Discover Spearfishing course

Bring your nerve and a swimsuit. This small-group Tamarindo course gives you a hands-on introduction to spearfishing, from choosing a fish and handling a speargun to working in open Pacific water. I like the mix of classroom instruction and boat time, and I like that the price includes equipment, drinks, fruit, transport, and underwater photos. The main caution is simple: you need to be comfortable swimming in open water, since waves, current, and poor visibility can make the afternoon physically demanding.

The course costs $192.10 per person and lasts about five and a half hours. I also appreciate the small maximum group of eight, since that gives the instructor and boat crew a better chance to keep an eye on everyone. Still, this is an active sport, not a casual boat outing, and the quality of your day can depend heavily on sea conditions and how much help you need in the water.

Key points before you book

• Start with practical instruction at 1 p.m. You learn equipment, safety, fish selection, stalking, and speargun handling before heading to the boat.
• Travel from Tamarindo to Flamingo by shuttle. Transport from the school to the boat and back is included.
• Expect a real open-water workout. Choppy water, current, and murky conditions have made the experience difficult for some beginners.
• No previous spearfishing experience is required. You must be at least 18 and able to swim.
• The catch can become dinner. Several participants have caught multiple edible fish, and guides have sometimes shared or cleaned fish for the group.
• Photos and video are included. You receive underwater souvenirs rather than relying only on your own phone.

Starting at Freedive Costa Rica in Tamarindo

Your afternoon begins at 1 p.m. at Freedive Costa Rica, on the second floor of Centro Comercial Plaza Conchal in Tamarindo. You will meet the instructor there, get organized, and begin with a classroom session before going anywhere near the boat.

That first hour matters. You learn about the equipment, basic spearfishing technique, safety, and how to select and approach a fish. The instruction is meant to help you understand not just how to fire a speargun, but how to use it responsibly and identify an appropriate catch.

For a first-timer, this introduction can make the activity feel far less mysterious. You are not simply handed equipment and sent into the sea. The course explains how the sport works, and the most positive experiences came from guides who were patient, clear, and willing to demonstrate.

The staff member named most often in the positive feedback is Aaron. Other guides praised by name include Miguel and Guiterras, while Christian was singled out for helping locate fish. The exact instructor depends on the day, but the pattern is clear: a good instructor can make a major difference here.

This is also the point to ask questions. If you are uneasy about breath-holding, handling the speargun, or working with a buddy, speak up before leaving the school. The operator describes the activity as suitable for beginners, but that does not mean it is effortless.

The ride to Flamingo and the boat departure

At about 2 p.m., you leave the school by shuttle for Flamingo. Transport between the school and the boat is included, which is helpful because you do not need to arrange your own ride between Tamarindo and the launch point.

The boat portion changes the mood. The classroom is controlled and quiet. Once you reach Flamingo, you are preparing for open Pacific water, with changing conditions and a larger sense of space. The boat captain plays an important role, both in getting you to the fishing area and in watching the group from the boat.

The included equipment covers what you need for the activity. You should bring swimwear and sun protection, but you do not need to purchase or rent your own spearfishing setup for this experience. Fruit and drinks are also provided, a small but useful detail during a physically active afternoon.

The group limit is eight people. That is not a private charter, but it is still a manageable size for an introductory course. You may be sharing the boat and fishing area with other beginners, so do not expect constant one-on-one attention.

What happens at the fishing site

At the fishing location, the instructor should explain the local conditions before anyone enters the water. This briefing is meant to cover the current, depth, fishing area, and basic plan for the session.

The intended format uses buddy teams of two or three people. The instructor generally enters the water at first to demonstrate technique, point out fish, and help participants get started. After that, the instructor may return to the boat to supervise the whole group, assist with reloading spearguns, and help deal with the catch.

That arrangement is worth understanding before you book. It is not a private lesson in which the instructor remains beside you every second. If you are already comfortable in the water, this can give you room to practice. If you are nervous or inexperienced, you will need to say so clearly and stay close to your buddy.

The strongest days have included two fishing locations. One participant first found no fish at the opening site, then moved to another area and caught four different edible species. Another pair caught five fish despite murky water and no previous freediving experience.

That variety is part of the appeal. You might see fish quickly, or you might need to move to a second location. The course is not a guaranteed catch, since conditions and fish activity can change. The goal is to learn the sport and have a fair chance to bring home dinner.

The real challenge: waves, current, and visibility

The biggest practical issue is water comfort. Some sessions have had significant waves and current, while another was described as difficult because the water was choppy. Murky water can also make it harder to find fish and harder for beginners to feel oriented.

I would not choose this course if you are only comfortable in calm, shallow water. You need to swim, manage your equipment, and stay aware of your buddy in an open-water setting. Spearfishing also asks you to control your breathing and make short underwater descents, so it can feel much more tiring than a normal swim.

The operator acknowledges that conditions on the Costa Rican Pacific coast can change. Wind, current, and visibility are not fully predictable. That does not remove the need for good supervision, but it does explain why two people can have very different afternoons on the same type of trip.

If you are a cautious beginner, consider taking a freediving course beforehand. It is not required, but one participant specifically recommended doing so. At minimum, you should be honest about your swimming ability and comfort level before entering the water.

Safety deserves special attention. One poor account described a participant who became uncomfortable and spent the session on the boat, while the instructor was difficult to find in the water. The operator responded that the planned format includes a full site briefing, buddy teams, an initial in-water demonstration, and watchfulness from the captain. That response is useful because it tells you what service should look like, and it also gives you a clear question to ask before getting wet: who is watching each buddy team, and how do you call for help?

Learning to catch your own dinner

The reward is more personal than simply seeing fish from a boat. You learn how to choose a suitable fish, move toward it, aim the speargun, and handle the catch. When things work, the meal has a direct connection to the afternoon’s effort.

Several strong experiences involved first-time catches within the first half-hour. One couple each caught a first fish within about 30 minutes. Another person landed four species after moving to a better location. These reports suggest that beginners can succeed, but you should still treat a catch as a bonus rather than a promise.

Some guides have also allowed participants to keep part of the guide’s catch. Miguel was praised for cleaning the fish, and another guide filleted the day’s catch. Those extra gestures turn a short lesson into a more complete food experience, though you should not assume that every guide will provide the same amount of fish or preparation.

The sport is physically demanding. One participant called it well worth the effort but still tiring. You may spend much of the session swimming, waiting, adjusting your position, and trying again. The boat ride and fruit and drinks help, but this is not a passive excursion.

Photos, equipment, and what the price covers

At $192.10 per person, this is not the cheapest water activity in Tamarindo. The value depends on whether you want a guided introduction to a specialized sport rather than a simple boat trip.

The price includes:

• Spearfishing and underwater equipment
• Shuttle transport between the school and boat
• Fruit and drinks
• Souvenir photos and video

That package saves you from arranging equipment and transport separately. The photos and video are especially useful because you cannot easily document yourself while handling a speargun underwater. They give you a record of the activity, even if the fish do not cooperate.

The small group also adds value. With a maximum of eight people, the experience should feel more focused than a large boat excursion. Still, you should compare the price with your own goal. If you mainly want a relaxed afternoon on the water, this course may feel expensive and too strenuous. If you want to learn a new skill and possibly bring home fresh fish, the inclusion of equipment, instruction, transport, and media makes the cost easier to justify.

Tips for the crew are not included. Plan to bring money for that if the captain and instructor provide good service.

Who will enjoy this course most?

This experience suits adults who can swim confidently and want an active, unusual afternoon in Guanacaste. You do not need previous spearfishing experience, and positive sessions show that beginners can catch fish with the right instruction.

It is a good match if you like:

• Learning a practical outdoor skill
• Spending time in open water
• Small-group activities
• Fishing with a direct connection to your meal
• Physical challenges rather than easy sightseeing
• Taking home underwater photos and video

I would be more careful if you are nervous in the sea, dislike current, or need close personal help at all times. The group format means the instructor must divide attention among several people. You should also remember that the minimum age is 18, so this is not a family activity for younger children.

The course is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to reach the Tamarindo meeting point yourself and return there at the end. The activity finishes back at the same school.

Timing, booking, and cancellation

The total experience lasts about five hours and 30 minutes, starting at 1 p.m. The classroom session begins first, followed by the shuttle to Flamingo, boat time, and the return trip to Tamarindo.

Booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is often reserved about 19 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last day of a short Tamarindo stay.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book Discover Spearfishing?

Book it if you want an active lesson, not merely a scenic boat ride. The best reasons are the patient instruction, the chance to catch edible fish, the small group, and the fact that equipment, transport, food, and underwater photos are already covered.

I would book with realistic expectations. Sea conditions can be rough, visibility can be poor, and the instructor cannot stay beside one person for the entire session. If you are a strong swimmer who can manage open water and work with a buddy, this can be one of Tamarindo’s more memorable hands-on activities. If you are uncertain in the water, take a freediving lesson first or choose a calmer excursion.

FAQ

Where does the spearfishing course begin?

It begins at Freedive Costa Rica on the second floor of Centro Comercial Plaza Conchal in Tamarindo, Guanacaste.

What time does the course start?

The start time is 1 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

How much does the course cost?

The listed price is $192.10 per person.

Is previous spearfishing experience required?

No. Previous spearfishing experience is not required.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be able to swim and feel comfortable in open water.

What equipment is included?

Spearfishing equipment and the required underwater equipment are included.

Is transportation included?

Transport from the freediving school to the boat and back to the school is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and sun protection.

Are photos included?

Yes. Souvenir photos and video from the underwater activity are included.

How many people can join the course?

The maximum group size is eight participants.

Are food and drinks included?

Fruit and drinks are included. Tips for the crew are not included.

Where does the activity finish?

The course finishes back at the Tamarindo meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.