Traditional native fishing can net some surprising results! A local Caribbean fisherman, using handed down techniques, will take you out to fish for big lunkers without fancy fishing gear. Reminiscent of days gone by, these techniques still work! In addition to fishing, you can snorkel from the boat over the beautiful protected reefs of Cahuita National Park.
Your tour will start when you are picked up from your hotel in either Cahuita or Puerto Viejo and brought to Cahuita National Park. You’ll register at the Ranger Station where you’ll meet your local fishing guide then walk over to the nearby dock. You’ll board a 24-foot fiberglass boat and head out into the Park’s warm marine waters to fish.
You’ll be introduced to three different techniques of native fishing: live bait, trolling, and deep sea fishing using dead bait. You’ll use traditional equipment like cane poles, lines with hooks, weights and good old-fashioned floats that tell you when the fish are biting.
So what can you catch? You’ll be fishing for Tarpon, Shark, Grouper, Snapper, King Fish, and Jack among others. Wow! Who knew? With a lot of guidance and a bit of luck, you’ll discover how easy low-tech fishing can be!
Your guide will be a real local fisherman. Or woman. These people spend their days out in small boats catching fish for their families and community. As you learn their customs, you’ll also be helping to support their traditional way of life.
Did you know the origin of dead bait fishing is often attributed to early Costa Rican fisherman? With rows of dead fish manually tied onto lines of hooks, you don’t have to stop after catching the first one, just keep going!
Cahuita National Park extends miles out into the Caribbean protecting delicate living reefs. It is a perfect place to go snorkeling and your captain will provide the snorkeling gear if you would like to go in for a refreshing swim.
This is a laid-back fishing trip that will likely lull you into the simplicity of being surrounded by the tropical sun and a turquoise sea, with an opportunity for an authentic cultural experience. Cold water will be made available throughout your adventure and a fresh fruit snack will be provided.
All activities begin and end at the Park docks to ensure environmental practices are followed. The timing of transportation out of the park is determined by when all the various tours are all back at the Ranger Station and ready to leave, so there may be some downtime back on shore to sit under the shady palms and enjoy the breeze. Bathrooms and changing rooms are available.
This native fishing tour includes park entrance, bilingual guide, all fishing and snorkeling equipment, fruit snack, cold water and round-trip transportation to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. One way transportation to the Cahuita National Park entrance can take from 15 minutes to an hour depending on your hotel’s location. Total time of fishing tour and round-trip transport typically takes between 3.5 and 5.5 hours.
Please wear sun protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, plus bring your bathing suit to swim, towel, and extra dry clothes if needed.
NOTE: The Native Fishing tour is subject to the local daily weather and sea conditions for your safety.
The Native Fishing is available from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Punta Uva
Latitude: N 9° 44' 25.29"
Longitude: W 82° 49' 56.19"
09/09/2018
recommendation to expand it to include lunch from the captured fish, and making it more accommodating for tourists