Private Half-Day Reef Spearfishing in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Slide off the boat into Manuel Antonio’s warm Pacific and try your hand at reef spearfishing under the supervision of local guides. This private half-day outing mixes freediving technique, reef ecology, and the chance to spear common reef species in guided, nearshore waters.
The Experience
Before You Go
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and reduce the need to reapply while in the water.
Buddy and surface-watch system
Always dive with the guide’s buddy system and keep visual contact with the boat when freediving; surface-watchers monitor breath-hold intervals.
Prepare for seasickness
Bring preventive medication or ginger if you’re prone to motion sickness; the ride can be 15–20 minutes and conditions change quickly.
Know local rules and species
Listen to the briefing on protected species and catch limits—guides enforce regulations and conservation-minded practices.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet coves on the leeward side of the national park’s islets great for snorkeling between dives
- •Early-morning passages near the park’s small islands where pelagic species patrol the reef edges
Wildlife
- •Green sea turtle
- •White-faced capuchin monkey (seen on shore near landing areas)
Conservation Note
Operators work within marine-use rules—practice selective harvesting, avoid protected species, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce impacts on coral and reef fish.
Quepos grew as a fishing and agricultural port; Manuel Antonio National Park (established 1972) protects a small yet diverse coastal ecosystem that includes reefs and islets off its shoreline.
What to Bring
Swim fins and maskEssential
Provided by operators but bring your own for best fit and efficiency while freediving.
Reef-safe sunscreen or UV shirtEssential
Protects skin and local marine life while keeping you comfortable on deck and in the water.
Sea sickness remedy
Useful on choppier days—options include pills or wristbands to limit queasiness.
Waterproof camera or dive log
Capture sightings and note locations; guides often point out unseen features you’ll want to remember.
Common Questions
Do I need previous spearfishing or freediving experience?
No—guides provide a safety briefing and teach rubber-speargun use and basic freediving; prior experience helps but is not required.
What species can I expect to encounter and keep?
Common targets include cubera and red snapper, snook, and barracuda; guides follow local regulations and will advise which catches are permitted.
Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers or children?
Participants should be competent swimmers; non-swimmers or very young children may not be able to participate in the in-water portion but can join the boat for wildlife viewing.
Are permits or licenses required to spear fish?
Regulations vary—local operators handle compliance and will inform you about protected species and seasonal restrictions during the briefing.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Quepos, Puntarenas
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Good basic fitness and comfort with breath-hold diving; able to swim and climb in/out of a small boat repeatedly.
Ready to Explore Quepos?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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