# Crocodile Bay: Puerto Jiménez fishing lodge, now with Botánika

> Crocodile Bay is a sportfishing operation and marina in Puerto Jiménez, on the Osa Peninsula side of the Golfo Dulce, running since 1999. Its fleet of Boston Whalers and Strike sportfishers fishes the gulf and the open Pacific all year. Guests now stay at Botánika Osa Peninsula, a Curio Collection by Hilton resort built on the property.

Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/crocodile-bay-resort/
Last checked: 2026-11-14
Location: Puerto Jiménez, Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Type: fishing lodge
Official website: https://www.crocodilebay.com/
Location: Beside the Puerto Jiménez airstrip, on the Golfo Dulce
Fleet: 24 and 25 foot Boston Whalers, 33 and 35 foot Strike sportfishers
Fishing: Year-round, inshore in the Golfo Dulce and offshore in the Pacific
Leaves from: The resort's own marina
Rooms: Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton
Running since: 1999

## What's changed

When we first wrote about Crocodile Bay, it was a classic fishing lodge: rooms, a bar, a long pier and a big fleet, all on one property in Puerto Jiménez. The fishing side still works that way. The lodge side doesn't. Guests now stay at Botánika Osa Peninsula, a resort in Hilton's Curio Collection that opened on the same grounds, while the boats, captains and marina carry on under the Crocodile Bay name. Crocodile Bay celebrated 26 years in 2025.

So if you knew the old Crocodile Bay Resort, expect a newer, more polished hotel, with the same dock out front.

## The fleet

The boats come in two groups. The 24 and 25 foot Boston Whalers handle inshore days in the gulf and along the coast. The 33 and 35 foot Strike boats are for offshore runs after marlin, sailfish and tuna. Crocodile Bay supplies the tackle, so you don't need to fly with rod tubes. It calls its fleet the largest private sportfishing fleet in Central and South America; we haven't seen an independent count.

The boats leave straight from the resort's own marina. Puerto Jiménez sits on the Osa side of the Golfo Dulce, close to the gulf's mouth, so offshore water is within reach without a long run across the gulf.

## What's biting, month by month

Crocodile Bay fishes every month and publishes its own calendar. In short:

- **January to April:** Sailfish build through January and peak in February and March, then drop off in mid-April as the first marlin show up.
- **May and June:** Slower for billfish, with yellowfin tuna running with schools of spinner dolphins.
- **July and August:** Marlin, including the chance of a black marlin as well as blues and striped, plus tuna.
- **September:** Slower for billfish, with a chance of tuna and dorado.
- **October to December:** Dorado arrive in numbers, followed by marlin and tuna, with sailfish back in the mix by December.

Inshore, the gulf holds roosterfish, cubera snapper, amberjack and snook all year. Billfish are released, as Costa Rican law requires.

## Days off the water

The resort lists more than 20 tours on land and sea, including guided wildlife hikes, zip-lining and dolphin and whale watching in the gulf. The Osa Peninsula is also the gateway to Corcovado National Park, so a mixed group of anglers and non-anglers has plenty to do.

## Getting there

The resort is right beside the Puerto Jiménez airstrip, which has short flights from San José. Driving is possible but takes most of a day. Packages are put together on request, combining nights, fishing days and tours, so call or email for a quote.

Across the gulf, [Banana Bay Marina](/banana-bay-marina-in-golfito/) and [Fish Hook Marina](/fish-hook-marina-and-lodges/) in Golfito and [The Zancudo Lodge](/zancudo-fishing-lodge/) are the other fishing bases on the Golfo Dulce.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Crocodile Bay still open?

Yes. The fishing operation and marina still run under the Crocodile Bay name, and guests stay at Botánika Osa Peninsula on the same property.

### What boats does Crocodile Bay use?

24 and 25 foot Boston Whalers for inshore fishing, and 33 and 35 foot Strike boats for offshore.

### When is the best time to fish here?

It depends on your target. Crocodile Bay's calendar puts sailfish at their best in February and March, marlin and tuna in July and August, and dorado from October.

### How do I get to Crocodile Bay?

Fly from San José to Puerto Jiménez. The resort is next to the airstrip.