Capullo Sport Fishing
Tamarindo charters on a 36-foot Topaz
Capullo Sport Fishing is a long-running Tamarindo charter with two boats: the 36-foot Topaz Capullo for groups of up to 8 and the 22-foot Boston Whaler Rainbow Runner for up to 3. It's owned by Roy and Louise, with captains who've fished these waters for decades. It suits families and small groups staying in Tamarindo who want inshore or offshore trips without a long drive to a marina.
At a glance
- Location
- Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Boats
- Capullo, a 36-foot custom Topaz (up to 8 guests); Rainbow Runner, a 22-foot Boston Whaler (up to 3)
- Owners
- Roy and Louise
- Captains
- Manuel Leal on Capullo, Gerald Ruiz on Rainbow Runner
- Fishing
- half, 3/4 and full days, inshore and offshore
- Leaves from
- Tamarindo beach
- Contact
- WhatsApp +506 8569 3516 or the booking form on the website
What's different now
Capullo has been fishing out of Tamarindo for a long time, and it's still going. The business is now owned by Roy and Louise, a couple who moved to Costa Rica after running a fishing and diving resort on an island in Fiji. Roy grew up fly fishing in Scotland; Louise handles bookings and can help with hotels, transport and other tours. The old phone numbers and the fishon@ email in our 2013 post are out of date, so use WhatsApp or the website's booking form.
The boats
Capullo is the bigger boat: a 36-foot custom Topaz sportfisher with twin Caterpillar 3208 diesels and a 14-foot beam, which gives plenty of deck space. It takes up to 8 guests and has a shaded upper and lower deck, a full-size fighting chair and a restroom on board. Capt. Manuel Leal, known as "Toro", started with Capullo as a mate, became captain in 2003 and has been with the boat for over 25 years. Cheyenne Rosales, the mate, has worked on board for more than 18 years.
Rainbow Runner is a 22-foot Boston Whaler with twin 60 hp Yamaha four-strokes, set up for up to 3 people. It's the one for couples, solo anglers or a parent and child who want a private trip. Capt. Gerald Ruiz, "GG", has run it for 28 years and is known for finding roosterfish.
Both boats carry Penn and Shimano tackle, bait, ice, snacks and drinks, with lunch on 3/4 and full days. The crew cleans and fillets what you keep.
The fishing
Trips run as half days (5 hours), 3/4 days (7 hours) and full days. Offshore, the targets are blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo. Inshore, it's roosterfish, snapper, amberjack and other reef fish. Rates are per boat, not per person; check the website for current prices, since we don't publish them. For bigger groups, Capullo can line up other Tamarindo boats for a multi-boat day.
Where you board
There's no marina in Tamarindo. Guests meet the crew on the beach and a small boat runs them out to the charter boat at anchor, so wear shoes that can get wet and keep your phone in a dry bag for the short ride. If you're staying in town, that's about as easy as a fishing trip gets. For more on fishing this stretch of coast, see our guide to Tamarindo.
Good to know
- Every angler needs a Costa Rica sport fishing license. Capullo's site links to where you can buy one, and you're responsible for getting it before the trip.
- Billfish are released in Costa Rica.
- Tips aren't included; the crew notes 15 to 20% is customary.
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit on Capullo's boats?
Up to 8 on the 36-foot Capullo and up to 3 on the 22-foot Rainbow Runner.
Where do Capullo's fishing trips leave from?
From the beach in Tamarindo. A small boat takes you out to the charter boat.
How do I book Capullo?
Through the booking form on capullo.com or by WhatsApp on +506 8569 3516.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Each angler needs a Costa Rica sport fishing license, bought before the trip.
Which boat has a bathroom?
The 36-foot Capullo has an onboard restroom. The charter doesn't list one for the 22-foot Rainbow Runner, so ask if it matters to your group.
