both comfort and convenience. With five spacious suites spread across two stories, this elegant home offers the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living – complete with a private pool, shaded lounging areas, and sweeping fairway views.
Just a 10-minute walk from the beach and the exclusive Reserva Conchal Beach Club, you’ll enjoy access to a full suite of resort-style amenities, including oceanfront pools, restaurants, a spa, water sports, and more. As a guest of Villa Carao 1, you’ll also have special access to the private Carao Clubhouse, featuring an infinity pool, jacuzzi, outdoor lounge spaces, and a BBQ kitchen – an ideal setting for casual afternoons or relaxed evenings with your group.
Your stay includes our Elite Service Standard, with daily housekeeping, laundry, and personalized concierge support from Renzo, who’s ready to assist with anything from grocery pre-stocking to local restaurant reservations. Breakfast, snacks, and cocktails are prepared daily (groceries not included), so you can focus on beach days, golf rounds, or sunset walks.
Villa Capuchin
Dominical | 6 Beds | 6 Baths | 16 Guests
Crowning Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and overlooking the curve of Dominical, Villa Capuchin – named to honor the white-faced capuchin monkeys that make their home along these hilly slopes – offers a stunning nature retreat amidst dense rain forest. Over 270 degrees of sweeping views, this vacation home welcomes you to incredible sunsets, abundant flora and fauna (including toucans and howler monkeys!), and a location within easy driving distance of Costa Rica’s famous “whale’s tale” sand bar.
You’ll experience much of this exotic beauty from your private pool and hillside: The home’s 3,000 square-foot pool is truly a sight to behold, all curves and reflection and sparkling waters. What’s more, you’ll have room to spread out on the home’s terrace and balcony, home to an outdoor kitchen, four outdoor showers, and plenty of corners where you can snag some sun, privacy, and peace.
Casa Bunga
Santa Teresa | 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 10 Guests
Welcome to Casa Bunga, a stylish retreat just 100 meters from the sand. Designed for easygoing days and relaxed nights, this modern villa invites you to stretch out in an open-concept living space that flows seamlessly onto the poolside terrace. A fully equipped kitchen, handcrafted 10-foot dining table, and cozy lounge with a 60” TV make it just as easy to stay in as it is to head out.
Three king suites, all with en-suite bathrooms and pool views, offer comfort and privacy for adults, while the bunk room for kids makes this home perfect for families. Outside, the lush garden, private pool, and shaded hammocks create a space where the days melt away. A private jungle path leads directly to a quiet beach, ideal for surf sessions, sunset strolls, or a picnic in the sand.
To elevate your stay, Casa Bunga includes daily housekeeping and laundry, a full concierge service, and thoughtful touches like a MistAway mosquito system, sparkling water filtration, and a night security guard. Walk to town or let us arrange your private chef, massage therapist, or adventure tour. Every detail is curated—so you can simply arrive, unwind, and enjoy.
Planning Your Secret Season Stay
- When to Come: For both peak fishing and marine wildlife, August and September are ideal. For a pairing of whales and leatherback turtles, December through February is golden.
- What to Book: Reserve vacation rentals in Costa Rica on the beach with private chefs, full-service staff, and yacht access.
- What to Request: Custom itineraries built around fishing, wellness, culinary experiences, and naturalist excursions.
- Who to Ask: Our local concierge team. We don’t offer packages – we offer possibilities.
Plan Your Secret Season Wildlife & Fishing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Luxury isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. An experience. A choice.
Costa Rica’s secret season is the ultimate luxury in disguise: dramatic, uncrowded, and brimming with wildlife. When you stay with Luxury Villas in Costa Rica, you don’t just visit. You inhabit the season. You taste it, you reel it in, you witness it break the ocean’s surface and gasp skyward.
Ready to cast off? When you reserve one of our rental villas in Costa Rica, you’re guaranteeing yourself both a spectacular vacation home and full (and FREE) travel concierge services.
So, what does that mean? After you make your reservation, your personal concierge will get in touch. She’ll send our welcome book, which includes plenty of details about the Tamarindo area, activities, tours, and other need-to-know information. Then, your concierge will follow up, in order to know you and your travel group as well as they know Costa Rica.
After you’ve built your must-see, must-experience list, your concierge will help you build your trip around your wish list: tours, adventures, spa services, personal chefs – whatever you seek, your concierge will source. Then, s/he will book them all on your behalf, with zero markup.
And, while you’re here, your personal concierge is on call to attend any problems, questions, or other issues. You’re never without helping, and that itself is its own amenity.
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