TARPONVILLE LODGE
Destination Overview
Tarpon fishing is nothing new in the Caribbean so it’s hard to believe that there are still unexplored regions to be found. That being said, in recent years there has been a concerted effort by a few individuals to find untouched water. For years, fishermen have heard rumors of large Tarpon in great numbers on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica near the border with Panama and over the last few years those efforts have paid off and the “mother lode” has been found.
After numerous trips, sportfishing specialists have now developed a fishing operation in this previously unknown area. Twenty hook-ups in a morning have been accomplished and Tarpon over 200 lb have been landed on a fly. Best of all, the fishing waters are located in a wildlife and marine reserve, which insures management and protection of fish and habitat.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Tarpon, Permit, Snook
Location: Manzanillo, Costa Rica
Seasons: Spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October)
Lodge Capacity: Sleeps 8; Groups of 12 can be catered to using house next door.
Nearest Airport: Limon
Electricity: 110 volts
Documents needed: Passport
Tarponville Lodge is Costa Rica's southern most fishing lodge located on the Caribbean coast. Located just above the border of Panama, Tarponville offers the best chance at some of the most powerful Tarpon you will ever encounter. Fishing shallow waters with intermediate and floating lines the excitement of these fish will leave you breathless.
The fishing in this region could set a new standard for tarpon and snook fishing, with new information about unfished lagoons and uninhabited coastline emerging every day. The staff at Tarponville Lodge have spent over 90 days in the past three years exploring these new tarpon and snook waters, with more still waiting to be explored.
If you are looking for a real fishing adventure, English speaking guides, fish that have rarely seen a fly or lure, try the newest and most exciting locale in the Americas
Fishing Program
Tarponville has two fishing season: Spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October). They base their season around the dryer times of the year and calmer seas.Fishing days begin with breakfast at 6:30 and then a short walk back to the creek to meet your boat captain that you will be fishing with for the day at 7:00am. Fishing days will be a total of 8hrs per day depending on the available light and are broken up into two fishing periods.
Tarpon: Nowhere in the world are your chances of landing a tarpon of 200lbs more likely than Tarponville! Feel the pure power of these fish as they inhale your fly and immediately explode out of the water instantly peeling fly line and backing from the reel at blistering speeds! A normal fishing day will start with breakfast at 6:00 AM. You will depart for the fishing grounds by 7:00am (20-30 minute ride). Normally you will return by noon for a prepared lunch, return to fish at about 2:00 PM until dark.
Bonefish: The Bonefish and Permit fishery in Costa Rica is truly virgin territory. The fish in this area have seen little to no fishing pressure for the past decade. You will depart Tarponville by shuttle very early in the morning, as early as 4:30am, headed to meet the local captain located less than 30 minutes away. You will board his boat and head first to the flat for a 3 hour walking and wade session. Your morning will end around 10:30am and you will board the shuttle back to Tarponville for lunch, siesta and return to the tarpon fishery for the evening session
Permit: The Permit fishery in Costa Rica is truly virgin territory. The fish in this area have seen little to no fishing pressure for the past decade. You will depart Tarponville by shuttle very early in the morning, as early as 5:30am, headed to meet the local captain located less than 30 minutes away.
You will board his boat and head first to the flat for a 3 hour session. Your morning will end around 10:30am and you will board the shuttle back to Tarponville for lunch, siesta and return to the tarpon fishery for the evening session.
*** The permit flat is an additional cost and is subject to availability****
Lagoon Fishing: Located 10km south of Tarponville just above the Sixiola river mouth is the “Gondoca Lagoon”. Surrounded by mangroves and coconut trees Gondoca offers another option for anglers to catch baby tarpon, snook and snapper. This can be a great option if seas are high and the tarpon fishing is slow. Fishable by kayak or by panga, depending on the water level and if the mouth of the lagoon is open.
You will be taken to Gondoca by panga’s and dropped off with kayaks to explore the lagoon. The captain will wait for you in the panga out in the ocean until you return. If you would like to have a guide with you that can be arranged. Gandoca lagoon is your best at catching a snook for those anglers that are working on their "super slam".
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
Spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October).
Accommodations
Tarponville Lodge is a clean and comfortable beachfront lodge located just outside the village of Manzanillo. Due to being located in a Wildlife Refuge, there is no vehicle access directly to the lodge and a walk of 300 yards is required.
Each room at the lodge has two beds, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a beachfront view of one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean. The rooms are located only a few yards from the waters edge on a beautiful beach perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or just plain relaxing.
The lodge is located in the middle of the Manzanillo/Gandoca Wildlife Refuge, one of the most beautiful places in the entire area. Howler monkeys, sloths, a ridiculous number of bird species, and other wildlife can all be viewed from your front porch in the mornings and evenings.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include
Wi-Fi/internet access
Laundry
Fly Shop
Gourmet Caribbean Food
Safes in each room
Ceiling fans over each bed
Non fishing activities: hiking, Dolphin tours, Bird Observation, Snorkeling
All meals at the lodge will be prepared by local cooks, and the menu will include such items as snapper, local fruits and vegetables, and other local delicacies. The Lodge bar and kitchen area stocked with complimentary beer, rum, sodas, and mixers for any alcohol that you would like to purchase at the duty free store in San Jose and bring with you to the lodge.
Other activities in this spectacular area, fun regardless of whether or not you are an angler, include: wild dolphin watching tours, ocean kayaking with wild dolphin, river kayaking, guided jungle hikes, snorkeling and Scuba diving, horseback riding, indigenous cultural tours, botanical gardens, beachcombing the miles of undeveloped white sand beaches, and the legendary Caribbean night life in Puerto Viejo.
Getting There
Tarponville fishing packages are all inclusive covering everything once you arrive into Manzanillo and Tarponville. You can choose to take ground transfer from San Jose to Manzanillo (Approx. 5 hours) or take a domestic flight into Limon International airport. Your final destination is the southernmost village of Manzanillo.
Your shuttle ride will be a short ride south along the stunning Caribbean coastline in an air conditioned and very comfortable shuttle. Your final destination is the southernmost village of Manzanillo.
Driving through Manzanillo, to the end of the road, you will be met by the staff of Tarponville at the entrance to the Manzanillo/Gondoca wildlife refuge where you will be led down the jungle path paralleling the beach approx. 200 yards until you reach “Tarponville Lodge”.
Tarponville is located in a protected area which vehicles are not allowed to enter. Depending on your type of package, your return is the same, starting in Manzanillo and returning to Limon for a direct flight to San Jose International airport. You can opt for a night stay in one of our recommended hotel accommodations directly across the way from the airport with discounted rates for Tarponville clients.
We want to make sure that your travel and stay with Tarponville goes as smoothly as possible. A travel packet will be mailed to you to upon booking, which will include all contact phone numbers, a packing list and recommendations when traveling to foreign countries.
Rates
Packages start upon your arrival at Tarponville.
Common package itinerary is as follows: Upon arriving at Tarponville we will have a brief orientation, lunch, depending when you arrive, and allow you to settle into your temporary home for the remainder of your stay.
Starting the following day after being served a hot breakfast, you will be begin your fishing for the specified days in your package. On your final day, day of departure, you will have breakfast, depending on departure time, and board the shuttle for your drive.
There is a complimentary Happy Hour from 5:30pm-6:30pm, which includes a beer and rum bar.
Fishing seasons: Spring (March 1 - May 31) and fall (August 1 - October 31).
2020 pricing
Prices are based on a per person price= pp
**Most common fishing package
Other Options Available: Please Call
Rates
