Life Aboard a Multi-Day Offshore Trip – What to Expect on a FAD Expedition
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of leaving the coastline behind and heading toward the deep blue waters of Costa Rica’s Pacific. The hum of the engines, the smell of salt in the air, and the anticipation of what lies ahead, a multi-day FAD expedition is more than a fishing trip; it’s a full ocean adventure.
Whether you’re chasing your first marlin or returning for your tenth, knowing what to expect aboard a FAD fishing trip helps you prepare, relax, and get the most out of every moment offshore.
What Makes FAD Trips Special
FAD fishing (Fish Aggregating Device fishing) takes you 70 to 120 miles offshore, beyond the continental shelf, to deepwater seamounts where baitfish gather and predators follow. These spots attract blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo, the apex species that define Costa Rica’s reputation as the world’s top sportfishing destination.
Unlike a one-day charter, a FAD trip lasts two to four days at sea. You’ll live aboard a fully equipped sportfishing yacht, fish sunrise to sunset, and often through the night under a star-filled sky.
This is sportfishing at its purest form, no land in sight, just you, the crew, and the endless Pacific.
The Journey Begins
Most FAD expeditions depart from Los Sueños Marina, Golfito, or Quepos, where top-rated boats and captains like Bobby McGuinness prepare everything before you arrive.
After a pre-trip briefing, you’ll board in the afternoon and cruise toward the offshore grounds. Depending on the distance, it takes 4 to 8 hours to reach the first FAD. Dinner is served aboard while the boat motors through the calm nighttime seas, giving you a chance to unwind, rig tackle, or enjoy the stars from the deck.
By dawn, you’re already in Marlin country.
Day One: The First Bite
As the engines slow, teasers and dredges go out. Lines are set with fresh ballyhoo, pitch baits, or artificial lures. The first strikes often come early, a sailfish or blue marlin slashing through the spread.
The action can be explosive, with double and triple hookups common around productive FADs. Some boats log 10–20 marlin releases per day during peak months (May–October).
Throughout the day, the crew fine-tunes baits, watches sonar readings, and maintains constant focus. Every bite brings an adrenaline rush, followed by photos, high-fives, and quick, healthy releases.
Life Onboard
These trips are designed for comfort. Most FAD boats range from 40 to 60 feet, offering air-conditioned cabins, full galleys, private bathrooms, and shaded flybridges. You’ll share the boat with your group and crew, usually a captain, mate, and cook.
Meals are fresh and hearty, think grilled mahi-mahi, rice and beans, fruit, and local Costa Rican favorites. Cold drinks, water, and beer are always available.
Between bites, you can relax in the cabin, nap on deck, or swap stories with the crew. The rhythm of offshore life takes over: early mornings, long battles, and peaceful nights under the stars.
Day Two: Finding the Flow
By the second day, everyone knows their routine. The captain may move to another FAD or deep seamount depending on bait and water temperature.
As you settle in, something changes, time slows. It’s just the sound of reels, birds circling above, and the ocean all around. You begin to feel connected to the rhythm of the sea.
It’s not unusual for the bite to improve as the trip progresses. Some anglers experience multiple marlin releases per person, often seeing blue marlin in every direction. For many, this is the moment the trip transforms from a bucket-list dream into a personal record book.
Night at Sea
Nights offshore are unforgettable. The lights of Los Sueños fade long behind you, replaced by stars that seem close enough to touch.
Some crews set up chunk bait or deep drops for tuna and swordfish after dark. Others drift quietly, giving everyone time to rest. The captain and mate keep watch, maintaining position near the FAD while guests relax in their bunks.
The gentle rocking of the ocean becomes a lullaby, and by the time the engines fire up again at dawn, you’re ready for another full day of fishing.
Day Three: The Return Run
The final day is bittersweet. The crew squeezes in a few more hours at the FAD before beginning the return trip toward the coast. Along the way, you may encounter pods of dolphins, feeding birds, or schools of dorado, the perfect chance for one last hookup.
After lunch, you’ll start recognizing the mountains of the Central Pacific on the horizon. The marina comes into view, and by late afternoon, you’re back on the dock, tired but smiling, ready for a well-earned dinner in Jaco or Herradura.
What to Bring
Even though your charter handles most gear and meals, packing smart ensures comfort during the journey. Here’s what seasoned anglers recommend:
- Light long-sleeve shirts and quick-dry shorts
- Polarized sunglasses and sunscreen
- Non-slip deck shoes or sandals
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Personal toiletries and any medications
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- GoPro or a camera with extra batteries
- Your lucky lure or jig — every angler has one
The boats provide all fishing gear, safety equipment, meals, and beverages; just bring your sense of adventure.
FAD vs Overnight Coastal Trips
Some captains also offer overnight coastal charters, staying within 30–40 miles of shore. These are perfect if you want to experience life aboard without traveling all the way to the seamounts.
You’ll fish for sailfish, tuna, dorado, and roosterfish while anchoring near islands or calm bays overnight. It’s a great way to test the waters before committing to a full FAD expedition.
For serious anglers, however, FAD trips remain the ultimate experience, a chance to fish where few boats venture, in waters that teem with giants.
Best Time for Multi-Day FAD Expeditions
| Species | Prime Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | May – October | Peak around seamount FADs |
| Black Marlin | July – August | Found near inshore FADs and reefs |
| Sailfish | December – April | Common during dry season |
| Mahi-Mahi | May – November | Excellent around debris lines |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Year-round | Active near pods of spinner dolphins |
Departures are available year-round, but June through October remains the sweet spot for multi-day marlin trips.
The Crew: Your Offshore Family
A great FAD expedition relies on teamwork. Your captain reads water temperature, current, and bait movements, while the mates rig lines, prep bait, and handle releases with care.
Captains like Bobby McGuinness have perfected this teamwork over decades, often fishing 100+ miles offshore for days at a time, setting IGFA records and raising the bar for professionalism across Costa Rica.
These crews aren’t just running a boat; they’re keeping a tradition alive.
Book Your FAD Fishing Expedition
Booking a FAD trip with Costa Rica Fishing Experts means you’ll fish with proven captains and vessels that specialize in long-range expeditions from Los Sueños, Golfito, and Quepos.
Our team handles every detail, from provisioning and licensing to comfortable overnight setups. Whether you’re after a multi-marlin day or a lifetime experience, these expeditions deliver the thrill that keeps anglers coming back.
Start planning your adventure now by exploring:
FAQ – What to Expect on a FAD Fishing Trip
How far are the FADs from Los Sueños?
Most are 70–120 miles offshore, depending on the season and targeted seamounts.
Do we fish at night?
Yes, some boats drift or deep drop for tuna and swordfish after dark.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Licensed charters use modern navigation, life-saving equipment, and satellite communication for full safety coverage.
Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. The crew handles everything. Beginners are always welcome, just be ready for long fights and big fish.
Life aboard a FAD expedition is unforgettable, equal parts adventure, camaraderie, and pure fishing adrenaline. When the last marlin is tagged and released, and the horizon glows orange as you head back toward shore, you’ll understand why this is the pinnacle of Costa Rican sportfishing.
