Marina Pez Vela, situated on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast near Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, is a premier, full-service destination recognized globally for its world-class amenities and vibrant atmosphere.
Known globally for sportfishing, the marina is also a lively waterfront destination with dining, live music, markets, and year-round events. The Marina Pez Vela is a booming new attraction, as a hub where residents and visitors get together to enjoy the coastal lifestyle beyond the boats.
This contemporary space, reflecting the Southern Pacific spirit through local, sustainable design, is authentic and a welcoming extension of the community.
Where Is the Marina Pez Vela in Costa Rica?
Marina Pez Vela, located in Quepos, Costa Rica, is the main gateway marina for the Central Pacific, offering a complete experience. It is an ideal starting point for visitors due to its convenient proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park.
With the hills and the Pacific as a backdrop, it’s a lively spot that residents and visitors really enjoy. Guests may easily combine a day exploring Manuel Antonio’s animals and beach with an evening at the marina, which features sunset views, dining options, and live entertainment.
History of Marina Pez Vela: From Fishing Dream to Costa Rica’s Largest Marina
Marina Pez Vela began as a dream shared by a group of North American sport fishermen. They fell in love with Quepos for three main reasons:
- Some of the best billfishing waters in the world
- The charm of a small, authentic Costa Rican town
- Easy access to Manuel Antonio and its wildlife
As tourism and investment in Costa Rica boomed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, ideas for a true marina began to take form. The project entailed constructing a vast breakwater, developing slips and infrastructure to manage Pacific waves and currents, and transforming the initial proposal into a larger, more complex facility.
A Marina Designed Around Community and Culture
Marina Pez Vela distinguishes itself among Costa Rican marinas through a deep commitment to integrating with the local community and honoring the history of Quepos, actively avoiding the creation of an isolated, foreign-style resort. As structures are inspired by the previous era in order to establish visual coherence with the rest of the town, the architecture clearly reflects the story and identity that the new ownership worked with sociologists and historians to produce.
Marina Pez Vela Today: Slips, Services, and Sport Fishing
From a boating perspective, Marina Pez Vela is now one of the most advanced marinas in Central America.
The Main Marina Features:
- 195 operational wet slips, with a final expansion bringing the total to over 250 slips
- Officially, the largest marina in Costa Rica
- The only full‑service yacht yard in Central America, with a travel lift for boats up to 200 tons
- High‑speed, polished diesel fuel, known for its quality in a region where fuel can be inconsistent.
The Quepos marina draws serious anglers and owners of multi-million-dollar sport fishing yachts, thanks in part to the legendary fishing grounds nearby. The marina is a blend of high-end facilities with a connection to its surroundings. Boat owners appreciate being situated in a genuine Costa Rican town, taking pride in being part of one of Costa Rica’s most important tourism attractions.
What to Do in Manuel Antonio? Visit Marina Pez Vela for the Day
1. Walk the Waterfront and Watch the Boats
Marina Pez Vela is one of the most visited spots in Quepos. Unlike the jungle in Manuel Antonioaround it, it has wide, flat walkways and plazas. It’s the perfect place to:
- Take a walk around the docks.
- Catch the sport fishing boats heading out at sunrise or coming back with their haul.
- Check out the fish weigh-ins after tournaments.
- Just soak up the marina vibe and the ocean scenery.
2. Enjoy Waterfront Restaurants and Gelato
The marina has become a small culinary hub in Quepos, with several restaurants offering different styles and price points:
- Runaway Grill: the angler’s restaurant with a big, varied menu of seafood, burgers, and Costa Rican dishes.
- Cuba Libre: a Cuban restaurant with Caribbean flavors and a lively vibe.
- Gabriella’s: a gourmet seafood and steakhouse, perfect for special nights.
- The Butcher Block: a Texas‑style barbecue restaurant and one of the newest additions.
The marina is an ideal place to finish your day after visiting Manuel Antonio, offering spots for coffee, gelato, and casual dining.
3. Watch the Sunset
For one of the best sunset viewing experiences in Quepos, a daily ritual for both residents and tourists, offering several ways to enjoy the spectacle: you can grab a drink and a seat on a restaurant terrace, find a spot along the railings to watch the colors of the sky, or take a walk around the marina.
4. Attend Events and Festivals
The marina hosts a steady calendar of events in Quepos, including:
- Fishing tournaments: family‑friendly, women‑only, and major international events
- Holiday celebrations like Mother’s Day, 15 de Septiembre, Halloween, and Christmas
- Special gatherings such as the World Cup, SuperBowl viewing parties on a giant outdoor inflatable screen
- Bisbee Tournaments and along wih world class catch‑and‑release‑only tournaments hosted every year.
Stay for 5 minutes away from La Marina Pez Vela
Casa Colibri sits on a private half-acre lot just minutes from Manuel Antonio, offering a three-bedroom main house, two independent casitas, and accommodations for up to 16 guests. This accommodation is built for groups and extended families with spacious common areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and separate guest units that provide privacy.
Ready to experience Casa Colibri for yourself? Secure your dates with 2Costa Rica Vacation Rentals and work with a local team that works with Manuel Antonio and Quepos inside out.
Availability for large, well-located homes moves fast, especially properties that offer privacy, ocean views, and easy access to town. Contact 2Costa Rica Vacation Rentals today and lock in your stay before the best dates are gone.
Why Marina Pez Vela Belongs on Your Costa Rica Itinerary?
Marina Pez Vela is a top choice for things to do in Quepos, Manuel Antonio itineraries, and the best sport fishing in Costa Rica.
- Top‑tier marina services and Central America’s only full‑service yacht yard
- A safe, walkable public waterfront with restaurants, shops, and views
- A hub for events, tournaments, and cultural celebrations
- A strong commitment to community programs and sustainable fishing
Marina Pez Vela is the real deal for soaking up authentic Costa Rican coastal life. You’ll love the vibe here: take a boat tour, enjoy the live music, and catch an amazing Pacific sunset.
In Quepos or Manuel Antonio, visit Marina Pez Vela. Walk the docks, enjoy the sunset, and experience the lively blend of ocean, culture, and community.