# Bahía Rica: a Small Fishing and Kayak Lodge near Paquera > Bahía Rica is a small fishing and kayak lodge at Punta Cuchillo, just east of the Paquera ferry landing on the Gulf of Nicoya side of the peninsula. It's owned by a Norwegian couple, and captain Thomas Jones, a marine biologist, leads a local crew on 3 boats from 25 to 32 feet. It's the one place on this stretch of coast where you can sleep, fish and kayak with the same people, which suits anglers travelling with a mixed group. Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/bahia-rica/ Last checked: 2026-11-15 Location: Paquera, Paquera, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica Type: fishing lodge, charter Official website: https://www.bahiarica.com/ Boats: Mono Congo, a 25-foot Costa Rican super panga (150 hp Mercury); Conquistador II, a 27-foot Contender (twin 200 hp Mercurys); a 32-foot Albemarle express (twin Yanmar diesels) Crew: owner and captain Thomas Jones, with captains Chato, Christian and Steven Fishing: inshore half and full days, offshore full days, fishing-and-stay packages Rooms: a hilltop wooden guest house with 3 rooms, a small cabin, and island houses on Isla Cedros Also offers: sea kayaking, bioluminescence tours, Isla Tortuga and whale-watching trips Pickup: normally at the Paquera ferry landing Release: the FishingBooker listing says most fish are released ## A lodge on the quiet side of the peninsula Most people drive straight off the Puntarenas ferry at Paquera and keep going. Bahía Rica gives anglers a reason to stop. The lodge sits at Punta Cuchillo, about 1.5 km east of the ferry landing, on the sheltered Gulf of Nicoya side of the [Nicoya Peninsula](/nicoya-peninsula-fishing-guide/). It's owned by a Norwegian couple who wanted a rustic jungle base, and it's grown into a small fishing, kayaking and boat-tour business with its own fleet. The fishing is run by owner and captain Thomas Jones, a marine biologist by training and a member of Pro Staff Costa Rica, along with captains Chato, Christian and Steven. Reviews name Chato often, and one credits him with more than 30 years on the water. The crew speaks English, Spanish and Norwegian. It's a busy, community-minded place. In October 2026 the lodge helped organize and sponsor a month-long fishing school for 17 local women in Paquera, with FECOP, the national sportfishing federation, and 4 of its captains taught the course, including catch-and-release handling. ## The boats Bahía Rica has 3 boats, all with a toilet, a tuna tower, a live well, outriggers and shade: - **Mono Congo.** A 25-foot Costa Rican-built super panga with a center console and a 150 hp Mercury four-stroke. It cruises at about 20 knots and is the most common choice for inshore days. - **Conquistador II.** A 27-foot Contender with twin 200 hp Mercury SeaPros and radar, cruising at 22 to 24 knots. It's the quick boat for getting offshore. - **A 32-foot Albemarle express.** Powered by twin Yanmar diesels, with air conditioning and a cabin. It takes the biggest groups and can be booked for overnight trips. ![Conquistador II, a white center console with a tuna tower, Bimini top and twin Mercury outboards, on calm water below forested mountains](/static/img/bahia-rica-conquistador-800.webp "Photo: [Bahía Rica](https://www.bahiarica.com/)") Offshore trips take up to 4 anglers. Inshore trips take up to 6 on the smaller boats and up to 8 on the 32-footer. ## What you'll fish for, and when Inshore, the gulf and the islands near Paquera hold [roosterfish](/roosterfish-the-majestic-fish-of-costa-rica/), jack crevalle, bigeye trevally, sierra mackerel, skipjack, barracuda, [snapper](/snappers-in-costa-rica/) and [grouper](/grouper-in-costa-rica/), with mahi-mahi close in when they're running. The crew trolls live and dead bait, casts poppers and stickbaits, and bottom fishes. Mornings are usually best, before the wind picks up. Offshore trips run out past the gulf for [sailfish](/the-pacific-sailfish/), blue, black and striped [marlin](/marlin-the-tropical-sporting-fish/), [yellowfin tuna](/yellowfin-tuna/), wahoo and mahi-mahi. The gulf side shares its seasons with the Central Pacific more than with Guanacaste: our [seasons guide](/costa-rica-fishing-seasons/) puts the best sailfish months from about December to April, and roosterfish are strongest from January to April. The lodge's own fishing reports show inshore and offshore action in February, April and late October. For the gulf itself, including the inner-gulf closed season from May to July, read our [Gulf of Nicoya fishing guide](/gulf-of-nicoya-fishing/). The FishingBooker listing says most fish are released, and billfish always are, as [the law requires](/costa-rica-fishing-rules/). ## Staying at the lodge Rooms are simple and set in the trees. El Yayo is a wooden house on a hilltop with 3 rooms, a shared bathroom, a basic kitchen and balconies with views over the gulf. El Bambu is a small cabin below it with its own bathroom. Bahía Rica also rents houses on Isla Cedros, a short boat ride away. It's rural, so expect wildlife rather than nightlife. ![A small tiled-roof lodge building with a covered terrace, string lights and a plunge pool, surrounded by tropical plants](/static/img/bahia-rica-lodge-800.webp "Photo: [Bahía Rica](https://www.bahiarica.com/)") Packages combine several days of fishing with a stay, and non-anglers can paddle sea kayaks through the mangroves, see the bioluminescent bay at night, or take a boat to Isla Tortuga. Humpback whales visit the gulf from about July to December. ## How to book Book on the lodge's website, by WhatsApp or phone on +506 8850 5314, or through the Mono Congo's [FishingBooker listing](https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/15775). Fishing trips include drinks, bait, tackle and snacks, with lunch on full days. The boat usually picks you up at the Paquera ferry landing, which makes it easy to fish straight off the morning ferry from Puntarenas. Buy your [INCOPESCA fishing licence](/costa-rica-fishing-licence-how-to/) before you go; the lodge links to the form. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Bahía Rica? At Punta Cuchillo, about 1.5 km east of the Paquera ferry landing on the Gulf of Nicoya, 200 m west of a small bridge at Playa Nicoyana. ### Where do the fishing trips start? Normally at the Paquera ferry landing, or at another pickup point agreed when you book. ### Can I stay and fish as a package? Yes. The lodge sells multi-day packages that combine fishing with a room. ### Is there anything for people who don't fish? Plenty: kayak and paddleboard trips, night tours of the bioluminescent bay, Isla Tortuga snorkeling days and whale watching in season.