Rio San Juan Tarpon Fishing

Duration5 days
Group4 Anglers Min.
PriceFrom $1,900 per person

Jungle River Fishing

Experience world-class freshwater sport fishing on the legendary Rio San Juan, the massive river highway connecting Lake Nicaragua to the Caribbean Sea. This is a true jungle adventure where you can battle migrating Giant Tarpon, Snook, and exotic prehistoric species like Gar, Sawfish, and Bull Sharks that swim upriver to feed. Whether you visit during the prime dry season (January to April) or the lush green season, the river offers action-packed waters year-round.

The Journey & The Lodge

Your expedition begins with a scenic 4-5 hour drive on newly paved roads from Managua to the port of San Carlos, offering beautiful views of Nicaragua’s cattle country. From there, a private boat whisks you 1 hour downriver to the historic trading post of Boca de Sabalos (Tarpon’s Mouth).

You will stay at a comfortable riverfront lodge located exactly where the Sabalos and San Juan rivers meet. Enjoy the perfect balance of wild adventure and modern comfort with private bathrooms, constant solar power, and delicious local cuisine. The fishing starts right off the dock.

Target Species: River Monsters of the Rio San Juan

The Giants (Trophy Fish) Targeting the massive species migrating from the Caribbean.

Tarpon (Sábalo Real): The King of the River. These silver giants (often 100lb+) offer spectacular acrobatic jumps and rod-bending battles.
Bull Shark: A true river monster. Rio San Juan is one of the few places on earth where you can target these aggressive sharks in fresh water.
Sawfish: An incredibly rare, prehistoric species with a long, toothed snout that lurks in the river depths.

Exotic River Species Aggressive fighters resident to the jungle waters.

Snook (Robalo): Known for explosive strikes and hard fights. They are aggressive predators and excellent table fare.
Tropical Gar: A prehistoric relic with razor-sharp teeth and armor-like scales. A unique catch for any angler.
Rainbow Bass (Guapote): A colorful, hard-hitting cichlid native to Nicaragua. Pound-for-pound one of the strongest fighters in the river.
Machaca: Known as "freshwater mini-tarpon," these energetic fish jump wildly when hooked and are great fun on light tackle.

What's Included

Private Transportation: Airport transfers and roundtrip A/C vehicle (Managua to San Carlos)
Managua Stay: 2 Nights hotel accommodation with continental breakfast included.
Jungle Lodge: 2 Nights at San Juan River Lodge with all meals included.
Guided Fishing: Private boat (2 anglers per boat) with captain, fuel, and tackle included.
The Fishing Action: 1 Full Day + 2 Half Days (Afternoon of arrival & morning of departure).
Expertise: Professional Bilingual Guide.
Refreshments: Cooler with soft drinks provided during transfers and fishing.

*Note: $50.00 extra per night for single room occupancy

Not Included

City Dining: Lunch and dinner while in Managua.
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer and liquor.
Gratuities: Tips for the captain, guide, and lodge staff.

Prices

Option	Price per person
4 Anglers (Minimum)	$1,900.00

Christian Gaitan

Munditur guide. Christian answers our WhatsApp chat and can tell you how this tour runs.

Message Christian

Ready to Book Your Adventure?

For customized rates and package details, simply fill out this form and our team will contact you promptly.

Note: Listed prices are based on low-season estimates. We will provide a guaranteed, 100% accurate quote tailored to your travel dates when you inquire.

Package Recommendation:
Our 5-day package (which includes 1 full day and 2 half-days of fishing) is the shortest duration we recommend. Fishing is available year-round.

Want to add extra days?
If your group wants to extend the trip, the cost for each extra full day of fishing is $600 per person (4 Angler minimum).

Booking & Payment Policy:
A $1,000 deposit per person is required to secure your reservation. Final payment is due 30 days prior to arrival.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Managua

Upon your arrival at Managua International Airport (MGA), one of our professional bilingual guides will greet you at the exit. You will be transferred via private vehicle to your hotel in Managua to relax and settle in.

Evening: Free leisure time to explore or rest.

Day 2: The Scenic Drive & Afternoon Fishing

7:00 AM: We begin the adventure with a scenic 4-5 hour drive through Nicaragua’s cattle country to the port of San Carlos.

Upon arrival, we board our private boats for a 1-hour cruise down the river to the "Boca de Sabalos" Lodge. After a welcome lunch, the action begins! We head out for a 3-4 hour afternoon fishing session right in front of the lodge, a prime spot for Tarpon.

Evening: Freshen up and enjoy a delicious dinner served at 7:00 PM.

Day 3: Full Day of Fishing (Tarpon & Snook)

5:00 AM: Coffee is ready! We start fishing at first light when the Tarpon are rolling.

You can choose to have a quick early breakfast or fish for a few hours and return to the lodge for a full breakfast mid-morning. We fish until roughly 11:00 AM, break for lunch and a siesta, and then head back out to battle river monsters for the rest of the afternoon.

Evening: Share your war stories over dinner at the lodge (7:00 PM).

Day 4: Morning Fishing & Return to Managua

5:00 AM: One last chance to hook a giant. We fish the morning bite from dawn until 11:00 AM.

After the session, we pack up, enjoy a box lunch during the boat ride back to San Carlos, and begin the private road trip back to Managua. You will be dropped off at your hotel for a relaxing final night.

Day 5: Airport Transfer

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby and transfer you to Managua International Airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

Our Equipment

Boat: 25 to 30 ft Open Panga (Skiff)
Capacity: 2 to 3 Anglers per boat (Comfortable spacing)
Techniques: Trolling & Casting (Medium Tackle 25-50lb)
Navigation: River & Tributaries (Captain-guided)
Onboard: Cooler with soft drinks & beer provided.

Lodge Amenities

Restrooms: Available at the lodge (near fishing spots).
Life Jackets: Provided for every angler.
Climate Control: Riverside lodge with natural breeze & fans (no A/C).
Navigation: Expert local captains (GPS not required).

Cancellation & Rescheduling

Deposits: Initial deposits are non-refundable. However, we offer flexibility: if you need to reschedule, we will hold your deposit valid for up to 1 year.
Last-Minute Changes: Cancellations made close to the trip date may be subject to third-party penalties (hotels/transfers), which will be deducted from the deposit.
Refunds: The remaining balance (the 50% paid later) is refundable or can be applied to a rescheduled trip if agreed upon in advance.

How to Pay

Step 1: Secure Your Dates Book your trip with a $1,000 deposit per angler via Bank Transfer.
Step 2: Final Balance The remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival (or as mutually agreed).
Accepted Methods We accept Bank Wire Transfer or Cash.