For those in the know, fishing in Guanacaste is more than a pastime – it’s a window into one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary seasons.
Along the golden shores of Hacienda Pinilla, this is what we locals call the “secret season” – the time of year when our coastline transforms. Humpback whales breach on the horizon. Sea turtles nest under starlit skies. The ocean stirs with trophy fish. And within the gates of Hacienda Pinilla, discerning travelers retreat into the gentle rhythms of Costa Rica’s wildest treasures and understated coastal luxuries.
Settle into one of our Costa Rica beachfront rentals and you’ll soon understand: this is a time and place defined by spacious beauty, wildlife encounters, and the art of curated calm.
What Is the Secret Season?
From May through early November, Guanacaste moves at a quieter pace – the green season, the rainy season, and also, “secret” season. Morning rains soften the landscape, feeding the dry tropical forest and coaxing shades of green back to life. Warm sun returns most late afternoons, painting the sky in technicolor, while the Pacific hums with activity.
It’s during these months that nature reveals its most intimate rituals. Southern humpback whales arrive from Antarctica to give birth and nurse their young. Olive ridley and leatherback turtles crawl onto secluded beaches to nest. And in the waters just beyond the reef, peak season begins for some of the most thrilling fishing in Guanacaste.
This is Costa Rica, unhurried. And in Hacienda Pinilla – our 4,500-acre enclave of trails, fairways, surf breaks, and luxury homes – it’s a secret season experienced in comfort, seclusion, and wonder.
Fishing in Guanacaste: Calm Waters, Wild Catches
Step out your villa door, and you’re just minutes from world-class fishing in Guanacaste. During the secret season, sportfishing shifts into high gear, thanks to a convergence of warm currents, baitfish, and migration patterns. Whether you’re deep-sea bound or casting closer to shore, these waters promise an angler’s paradise.
Offshore Fishing in Guanacaste: Deep Waters, Big Rewards
- Marlin:The ultimate prize. Blue and black marlin can exceed 1,000 pounds and demand skill, stamina, and a touch of luck. Peak catches run August through October.
- Sailfish:Fast, acrobatic, and spectacular in flight, sailfish are a thrilling catch and a favorite for photo-worthy moments. Prime season: January to September.
- Yellowfin Tuna:A staple of fishing in Guanacaste, these powerful fish can exceed 200 pounds. Found near dolphins, yellowfin run strongest from June through October.
- Dorado (Mahi Mahi):Flashes of gold and green make dorado one of the most striking fish in the ocean. Their numbers peak May through October – perfect timing for ceviche back at your villa.
Our preferred captains practice sustainable fishing, including catch-and-release for billfish. You’ll fish responsibly – and luxuriously – from modern vessels equipped for comfort and success.
Inshore Fishing in Guanacaste: Closer to Shore, Closer to the Action
If you prefer to stay near the coast, inshore fishing in Guanacaste offers adrenaline, agility, and variety:
- Roosterfish:The iconic rooster comb makes this powerful predator instantly recognizable. Big, bold, and always photo-ready. Peak: June through August.
- Snapper (Cubera, Pargo):Often topping 50 pounds, these reef dwellers strike hard and fight harder. Best season: June through October.
- Wahoo:Clocking speeds over 60 mph, wahoo live up to their name. Target these torpedoes July through early fall.
- Snook & Mackerel:Excellent for both sport and supper, these species round out your inshore adventure.
At Luxury Villas Hacienda Pinilla, our concierge will pair you with top-tier fishing in Guanacaste guides, handle gear and snacks, and even arrange for your private chef to turn your day’s catch into tonight’s dinner.
Whale Watching: Giants in Gentle Waters
There’s a special kind of hush that falls when a whale surfaces – that shared intake of breath, the reverence of a moment too large for words. From July through October, that’s what the waters off Hacienda Pinilla offer: sightings of southern humpback whales as they breach, tail slap, and raise newborn calves in the safety of our warm Pacific bays.
Your villa’s infinity pool and terrace might even double as a lookout point. But for a closer view, we’ll arrange a private catamaran or yacht cruise, complete with marine biologist guides and champagne in hand. It’s not just dolphin and whale watching. It’s witnessing the grandeur of life in its most peaceful state – a front-row seat to one of the ocean’s most tender migrations. Here’s what you can expect:
- Southern Humpback Whales:The most commonly sighted species in the secret season, they arrive from the Antarctic to give birth and raise their calves in warm Pacific waters. Expect powerful breaches, fin slaps, and tender calf behaviors. Peak season: July through October.
- Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, & More:While you’re on the water, you’re likely to encounter pods of playful dolphins – often riding the bow wake or flipping through the waves. These species are common year-round.
- Occasional Sightings:Although rarer, pilot whales, false killer whales, and even orcas have been spotted in Costa Rican waters during these months.
The experience of seeing these creatures up close is unforgettable. And while some guests catch glimpses from shore or villa balconies, a private yacht or catamaran, hosted by an expert naturalist, provides the ultimate way to experience this seasonal migration.
Learn more about whale watching in Costa Rica.
Turtle Nesting: A Nighttime Ritual, Timeless and Quiet
While the ocean stirs by day, by night, the beaches near Hacienda Pinilla hold their own magic. In the dark hours, under moon and stars, sea turtles make their journey ashore – some returning to the very beach where they themselves were born decades ago.
These beaches become living sanctuaries during the secret season. Sea turtles – the ancient mariners of the deep – return under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs.
- Olive Ridley: Known for their mass nesting events, or arribadas, olive ridleys arrive in incredible numbers at Playa Ostional. This is one of the few places in the world where you can witness thousands of turtles nesting simultaneously. Peak season: June through November.
- Leatherback: The largest sea turtle species on Earth, leatherbacks can reach 7 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds. These gentle giants return to Playa Grande and surrounding beaches to nest. Peak season: October through March.
- Green & Hawksbill Turtles: Less common but still present, these species nest in smaller numbers on beaches throughout Guanacaste. Nesting occurs sporadically between July and November.
Your concierge can arrange guided sea turtle tours to protected nesting sites, where local experts ensure your presence is respectful and minimally invasive. Walk softly, carry no flashlights (only red lights), and witness one of the most timeless rituals on earth.
Learn more about sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica.
The Experience: What Makes Hacienda Pinilla Different
The beauty of the secret season isn’t just in the natural spectacles – it’s in how you experience them.
At Hacienda Pinilla, you’re inside a gated, beachfront community with a focus on space, serenity, and curated living. Choose from our collection of Costa Rica beachfront rentals, each one unique, private, and designed for life’s finer rhythms.
Where to Stay
Wondering where to stay during secret season? We still have select villas with availability this summer:
Casa Suerte
6 Beds | 5 Baths | 10 to 14 Guests
Just minutes from pristine beaches and world-class golf, Casa Suerte is a sophisticated retreat, blending modern comfort with tropical tranquility. Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, this stunning villa boasts a private pool, spacious living areas, and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen.
And then, there’s its setting: Located within Hacienda Pinilla, an elite gated community spanning 4,500 acres, your stay includes access to a championship golf course, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, and the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club, featuring an oceanfront infinity pool, open-air restaurant, fitness center, and direct access to Playa Avellanas – a haven for sun-seekers and surfers alike.
Of course, you’re here for more than the setting, and in that, Casa Suerte delivers. Savor sun-drenched days on the terrace, cool off in your private pool, and retreat to inviting bedrooms (four with an ensuite bath). Plus, enjoy Elite Service, including daily housekeeping, to elevate your stay. Welcome to the good life!
Casa Kailua
7 Beds | 5 Baths | 18 Guests
Welcome to Casa Kailua, an exquisite escape in the exclusive Reserva de Golf community of Hacienda Pinilla. This brand-new luxury home invites you to indulge in a seamless blend of modern elegance and five-star hospitality, offering the ultimate setting for an unforgettable getaway.
Designed for expansive indoor-outdoor living, Casa Kailua boasts two spacious levels, a private pool with a sun-drenched lounge area, and an atmosphere of pure tranquility. And because time together shouldn’t be about cleaning and the constant parade of daily food preparations, your stay includes daily housekeeping, a dedicated concierge, and staff-prepared breakfast, snacks, and drinks, ensuring every detail is effortlessly handled.
As a guest, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to Hacienda Pinilla’s world-class Beach Club, as well as tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, and miles of scenic trails. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Casa Kailua delivers the best of Costa Rica’s luxury lifestyle. Your escape awaits!
Villa Encantada
10 bedrooms | 11 baths | 20 to 50 guests
Experience your own private resort-like area, perfect for events and sunset gatherings, at Villa Encantada. Step inside and you might find yourself double-checking to be sure it’s real, because this home and venue feels like a dreamy slice of paradise! A treasure of a home, the “Enchanted” Villa welcomes you to the promise of an unforgettable escape.
But the real jewel? The private pool. Akin to a secluded haven, amplified with an aquatic volleyball net for that added touch of celebration and fun. Hours will drift by as you luxuriate in its crystal-clear embrace, each moment a testament to sheer bliss.
Yet, there’s more magic in store. The home’s outdoor living spaces are nothing short of a dream. Imagine a private resort right at your doorstep, ideal for grand celebrations or just for reveling in sheer opulence. Envision sunset soirees and memorable events that would leave friends back home in awe. Soft whispers of nearby waves serve as a perpetual reminder of your proximity to the beach. You’ll wish you could pause time just to relish every moment a just a bit longer.
Planning for Secret Season in Hacienda Pinilla
A few notes as you begin to envision your stay:
- When to Come:August and September are peak months for both fishing and wildlife sightings. For leatherback nesting, plan from December to February.
- What to Book:Choose Costa Rica beachfront rentals with full concierge services, private pools, and chef availability.
- What to Do:Customize your trip with wellness sessions, surfing lessons, deep-sea charters, private turtle tours, and more.
- Who to Call:Our team. Every guest receives full concierge planning – at no extra cost – from the moment you book.
Need Help Traveling Responsibly to Costa Rica?
Luxury lives not just in square footage and ocean views, but in how you spend your days. This is a time to slow down. Be surrounded by beauty. Connect with nature on its most intimate terms.
From heart-racing moments on the open sea to hushed nights watching turtles nest in the sand, this is where travel transcends vacation. And with every detail handled by our expert team – from fishing reservations to private chef menus – your stay will be as seamless as it is spectacular.
Did you know that when you book with Luxury Villas Hacienda Pinilla, you gain access to our full concierge services? When you book, we’ll get in touch to help you plan all the details of your stay. Our job is to get to know you, so we can help you plan the trip of your dreams. Whether you just need help arranging transportation or would like a full itinerary – everything from your airport shuttle to a full trip’s worth of activities, private chef services, and golf cart rental – we’re happy to help.
Even better, our concierge services are always free. So, why wait? Get in touch and let’s get started!