Silver King lodge in Costa Rica is a renowned giant Tarpon hotspot, with many anglers visiting here each year to try and hook into one of the fish that swim these waters. These Tarpons do give a fight like no other, and if you visit this part of Costa Rica, then pretty soon you will be bowing to the king as one of these enormous silver beasts tries its hardest to shake the hook leaving you beaten and bruised. The fishing on offer is varied, with some excellent freshwater fishing and offshore fishing, which the Lodge will organise. Silver King Lodge in Barra del Colorado, which is approximately 140 miles from San Jose on the extreme Northeastern Caribbean Coast, is the second-largest rainforest preserve in Central America. The protection of this area has given anglers some of the best Tarpon fishing on the globe.
People who think of Tarpon fishing will automatically assume Florida is the place to go, but you would be wrong. This Saltwater fishing destination in Costa Rica has to be the best Tarpon fishery on the planet, and each year people travel from far and wide to get in on the action. With its year-round warm climate and stunning scenery, it is a must for any person looking for the ultimate saltwater fishing adventure.
Silver King Lodge in Costa Rica has built a reputation as one of the best substantial Tarpon destinations worldwide over the last few years. The Lodge is located in a lush tropical environment on the Rio Colorado banks on the northeast coast of Costa Rica. The Colorado River runs from Lake Nicaragua and has a cloudy brown appearance due to the sediment it picks up on its journey. Each day it empties thousands of gallons of fresh water into the sea. It empties thousands of freshwater into the sea and brings many food items to snap up the local fish.
The murky brown water hits the blue waters of the open ocean, and it gives all the Sardines and other baitfish the perfect place to hide. This food chain is the source of hundreds of fish, with the Tarpon being at the top of the ladder, reigning supreme in these waters. This gathering of baitfish is why the Tarpon reaches such gigantic sizes, and on every trip, there is every chance of hooking fish between 120lb to 200lb. With its proximity to the best freshwater fishing systems, you can also target some of the species found in these waters. Another huge bonus is that you can change your days around and target some offshore species like Dorado, Tuna and Sailfish. Head over to our YouTube Channel to explore a massive collection of exciting fishing videos from around the world.
The Tarpon bite can be perfect here, so it is not how many will you hook; it is more a case of how many can you keep on the hook! On some days and at certain times of the year, all the fishing rods will have Tarpon waiting for you to play each one. The fishing for Tarpon can be very hectic at times, so prepare yourself for some aching arms and backs at the end of each day.
Each day you will head out to the Tarpon fishing grounds, and the journey can take anything up to 45 minutes, but you will get to see some stunning lush tropical rainforest on your journey. Costa Rica’s climate is very hot and it’s important that you wear the correct protective clothing for fishing in the sun
Although the colossal Tarpon is the main appeal to Costa Rica, with the chance of hooking a real trophy-sized Tarpon, sometimes something a little calmer is required. The guides have researched further upstream in freshwater and have found some tremendous small rivers that hold fish such as ‘Calba’, commonly known as Snook, which migrates upstream to spawn these fish can average around 6 to 8lb.
The main style of fishing will be with live baits drifted close to the murky water. The Tarpon will be using this coloured water as camouflage, waiting for baitfish to swim passed in the more transparent waters. Once they have a baitfish in their sights, they will launch their attack. Of course, you can use lures or fly fish for them, but you will be blind casting. The best method is to use baits. Another method is to popper fish for them and a great little article for some help is our top 10 tips for successful popper fishing holiday
The other species on offer offshore are Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Marlin. But the main draw for this destination is the large Tarpon with specimens reaching over 200lb in weight. It isn’t just the sheer size of the Tarpon here it’s the numbers you will see.
Silver king Lodge Resort’s beauty is that it is suitable for all levels of angling ability due to the Captains and deckhands; they will make it as easy as you wish or as hard as you want to. They are there to take all the stress out of the fishing. On the other hand, if you want a more hands-on approach, then this will be welcomed. It is important that you pick the correct holiday for you and some helpful information can be found on our is big game trolling fishing right for me or big game fishing holidays for beginners both will help you make the right decisions.
On the whole, Silver King Lodge Resort is not a physically demanding destination. Each day you will walk the short distance down to the boats to meet your skipper, who will discuss your day ahead. A little knowledge of fishing from a boat is helpful as the water is sometimes a little choppy, and being sturdy on your feet is also a great advantage.
You will be fully guided on this holiday by local guides who know these waters very well. These guides will be with you from start to finish each day on the water and will work their hardest to ensure you get the best fishing experience available. All lot of the guides at Silver King Lodge have been resident guides for many years and have a perfect repeat client score, so if you would like to book a specific guide, we can certainly try and accommodate this.
They will also help with setting hooks, tying rigs, landing your prize catch and more importantly, taking that trophy shot for you to show to your friends back home. All the guides speak perfect English. However, we recommend bringing an English to Spanish dictionary with you, or you can now get excellent apps for smartphones.
The Lodge is located in Barra del Colorado, a mere 140 miles away from the central city of San Jose and is on the North-eastern Caribbean Coastline of Costa Rica and set amongst the second-largest rainforest preserve in Central America. The surroundings made up of tropical forest, fluvial islands and swamplands. With its many rivers, creeks and lagoons, this is the destination for any travelling angler looking for the peace and tranquillity that Costa Rica is so famous for.
The rooms dotted around the resort are surrounding by beauty and nature, a true nature lovers paradise. Each of the rooms is over 450 square feet with two or three queen-sized beds and decorated with colourful and fresh linen. There are rods racks for your convenience, walk-in closets, and a desk with a chair in each room. The rooms tastefully decorated and boast a 12ft ceiling made of wild local cane. The walls have been constructed from native tongue and groove hardwoods, creating a stunning décor to these very private rooms. Each private room has an en-suite bathroom fully tiled with a shower room and toilet with washbasin. Each of the rooms comes complete with water heater, ceiling fans and full air-conditioning. The Lodge has two US connected satellite phones and fax machines, and satellite television to keep up to date with your favourite sports.
Around the resort, you will find a bar which is the perfect place to relax after a hard days fishing, where you can share your fishy tales with lots of other guests from all over the world. The bar is open all day and stays open until the last guest goes to bed. You will find many drinks included in your package. Costa Rican beers (Imperial, Imperial light, Kaiser non-alcoholic beer), Costa Rica Rum and the house red and white wine are all included. Top shelve spirits are only $5 a drink. You can request other beers at the time of booking. As you can imagine, with a resort with the highest level of service, the food is to match. The Lodge has grown its produce from fruits and vegetables, local fresh seafood, locally farmed beef, chicken, and pork, all of which will come across in their daily menus.
The chefs have all been trained in house and know their local dishes; they also prepare the lodges to twist on American and European favourites, which always go down with the visiting guests. If you have any dietary requirements or special requests, please make us aware of this when booking as the staff are more than happy to accommodate.
You can book one of many Eco-tours available on this camp that will be able to take you into the jungle to experience the vast wildlife at this camp. You also have the opportunity to book up a massage at the resort, where you will enjoy the relaxation of mind, body and soul for a deep tissue massage by one of the trained and certified masseuses.
The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international airport (See Details)
Arrive San Jose
Transfer from San Jose airport to your overnight hotel
On arrival, a representative from Silver King Lodge will transfer you to your overnight hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore this beautiful city.
Overnight accommodation: San Jose Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to San Jose airport
At a prearranged time you will be taken back to the airport for your short scenic flight to the resort.
Depart San Jose
Arrive Barra
Transfer from Barra airport to Silver King Lodge
On arrival you will be met by a representative from Silver King Lodge and transferred to the lodge by boat. The boat journey is approximately 5 minutes.
Once you’ve arrived at Silver King Lodge you’re free to unpack and relax around the resort.
Overnight accommodation: Silver King Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
On your first two fishing days, you’ll head out with your boat captain to fish for and battle with some giant Tarpon. Our lodge in Costa Rica is arguably one of the best Tarpon fishing destinations on the planet and has built this reputation after many years of consistent results.
Every time you cast your baits into the waters offshore or the murky, sediment-laced Colorado River, there’s a potential the next bite could be from a fish pushing 200lb.
Overnight accommodation: Silver King Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
During your final three fishing days and throughout your stay at Silver King Lodge, you will be looked after by your boat captain and deckhand. These locals know the waters like the back of their hands and will work their hardest to ensure you enjoy the best fishing experience possible.
They will be on hand to help you with setting hooks, tying rigs, landing your prize catch and, most importantly, taking that trophy shot for you to show to your friends back home.
Overnight accommodation: Silver King Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Transfer from Silver King Lodge to Barra airport
Early morning a representative from Silver King Lodge will transfer you back to Barra airport ready for your flight to San Jose. The boat journey is approximately 5 minutes.
Depart Barra
Arrive San Jose Depart San Jose
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from January to June and September to November.
Season: Jan to June & Sept to Nov
Peak: Sept to Nov Feb to April
Weight: 50lb to 210lb
Average Weight: 90lb
Season: All Year
Peak: Sept to Nov
Weight: 1lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: Jan to June & Sept to Nov
Peak: Jan to March
Weight: 60lb to 120lb
Average Weight: 75lb
Season: All Year
Peak: All Year
Weight: 20lb to 160lb
Average Weight: 45lb
If your group size is smaller than two, please contact a member of the Sportquest Team who will be more than happy to assist
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/03/2025 | 31/03/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/04/2025 | 30/04/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2025 | 31/05/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/11/2025 | 30/11/2025 | 8 | £6,209 | Enquire Now |
| 01/01/2026 | 31/01/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/02/2026 | 28/02/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/03/2026 | 31/03/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/04/2026 | 30/04/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2026 | 31/05/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2026 | 30/06/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2026 | 30/09/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2026 | 31/10/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
| 01/11/2026 | 30/11/2026 | 8 | £6,443 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
Hope you receive this feedback.
Just returned from our trip and wow, wow, wow, there was 4 of us all first time trying for big tarpon, but as it is something we had all wanted to do for a longtime we thought it would be safer to us a travel company.
After speaking to a few we opted for Sportquest Holidays as they gave us the most confidence, nothing was too much trouble for them and they did not mind all our questions.
All in all an fantastic holiday and first class service from Sportquest.
We will alway use them from now on.
Albert
wow, wow, wow in return for such a nice feedback and kind words, very very much appreciated.
Everyone in the office works very hard to give the best service possible and its really nice when it is appreciated.
I look forward in personally taking care of you all again very soon.
We had a week of rain, rain and more rain, we have never seen so much rain in our lives.
Apart from getting very wet each and everyday everything else was perfect.
The fishing was good and we found tarpon on a regular basis in the ocean were the dirty water meets the clean sea water. We landed a good few but also lost more than we landed with fish throwing the hooks.
After each day and returning back very wet the lodge staff always welcomed us with dry towels and stiff drinks to warm up both our outside and insides.
We love to return again soon and hopefully see some sun.
Julian, thanks for the feedback and talking to me on the telephone.
Sorry about the weather but being right on the edge of a tropical rainforest it can have quite a bit of rain but not normally all day every day.
However as you said it did not effect the fishing just made it more uncomfortable to fish in.
I will work on the dates we discussed and be back to you shortly.
Tight lines
What an amazing trip.
Sliver King Lodge fishing for tarpon was out of this world.
Great lodge, staff and very good guides.
We fished both in the ocean and in the river following the monster tarpon each day.
The best fish was around 180b for the week with virtually all fish over the 100b size.
Highly recommended and one we will do again.
Thanks to Sport Quest for all the recommendations and arrangements.
Keith so glad you all like the trip, I would agree with you its a fantastic destination with amazing fishing.
Who caught the 180b tarpon out of the group?
I have sent you a memory stick to get copy of the pictures.
Reagrds
Me and my brother had a brilliant time at the silver king lodge in Costa Rica one of the best fishing trips l have had .The staff and guides were brilliant I would certainly recommend this trip to anyone who likes a pure fishing holiday and the tarpon are world class big!!!!!. Thanks.
Thats great to hear. We also agree that if you want a large Tarpon there is no better place. The refurbishment that has and is going on at Silver King Lodge is a massive improvement and things are looking very good for the Lodge.
I shall pass your comments on the guys at the lodge as they will be pleased
Once again thank you guys and see you again next year
All the best
Paul
I just never want to stop watching Tarpon busting and rolling just under my flies; has to be the best way of fishing in the world. Top trip.
Gary nice feedback thanks for the review and pictures. Its nice watching those Tarpon but very frustrating when you get so many hook ups and they jump off tho. But as they say that is Tarpon fishing. Until next time Regards Peter
My wife and I had a great week at SilverKing Lodge, all the staff and guides could not of helped us anymore than they did. We both had tarpon everyday including some monsters.
It was good to catch up with you on the telephone after your trip. May I take this opportunity to say thank you for choosing to travel with us and taking the time to complete the feedback. I hope to assist you both again soon. Mel
What a place, great rooms, food and first class fishing. Thanks everyone...
No thank you for travelling with us and thanks for the pictures. You all look so happy covered in slime and armfuls of huge Tarpon.
Tarpon Fishing at Silver King Lodge, Costa Rica.
The lodge was very well appointed and all the staff were great, very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent and I definitely put on a couple of pounds while I was there.
The fishing was hard because the weather was against us. High winds prevented us from getting out into the sea which was really where we wanted to be. So we fished the river mouth as best we could, the breakers were often too high, and further up river if necessary. We had takes from and hooked tarpon every day, but I only got two fish to the boat, one of 60lbs the other 80lbs. I lost a bigger fish at the last minute when the 150lb leader finally cut through. Other fish straightened the hooks on the lures or just threw the hooks. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable and exciting trip and I would go again. My guide Ralph was excellent.
Fly fishing wasn't really an option due to the weather, but if you do want to try take 14wt rods and sinking lines. The fish fight very hard.
Chris
Thanks for your feedback and also taking the time to talk to me on the telephone. Glad you liked the lodge and operation. It is also nice to hear that you still had a great time even though the weather was against you. At least you did the right thing with the difficult conditions concentrating using lures instead of the fly, because this way at least you still caught fish.
There are some real monster out there and if you a re lucky to keep them on its amazing. But as you also know there are strong fish and will bust you up at every chance.
I look forward in being able to help you again on your travels soon.
Kind Regards Peter
Would I use Sportquest Holidays again? simple answer would be ALWAYS
You are too kind Stuart, we love you too... Until next time tight lines Mel
PERFICK!
Ha Ha Mike that is so short but precise.... It was great to catch up with you on the telephone and listed your stories.
Thanks for the pictures and blog I will add it to our website next week... a great story....
I will look forward in booking something else up for you both soon.
Regards Peter
Tarpon fishing at Silver King Lodge has to be up there with the best in the world.
My mate Mike Green & I (a complete novice) caught fish to 140 lb on flies.
Fabulous!, thank to Sportquest for all the organisation which worked perfectly.
Ken
Thanks so much for the feedback, I have tried to catch up with you like I did with Mike. Congratulations on such a great trip as it looks like you both had a great trip. Mike told me your ambition was to catch one over 50lb, which you smashed.......
I will look forward in dealing with you both again very soon.
Regards Peter
Had yet another fantastic trip to Silver King Lodge. This resort is the best place we have been. The Tarpon fishing is excellent
Hi Iain thanks for your feedback and glad it lived up to your last trip there. The guys at the resort love having you and your brother out there and yes the Tarpon fishing is simply outstanding
One of the best trips i have had!
Hi Mark, so glad the lodge was just as good this time as your last trip. Awesome pictures and videos by the way.
All the best
Paul
Absolutely brilliantly organised holiday, professional and friendly service. It's something I would repeat and recommend.
Thank you.
Thank you for your feedback. Great to hear you had a good time.
We took an alternative route via Madrid to avoid transiting the US as US airports can be a real pain as they don't have sterile transfers and you have to go through immigration and customs even if you're just connecting and not leaving the airport.
Silver King Lodge have a very efficient set up. After a short flight from San Jose in a single engined plane, they were waiting for us at the airstrip and it was a short boat journey to the lodge. Accommodation and food were excellent with as much as you can eat and drink and you can expect to put on weight.
We fished just outside the estuary where the muddy river water joins the clearer saltwater and we could see the line from the air before landing. its only a few minutes by boat from the lodge so if the weather turns bad you can get back quickly. The mornings were mostly clear and sunny. By mid afternoon the wind picked up bringing cloud and heavy rain.
The tarpon fishing was excellent and we saw lots of fish rolling most days. All tackle was provided for trolling and bait fishing so you can travel light with just carry on. Most of the tarpon were caught on sardines on circle hooks and the only problem is getting to them to stay on. We had fish to well over 150lb and I will definitely be returning in the future.
Hi Nick, thank you for sending us your feedback from your most recent trip with us to Silver King Lodge. Wow you are making your way through our trips now! Not long to your next adventure
Tight lines, Paul
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