Best Times & Seasons to Catch Mahi-Mahi in Costa Rica

Mahi-mahi (also called dorado & dolphin) are one of the top targeted fish species in Costa Rica waters. Knowing the best times and seasons to target them in Costa Rica helps anglers plan great fishing trips. 

The best times to catch mahi-mahi in Costa Rica are from May to September, and from November to December. However, you can reliably catch these fish year-round.

Costa Rica has some of the best mahi-mahi fishing in the world. Fishing is possible both on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Best Seasons for Costa Rica Mahi-Mahi (by Region)

Northern Pacific

The best season is May to September, then November to December. Note: the dry months from December to April can get very strong winds in this region, so fishing further south on the Pacific coast may be more favorable. 

Central Pacific

The best season is May to August, then November to January. Weather is very predictable here in May-November, with daily afternoon showers. Come December to April, you should expect hot, sunny weather.  

Southern Pacific

The best season is May to July, then November to January. Weather is very predictable here in May-November, with daily afternoon showers. Come December to April, you should expect hot, sunny weather.

East Coast 

The east coast of Costa Rica offers slight variation in fishing and unpredictable weather compared to its west coast counterpart. Dry months from January to April make sea conditions more tolerable, and more favorable for fishing. 

The months of mid-May to August and then December to January tend to be very stormy and rainy, so fishing isn’t advised for these periods.

Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Costa Rica: Best Times & Seasons

Best Months

When breaking down the best months to catch mahi-mahi in Costa Rica, there is really a two-part answer: May to September, and November to December. 

The first part of this range, May to September, is considered winter for Costa Rica and is often referred to as the “rainy,” “low,” or “green” season. Though you may be deterred by the idea of a vacation during a region’s rainy season, here’s why you should reconsider.  

As the season’s rain falls over Costa Rica and washes out the rivers, those rivers dump debris into the Caribbean and Pacific. Not only do these washouts provide baitfish for feeding, but also debris lines of dead trees, palm trees, and (unfortunately) garbage that make for great mahi-mahi cover. 

In other words, find the debris line, and you have likely found the habitat that mahi-mahi love. Not only will you be able to avoid the fair-weather fans of mahi-mahi fishing, but you will likely catch dorado at an extraordinary rate.  

But If you want to trade in numbers for size, then October to December is your peak season. It seems that as Costa Rica transitions back to its dry season, fishermen historically have better success in November and December when the annual dorado run kicks into full gear. 

During this run, you will find mature adults in the 30-50 pound range, with the occasional trophy mahi weighing over 60 pounds.  The dorado fishing is so good that the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos hosts their Dorado Derby tournament every November. 

Worst Months

Although Costa Rica offers a year-round chance for mahi-mahi, the bite from January to April slows down to sporadic. During this time, a mahi catch is likely accidental, though not a surprise due to their aggressive nature. 

Keep in mind, Costa Rica’s January to April season is a great time of year to troll for sailfish, so one strategy would be to chase sailfish with the chance you may also catch dorado.

Recommended Fishing Charters in Costa Rica

These Costa Rica-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Sea Breeze Fishing & Adventures	Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Bucket List Sportfishing	Quepos, Costa Rica
Snook Sportfishing	Herradura, Costa Rica
Jackpot Sport Fishing	Quepos, Costa Rica
Capullo Sportfishing/Rainbow Runner	Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Luminare Sport Fishing	Herradura, Costa Rica
Allin Sportfishing Charters	Jacó, Costa Rica
Pacific Boat Rentals – Mad Marlin	Herradura, Costa Rica
Capullo Sportfishing	Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Chino’s Sportfishing	Herradura, Costa Rica
Flamingo Sportfishing Charters	Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
Gitana Fishing Charters	Herradura, Costa Rica

Water Temperature, Location, and Tides

Mahi Mahi are most active in water temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and will typically be found offshore in water as deep as 800 feet. While offshore, there are two general tips: follow the birds, and look for cover. 

The birds are one sign of baitfish, and cover is a sign of mahi’s favorite habitat. When occasionally found close to shore, mahi are likely located inshore of reefs, ridges, or shoals. 

For any mahi-mahi close to shore, tides will affect fishing. Like many other saltwater fish, mahi-mahi will feed during the flood tide when any organisms or baitfish are washed up from the incoming tide. 

Even offshore, tides can affect mahi-mahi. Like we said, dorado tend to use debris lines for cover, so despite the smaller effect of a tide in the deep water, those debris lines may move, and so would our target fish.  

Seasonal Breakdown of Mahi-Mahi Fishing in Costa Rica

There are two main seasons in Costa Rica: the “dry” summer season of January to April, and the “rainy” winter season of May to December. Here is our breakdown of fishing during these seasons, specifically along the west coast.  

Winter (May-December)

The quality of fishing is excellent due to the abundant washouts, identifiable habitat, and this fish’s natural aggression. The best fishing will remain offshore, but look for debris lines, sargassum, garbage, buoys, or any cover mahi-mahi can find. 

Ballyhoo are a favorite bait for mahi-mahi, but they are especially fond of Hawaiian skirts as well. Many captains catch their dorado while trolling for marlin and sailfish, so trolling lures will be an effective strategy, along with live baiting.  

Summer (January-April)

You will still have a chance at hooking a mahi, but this season’s bite will be sporadic compared to Costa Rica’s green season. 

Once again, the best opportunity will remain offshore, and if you’re lucky, it can come in an exciting manner. You can often find dorado raiding bait fish under the cover of buoys, tree trunks, or garbage, so if given this chance, throw on a popper or stick bait and sight fish for some deep water mahi-mahi. 

Night Fishing Mahi-Mahi in Costa Rica 

Although seldom talked about, fishing for mahi-mahi at night is not out of the question. Yes, they are primarily day feeders and you will have plenty of success during the daylight hours.

But they are also aggressive fish, feeding on almost anything they can fit in their mouth. So if you want to consider night fishing, there are two factors that may be most helpful for a successful night: season and moon phase.  

The hot summer months of Costa Rica (January-April) may offer conducive feeding temperatures at night. Pair this with a full moon, and you can expect dorado to be feeding at night for one simple reason: they can see. 

If you happen to be on a morning charter and catch a mahi with a full stomach at sun-up, chances are it was feeding heavily throughout the night. 

Best Tidal Conditions for Mahi-Mahi in Costa Rica

Mahi are considered pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit the water column of the open ocean and coasts.  Their offshore occupancy is less impacted compared to fish inshore, but don’t overlook the possibility of mahi nearshore. If they are nearshore, the incoming flood tide will offer great action. 

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch tarpon in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch sailfishin Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch marlin in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to catch roosterfish in Costa Rica, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best time to catch tuna in Costa Rica, check out this guide.