# Papagayo Fishing: a family charter company in Playas del Coco > Papagayo Fishing is a family-run charter company in Playas del Coco, started in 2010 by Capt. José Méndez, a former dive boat captain. It runs some boats of its own and books others from the Coco and Flamingo fleets, from 22-foot center consoles to 50-foot yachts. It suits anyone staying at a resort around the Gulf of Papagayo who wants to be picked up from their own beach. Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/papagayo-fishing/ Last checked: 2026-11-15 Location: Playas del Coco, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Type: charter Official website: https://www.papagayofishing.net/ Founder: Capt. José Méndez, in business since 2010 Based in: Playas del Coco, Gulf of Papagayo Boats: its own and partner boats, listed from 22 to 50 feet Pickups: by boat from hotel beaches from the Papagayo Peninsula to Flamingo and El Jobo Trips: inshore, offshore and roosterfish charters, plus fly fishing and fishing with a beach barbecue Also offers: snorkel, catamaran, yacht and surf trips Booking: by WhatsApp, phone or email (English and Spanish) ## Who runs it Papagayo Fishing is the business of Capt. José Méndez and his family. He started on the water in 2000 as a dive boat captain for hotel companies, earned his PADI Divemaster and rescue qualifications a few years later, and in 2010 bought a boat of his own and started fishing charters as tourism grew around the gulf. Reviews talk about "Don José and his sons," so expect family on the boats. It's grown into more than a one-boat operation. The company says it owns some of its boats and also works as a tour operator, booking other captains' boats and arranging snorkel, catamaran, surf and land trips. Its website carried dated guest reviews from January to July 2026, and a FishingBooker listing for one of its boats logged a trip in August 2026. ## The boats The boats page lists more than 30 boats, from a 22-foot inshore panga up to 50-foot Viking and Ocean yachts with air-conditioning. That list mixes the family's own boats with partner boats, so when you book, ask which boat you'll be on and who the captain is. A few you'll hear about: - **Small inshore boats.** The 25-foot Mako known as the Bahamas Boat, the 22-foot Pola and the 26-foot One More, all set up for roosterfish and light tackle for up to 4. - **Mid-size sportfishers.** The 32-foot Carolina Chorotega, a 28-foot Bertram called Dream Fishing, and several 29 to 35-foot boats for up to 5 or 6, most with a toilet on board. - **Big boats.** Boats from 38 to 50 feet with air-conditioned cabins for groups of 7 to 10. ![A blue and white center console with "Gulf Papagayo Fishing" on the hull, two anglers standing in the bow on deep blue water](/static/img/papagayo-fishing-bahamas-800.webp "Photo: [Papagayo Fishing](https://www.papagayofishing.net/)") ## Where you'll board Papagayo Fishing is based in [Playas del Coco](/playas-del-coco-in-costa-rica/), but its main selling point is pickup by boat from the beach closest to where you're staying. Its site lists the Papagayo Peninsula resorts, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, Flamingo, Conchal and Playa El Jobo, among others. If you're at a gated resort on the [Papagayo Peninsula](/sportfishing-in-peninsula-papagayo/), that saves a long road transfer. Some of the bigger partner boats may leave from a marina instead, so check. ## What you'll fish for Inshore trips work the rocks and islands of the Gulf of Papagayo for [roosterfish](/roosterfish-in-guanacaste/), cubera and red snapper, amberjack, grouper and jacks. Offshore, the crews chase sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna and wahoo. In Guanacaste, billfish peak from about May to December (sailfish especially May to August), roosterfish from January to April, and mahi-mahi from July to December. The [Papagayo winds](/papagayo-winds-fishing/) blow hardest from December to March, and they can keep small boats close to shore on some mornings. The company also offers fly fishing, fishing with a barbecue on a quiet beach, and spearfishing trips. ## Release practice The website doesn't set out a release policy. Costa Rican law requires billfish to be released, and roosterfish are released as a matter of course on Guanacaste boats, but ask your captain how they handle fish before you go. Our page on [releasing a billfish](/how-to-release-a-billfish/) explains what good handling looks like. ## How to book Message Capt. José on WhatsApp at +506 8319 6425, call the US line on +1 601 890 1940, or email jmendez@charterspapagayo.com. The [website](https://www.papagayofishing.net/) has a contact form and its boats list. Each angler also needs an INCOPESCA [fishing licence](/costa-rica-fishing-rules/), bought online before the trip. For the wider picture of the region, see our [complete guide to fishing in Guanacaste](/guanacaste-fishing-guide/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Will Papagayo Fishing pick me up at my hotel? It picks up by boat from many hotel beaches around the gulf, including the Papagayo Peninsula, Hermosa, Ocotal, Flamingo and Conchal. Confirm your beach when you book. ### Are all the boats owned by Papagayo Fishing? No. The family owns some and books others from local captains. Ask which boat and captain you'll have. ### What size groups can it take? Small boats take up to 4, mid-size sportfishers 5 or 6, and the biggest yachts up to 10. ### Does it do anything besides fishing? Yes: snorkel and catamaran trips, yacht tours, surf trips to Witch's Rock and land tours.