Coyote Sportfishing
Tamarindo's family fleet since 1993
Coyote Sportfishing is a family charter in Tamarindo founded in 1993 by Capt. Frank Berrocal, a Tamarindo native. It runs 3 boats, the 35-foot Coyote Tres, the 31-foot Flamingo II and the 27-foot Salsa, all moored in Tamarindo Bay and boarded by water taxi from the beach. It suits everyone from a family on a half day to a group after marlin on a full day offshore.
At a glance
- Location
- Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Founder
- Capt. Frank Berrocal, a Tamarindo native, in 1993
- Coyote Tres
- 35-foot Carolina, twin 500 hp Cummins diesels, up to 6 (8 at most)
- Flamingo II
- 31-foot center console, single 350 hp engine, up to 5
- Salsa
- 27-foot boat with a single 250 hp Cummins diesel, up to 4, for half days near shore
- Captains
- Frank Berrocal, Mario Jaén (Flamingo II) and José Cruz (Salsa)
- Leaves from
- Tamarindo beach, north end, by water taxi
- Booking
- WhatsApp, phone, email or its website
Contact
- Website
- coyotesportfishing.com
- Phone
- +506 8363 3509
- +506 8363 3509
- [email protected]
Contact details checked 15 November 2026
Part of our complete guide: Fishing in Guanacaste: the complete guide
Who runs it
Frank Berrocal grew up in Tamarindo when it was still a tiny village; his grandfather once owned much of the land around it. After some years in the US learning English, he came home and guided turtle-nesting tours and fishing trips in the estuary. His first boat was a 21-foot panga, a friend helped him buy engines, and Coyote Sportfishing was born in 1993. It's still owner-run, and Frank still captains.
Two other captains share the work. Mario Jaén, the longest-serving member of the team, runs the Flamingo II and has fished Guanacaste for more than 13 years. José Cruz, a Tamarindo native whose father fished these waters, runs the Salsa. The website carries guest reviews dated through September 2026 and a blog post from May 2026.
The boats
Coyote Tres
The flagship, a 35-foot Carolina built in 2006 with twin 500 hp Cummins diesels. It has a tuna tower and flybridge, fighting chair, outriggers, radar, an air-conditioned cabin and a full toilet, and takes 6 anglers (up to 8 by arrangement). This is the boat for marlin and long offshore days.
Flamingo II
A 31-foot center console with a T-top and a single 350 hp engine, for up to 5. It carries downriggers, live bait and spinning gear, a good middle ground for offshore or inshore.
Salsa
A 27-foot boat with a single 250 hp Cummins diesel and an open cockpit, for up to 4. It's set up for half days and fishing close to shore with light tackle.
Where you'll board
All 3 boats sit on moorings in Tamarindo Bay. You meet the crew at a pickup point near the north end of Tamarindo beach (they send exact directions when you book) about 15 minutes before the start, then wade a few steps to a small water taxi for the 2-minute ride out. Wear sandals or water shoes.
What you'll fish for
Offshore, the crews chase sailfish, blue, black and striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo. Inshore, it's roosterfish, snapper, grouper, jacks and bonito. In Guanacaste, sailfish are best from about May to August, blue marlin from May to September and again late in the year, and mahi-mahi from July to December. Roosterfish peak from January to April. During the windy months, roughly December to March, Tamarindo boats often run south to find calmer water.
Release practice
The website doesn't set out a written policy, and the FishingBooker listing says catch and release is allowed and you may keep eating fish. Costa Rican law requires billfish to be released, and reviews describe sailfish going back. See our guide to releasing a billfish for good handling.
How to book
Message +506 8363 3509 on WhatsApp, email [email protected], or book through its website. The office answers from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Coyote Tres is also on FishingBooker. Reviews mention half, 3/4 and full days. Each angler needs an INCOPESCA fishing licence, which the website links to. For the rest of the coast, see our complete guide to fishing in Guanacaste.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Coyote boats leave from?
From the north end of Tamarindo beach. A water taxi takes you out to the boat in the bay.
Which Coyote boat should I book?
The Coyote Tres for marlin and full days offshore, the Flamingo II for a mix, and the Salsa for half days and inshore fishing with up to 4.
How long has Coyote Sportfishing been running?
Since 1993, founded by Capt. Frank Berrocal.
Do they speak English?
Yes. Frank learned English in the US, and bookings are handled in English and Spanish.
