Quepos, Costa Rica – Marina Pez Vela has made history with the Pelagic Rock Star 2025, becoming the first billfish release tournament to feature a million-dollar payout. This unprecedented achievement further solidifies the marina’s status as a premier global destination for sportfishing enthusiasts.
A Record-Breaking Day for Billfish Releases
The Pelagic Rock Star 2025 set another remarkable record, logging 1,354 billfish releases in a single day—the highest number ever recorded in a tournament.
Here’s a comparison of the top release days in billfish tournament history:
- Pelagic Rock Star 2025, Marina Pez Vela – 1,354 billfish releases
- Signature Series 2016, Los Sueños – 1,103 billfish releases
- Offshore World Championship 2015, Marina Pez Vela – 940 billfish releases

Michael Jordan’s First Visit to Marina Pez Vela
Among the tournament’s distinguished visitors was legendary basketball star and avid angler Michael Jordan, who made his first-ever visit to Costa Rica and Marina Pez Vela. He fine-tuned his fishing skills and enjoyed the unparalleled experience that has captivated sportfishing enthusiasts worldwide.
Exciting Tournaments Ahead at Marina Pez Vela
Marina Pez Vela continues to be the ultimate destination for sportfishing enthusiasts, with an exciting lineup of tournaments that draw top anglers from around the world.
This year, the marina will host the highly anticipated Pescadora Billfish Championship, the world’s most unique ladies’ billfishing event.
In addition, Marina Pez Vela will welcome the inaugural IGFA Open, a prestigious new event that promises to attract international attention as anglers compete to showcase their skills in billfish conservation and sportfishing excellence.

Luxury and State-of-the-Art Facilities
Beyond its exceptional fishing opportunities, Marina Pez Vela caters to yacht owners and captains with cutting-edge facilities. With 250 wet slips for vessels up to 200 feet, the marina accommodates a wide range of yachts and boats.
Comprehensive services include a 200-ton Travelift, a full-service boatyard, high-speed fueling with polished diesel fuel—a unique benefit for customers—on-site maintenance and repairs, and concierge provisioning, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors.
For those seeking luxury on land, the marina’s waterfront village offers an array of top-tier amenities. From gourmet dining to boutique shopping, visitors can indulge in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Soon, 40 new luxury onsite villas will open, offering guests an even more exclusive and comfortable stay at Marina Pez Vela.

Contact Information
For general inquiries, please visit www.marinapezvela.com or contact us at [email protected].
About Marina Pez Vela
Marina Pez Vela is a luxury marina and sportfishing destination in Quepos, Costa Rica, renowned for its world-class tournaments, state-of-the-art facilities, and exceptional guest experiences.

