Fishing at la Costa del Atun

You will be surprised by the quantity and quality found here. The name says it all—recognized by experts across the world, this destination is renowned for the vast amount and high quality of the fish. Whether you are an expert or just learning how to cast a rod, the Tuna Coast is one of the best destinations in the country.

A highlight that makes the Tuna Coast so special is that there is almost no sports fishing traffic; therefore, less competition and more fish for you!

Here you can find a great variety of species, but tuna is certainly the star of the show. If you visit from April to June, you can even take part in our annual tournaments.

And one of the best things is you can even eat what you fish! Many tours include a grill and chefs who turn your catch into delicious dishes.

So you can fish, cook and enjoy.

In March, April, August and September, take the opportunity to catch a black marlin (Istiompax Indica). If you’re after yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), try to come between April and July, and if you want to catch a wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) come from September to December. If you don’t have a definite date, don’t worry, in any month of the year you will find roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis), cubera snapper (Lutjanus novemfasciatus) and mullet snapper (Lutjanus aratus).

If your visit coincides with the rainy season (April to December) you have nothing to worry about. This area is called the “Dry Arc” because it gets less rain and less wind than the rest of the country, so you will have a fairly calm sea. If you come from December to April, you’ll find open-sea fish closer to shore and very close to the usual species.

If you choose the months of July to September for your fishing trip to Panamá, you’ll be arriving in the whale watching season. Be sure to look for them when you get on your boat. You can enjoy an experience that you’ll never forget.

Panamá is constantly seeking to protect its coasts and biodiversity, and the Tuna Coast is no exception. It is important to follow the country’s recommendations in order to ensure the future of fishing, whether for recreation or for commercial purposes.

- Closed seasons:

Fishing is prohibited during certain times of the year so that species are protected and can reach full maturity and start the reproductive cycle. During these months, fishing is banned in specific areas. Ask your tour operator to make sure you comply with all the local regulations.

- Equipment specifications:

Traditional and sports fishing gear must be suitable to catch large fish. In this way we guarantee the reproduction of species and the future possibility of having large, prize-worthy specimens.

- Boat safety:

All vessels must have valid documentation, comply with safety measures and, above all, be environmentally friendly. Both your vessel and your fishing plan must make sure to protect the ecosystem so that all species can continue to thrive

From Panama City, it is approximately a 5‑hour drive to Pedasi, the first port of departure for your adventure at the Tuna Coast. Rent a car and take the Pan-American Highway to the Divisa turnoff. Turn left, and continue until you reach your chosen port.

At Albrook Bus Terminal you can hop on a bus and go directly to Pedasi or Tonosi. Once you are in Los Santos province, you can also ride local buses that take you from one port to another.

To fish at the Tuna Coast and the surrounding areas, you’ll find all-inclusive plans for groups of up to six people. Depending on the number of passengers, the destination, and the extras they may include, prices range from $175 to $650 as of 2025. You can also rent fishing gear starting at $50 or rent everything separately.

Always remember to sail with a certified captain and make sure they have all the necessary equipment for a safe trip. Ask your guide about closed seasons to protect Panamá’s diversity. Hop on your boat or a motorized panga and start your journey.