Silver King Lodge

Costa Rica

World-Class Costa Rica Tarpon Fishing at Silver King Lodge
Experience unmatched tarpon fishing year-round at Silver King Lodge, located on the banks of the legendary Rio Colorado, Costa Rica’s largest river. Nestled within the 200,650-acre Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, the second-largest tropical rainforest reserve in Central America, this remote lodge offers anglers direct access to both the river and the Caribbean coast. Chase giant tarpon on light tackle and enjoy some of the most prolific fishing in Costa Rica. Silver King Lodge is open year-round for unforgettable tarpon adventures.

Aerial view of Silver King Lodge with boats docked along the Rio Colorado, surrounded by palm trees in Costa Rica.
  • Silver King Lodge offers expert local guides with decades of experience on the Rio Colorado and Barra del Colorado. They know the best fishing spots for giant tarpon and other species and can tailor trips to your goals. Guides handle all boat prep, tackle, and gear, providing proven advice for both conventional and fly fishing.

  • Fly Fishing

    Fly fishing at Silver King Lodge is an exciting challenge, especially for giant tarpon. Anglers typically use 12-weight rods with strong sinking lines, and guides recommend bringing your own gear for the best results. Proven tarpon flies are also available at the lodge. Fish are often targeted near the river plume or in deeper waters, offering high-energy fights with big leaps and hard runs. Experienced fly anglers can land as many fish as conventional anglers on good days.

    Conventional Fishing

    Conventional or spinning tackle is the primary method for giant tarpon, often 80–150+ lb. Guides stock boats with topwater lures, live bait, and heavy tackle optimized for the fishery. Conventional gear also works well for snook, jacks, mackerel, barracuda, and snapper, providing the power and control needed to handle tarpon’s strong runs and jumps.

  • Inshore & Nearshore Species

    • Giant Tarpon – the lodge’s signature species, often 80–150 lb or more.

    • Snook – powerful fighters found in river mouths and backwaters.

    • King & Spanish Mackerel – fast, aggressive pelagic fish.

    • Crevalle Jack – strong, schooling fighters.

    • Cubera Snapper – large, deep‑water snappers near structure.

    • African Pompano & Barracuda – excellent sport fish.

    • Tripletail – prized for surface bites and schooling behavior.

    Offshore / Deep-Sea Species

    • Wahoo – prized for speed and thrilling fights.

    • Yellowfin & Bigeye Tuna – strong fighters ideal for conventional tackle.

    • Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – colorful, acrobatic pelagics.

    • Atlantic Sailfish – exciting billfish targeted offshore.

    • Blackfin Tuna – versatile and highly sought-after offshore species.

    River, Lagoon & Freshwater Species

    • Guapote (Rainbow Bass) – aggressive freshwater fighters.

    • Machaca & Mojarra – local river species perfect for light tackle.

    • Pinto, Tiger Fish & Drum – additional freshwater targets in tributaries and backwaters.

    • Alligator Gar – unique and challenging freshwater species in select areas.

  • Comfortable Jungle Accommodations

    Silver King Lodge offers spacious, air‑conditioned rooms with queen beds, private bathrooms, ceiling fans, and rustic hardwood interiors with rod racks — perfect for relaxing after a day of fishing.

    Lodge Amenities

    Guests can enjoy a swimming pool with waterfall, Jacuzzi, sauna, buffet‑style dining, and a tropical bar serving local beers, rums, and wines.

    Connectivity & Comfort

    The lodge features Starlink Wi‑Fi, keeping you connected in this remote rainforest setting.

    All-Inclusive Experience

    Packages include accommodations, three daily meals, and lodge facilities, with special dietary requests accommodated.

    Wildlife & Setting

    Located in the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, the lodge offers stunning tropical scenery, abundant wildlife, and optional eco-tours or massages.

  • The lodge is open year-round, with conditions varying by season:

    Peak Tarpon Season

    The best time for giant tarpon at Silver King Lodge is March through July, when fish numbers are highest and trophy-sized catches are common. November through February also offers productive fishing, though tarpon may be slightly smaller.

    Other Species

    Inshore species such as snook, jacks, and mackerel are available year-round, while offshore game fish like sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dorado are seasonal but generally abundant throughout the year.

    Weather & Conditions

    • Rainy season (May–November): Occasional heavy showers, but excellent fishing continues.

    • Dry season (December–April): Calmer waters and easier access to remote fishing areas.

  • 2026 Rates
    Double = Two anglers per room and boat
    Single = One angler per room and boat

    3 nights / 3 days guided fishing
    $4,050 p.p. double $4,550 single

    4 nights / 4 days guided fishing
    $4,915 p.p. double $5,550 single

    5 nights / 5 days guided fishing
    $5,780 p.p. double $6,730 single

    6 nights / 6 days guided fishing
    $6,645 p.p. double $7,575 single

    7 nights / 7 days guided fishing
    $7,250 p.p. double $8,180 single

    Non-Angler Companion:
    3-nights and 3-days guided fishing $3,000 per person
    Additional day for non-anglers $500 per day.
    Non-anglers are welcome to accompany anglers in the boats, provided space is available. However, any non-angler who wishes to fish must pay an additional $500.00 per day.

  • Fly Fishing Gear

    Most anglers use 12‑weight fly rods for giant tarpon and strong river currents, with some opting for 14–16 wt for extra power. Sinking or sink-tip lines paired with strong leaders (60 lb+) get flies into the strike zone and handle hard runs and head shakes. The lodge has limited fly tackle, so guides recommend bringing your own rods and lines; proven tarpon flies are also available in the lodge shop.

    Conventional & Spinning Gear

    Medium‑heavy to heavy conventional or spinning rods (~7’6″–8’) are standard for tarpon. High‑capacity reels with smooth drag systems, braided lines (50–80 lb), and heavy fluorocarbon leaders (60–100 lb) give anglers control over big fish. The lodge stocks conventional tackle, lures, jigs, and light tackle for other species, making it easy to fish without hauling a full kit.

  • Silver King Lodge accommodates up to 24 anglers, keeping groups small and intimate rather than crowded.

  • Main Fishing Boats

    Silver King Lodge’s primary vessels are custom 23‑foot deep‑V fiberglass boats powered by Yamaha 200 HP motors. The double‑hulled design with flotation foam provides extra safety and stability. Each boat is equipped with fish finders, a 25‑watt VHF radio, T‑tops, and dual aft fighting chairs, making them ideal for fishing at the river mouth, Caribbean coast, and offshore waters.

    River & Lagoon Boats

    For upriver and rainforest fishing, the lodge uses 15–16 foot aluminum Tracker skiffs with foldable Bimini tops. These skiffs are perfect for navigating backwaters, creeks, and smaller channels, targeting species like guapote, snook, mojarra, and machaca.

  • Step 1: Fly Into Costa Rica

    Most anglers begin their journey at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica’s main international gateway from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. From here, travel to Silver King Lodge begins.

    Step 2: Travel From San José

    After clearing customs, you’ll be met by a lodge-arranged transfer or travel agent service. Options include:

    • Overland transfer to the Caribbean side; or

    • Domestic flight to shorten the journey. Many guests stay overnight near San José before departing early the next day.

    Step 3: Fly to Barra Airstrip

    Guests typically take a scheduled or chartered domestic flight (with SANSA or a private charter) to Barra Airstrip, a small bush runway near the lodge. The scenic flight is brief — about 30 minutes.

    Step 4: Final Transfer to the Lodge

    At Barra Airstrip, lodge staff and your guide will greet you for a short 5-minute boat ride up the Rio Colorado to Silver King Lodge.

    What’s Included

    Most packages include ground transfers in San José and domestic transportation to and from the lodge, making travel simple and stress-free.

  • Fishing Packages Include:
    • Airport reception in San José
    • Three ground transfers in San José
    • Roundtrip charter flight between San José and the Lodge
    • Air-conditioned accommodations
    • Three buffet-style meals daily
    • Open bar at the Lodge
    • Starlink Wi-Fi at the Lodge
    • Daily laundry service
    • Guided fishing
    • The use of rods and reels
    Conventional / spin-casting bluewater tackle


    The Packages Do Not Include:
    • Airfare to San José, and return
    • Hotels and meals in San José
    • Gratuities for guides and Lodge staff
    • Rapalas and flies (available for purchase on-site shop)
    • Fishing license, $25 annual
    • Top-shelf liquor
    • Global Rescue coverage
    • Travel insurance
    • Anything not mentioned under inclusions.

 
Angler in a Silver King Lodge boat battling a jumping tarpon in Costa Rica.
Angler battling a jumping tarpon off the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

Caribbean Coast & Coastal Flats and the Rio Colorado & Tributaries

The shallow flats, mangrove channels, and river mouths create productive feeding grounds for tarpon, snook, jacks, barracuda, and tripletail. Boats can also go offshore for sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dorado.

The Rio Colorado, Costa Rica’s largest river flows through the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, offering channels, backwaters, and creeks for tarpon, snook, jacks, mackerel, snapper, and guapote amid scenic rainforest waters.

A Typical Fishing Day at Silver King Lodge

  • 5:00 a.m. – Wake up for breakfast at the lodge.

  • 5:30 a.m. – Meet your guides and depart for the boats.

  • 11:00 a.m. – Return to the lodge for lunch and a short siesta.

  • 1:30 p.m. – Head back out for afternoon fishing.

  • 5:00 p.m. – Return to the lodge.

  • 5:30 p.m. – Enjoy happy hour in the clubhouse.

  • 6:30 p.m. – Buffet-style dinner is served.

For anglers who want all-day action, you can coordinate with your guide and lodge management to fish through the day with a packed lunch provided.

About the lodge

Silver King Lodge features spacious, air‑conditioned rooms with queen beds, private bathrooms with hot water, ceiling fans, and rustic hardwood interiors. Each room includes rod racks and ample storage for fishing gear. Relax at the swimming pool with waterfall, screened Jacuzzi, or sauna, and enjoy buffet-style meals with local seafood and Costa Rican cuisine. The tropical bar serves beers, rums, and wines — perfect for unwinding after a day on the water. Nestled in the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, the lodge is surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and lagoons. Guests can enjoy abundant wildlife viewing, guided eco-tours, and optional massages. With Starlink Wi-Fi, guests stay connected even in this remote location. Most packages include accommodations, meals, and lodge facilities, offering a stress-free, all-inclusive experience.

Pool with waterfall and surrounding guest seating area at Silver King Lodge.
Guests at Silver King Lodge serving themselves dinner from the buffet-style dining area.
Main dining area and bar at Silver King Lodge.
Cozy guest room with hardwood floors and two beds at Silver King Lodge in Costa Rica.