Golfo Dulce is gearing up to host the Battle of the Bay, a sport fishing tournament set to take place from May 8 to 10. The event aims to establish southern Costa Rica as a world-class destination, renowned for its extraordinary marine and terrestrial biodiversity, the quality of its waters, and the unique experience it offers anglers from around the globe.
The tournament is organized by Marina Bahía Golfito, part of the Enjoy Group, in partnership with Zancudo Lodge and Crocodile Bay, and will bring together national and international anglers, as well as fishing enthusiasts, in a setting considered one of the richest and best-preserved marine ecosystems in the world.
“Battle of the Bay will be conducted with a focus on responsible sport fishing, promoting catch-and-release practices, which ensure that the activity does not negatively impact the environment or marine species. This model fosters ecosystem conservation, natural balance, and the sustainable use of resources, aligning with the environmental values that distinguish Costa Rica globally,” said Diego Camacho, fishing director at Crocodile Bay.
Sport fishing combines skill, patience, and technical knowledge, attracting both amateurs and experts seeking authentic experiences in pristine natural environments without compromising biodiversity.
The Battle of the Bay tournament will be held in four categories: Billfish Release, Roosterfish Release, Gamefish, and the Triple Crown bonus, which combines teams’ performance across all divisions. Each team may consist of up to six anglers, who will compete in accordance with responsible sport fishing guidelines, practicing catch-and-release.
At the end of the tournament, team rankings will be determined based on their performance in each division. The scoring system will award 500 points to first place, 300 points to second, and 100 points to third, while fourth place and lower will not earn points. Additionally, 600 bonus points will be awarded to the team with the best performance in the Triple Crown, as well as 200 additional points for each day of competition, incentivizing consistency and overall performance throughout the event.
“Battle of the Bay is much more than just a competition; it’s an invitation to experience Golfo Dulce through respect, passion, and a connection with nature. We want Costa Rican anglers and visitors from around the world to be part of a unique experience. This tournament celebrates not only skill and sportsmanship, but also a commitment to the tourism development of communities in the southern part of the country,” added Pedro Abdalla, director of Marina Bahía Golfito.
Tournament activities will begin on Thursday, May 7, with team registration at Botánika Resort from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by the captains’ meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where technical and safety guidelines will be shared. On Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, full-day fishing will take place in the center of the bay starting at 6:00 a.m., with the official start of the tournament on Saturday at 6:30 a.m. On Sunday, the event will conclude with the official weigh-in at Marina Bahía Golfito from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by the closing ceremony at 6:00 p.m. at the same location.
