When most anglers think of fishing in Costa Rica, they picture leaping sailfish and shimmering marlin beneath cloudless skies, and they’re right. But for those who want to go beyond the ordinary, to fish where few ever venture, FAD fishing and overnight offshore charters deliver an adventure that defines true sportfishing passion.
From the calm luxury of Los Sueños Marina to the remote waters off Golfito and Quepos, the Pacific seamounts are alive with marlin, tuna, dorado, and the unbeatable thrill of the open ocean.
What Makes FAD Fishing So Special
FADs, or Fish Aggregating Devices, are floating structures moored far offshore, often 60 to 120 miles into the Pacific, that attract baitfish, which in turn attract predators. In Costa Rica’s Pacific, these devices have transformed the region into one of the most consistent marlin fisheries on Earth.
From November through August, captains leaving Los Sueños, Quepos, or Golfito can find blue, black, and striped marlin feeding aggressively around these seamounts. The action can be non-stop: double and even triple marlin hookups are common.
For a deep dive into how it works, see FAD Fishing in Costa Rica, your complete guide to multi-day seamount adventures.
Overnight Fishing – Going Beyond the Horizon
The ultimate way to experience FAD fishing is to spend one or more nights at sea. Overnight Fishing in Costa Rica combines the tranquility of the open ocean with the excitement of 24-hour fishing.
You leave the marina at dawn, troll through the day, dine under a starlit sky, and wake up 100 miles offshore where the marlin are still feeding. It’s peaceful, raw, and thrilling all at once.
Our larger vessels, like the 47 ft Cabo Ambition and 52 ft Hatteras Scartebrian from Los Sueños Marina, feature full A/C cabins, hot meals, and professional crews so you can rest easy between battles.
Captains Who Made It Legendary
Great trips start with great captains, and Costa Rica Fishing Experts proudly works with some of the country’s most accomplished professionals:
- Captain Bobby McGuinness – Based in Golfito, he’s an IGFA award-winning captain, twice named World’s Top Captain. Bobby pioneered FAD fishing in southern waters and routinely records double-digit marlin releases on his 54 ft Riviera.
- Captain Esteban Morcos – Operating from Los Sueños Marina, Esteban runs a 36 ft Hatteras and is known for precision FAD trips and inshore roosterfish mastery.
- Captain Javier Cantu – From Quepos Marina Pez Vela, Javier’s team specializes in overnight and two-day offshore charters targeting blue marlin and yellowfin tuna.
- Captain Donald McGuinnes – Running charters out of Puerto Jiménez, Donald leads multi-day seamount expeditions, often combining FAD fishing with deep-drop swordfish and tuna sessions.
Each of these captains shares the same focus: find the bite, fish hard, and deliver the adventure of a lifetime.
Los Sueños – The Billfish Capital of the World
Located in Playa Herradura, just minutes from Jacó Beach, Los Sueños Marina is Costa Rica’s most luxurious sportfishing destination. Here, sleek yachts line calm docks, crews rig baits at sunrise, and anglers set off toward the seamounts, often returning with stories of 10-fish marlin days.
For travelers flying into San José, it’s only a 90-minute drive to the marina. From there, boats like the 36 ft Hatteras, 38 ft Tres Amigos, and 48 ft Ocean Yacht await.
Explore full details on our dedicated page: Los Sueños Fishing Charters.
Whether you want a single-day offshore charter or a three-day marlin expedition, Los Sueños offers every option, from family-friendly inshore trips to full-luxury multi-day adventures.
Beyond Los Sueños – Other Hotspots Worth Exploring
While Los Sueños sits at the heart of Costa Rica’s sportfishing scene, the entire Pacific coast offers unique overnight and FAD opportunities:
Quepos & Marina Pez Vela
Only 1.5 hours south of Los Sueños, Quepos offers easy access to FADs located 80 miles offshore. Its modern marina and small-town charm make it a favorite for anglers, combining fishing with a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Book with Captain Javier Cantu for overnight trips chasing blue marlin, tuna, and dorado.
Golfito & Puerto Jiménez
In the southern zone, Golfito Bay and Golfo Dulce provide calm overnight anchorages and direct runs to deepwater seamounts.
Captain Bobby McGuinness and Captain Donald McGuinness lead these expeditions, often releasing more marlin in one week than many anglers see in a lifetime.
Guanacaste & Flamingo Marina
Farther north, Flamingo and Tamarindo are emerging hubs for FAD and multi-day charters. Bluewater seamounts lie within reach, and the dry-season seas are ideal for 2-day marlin and tuna hunts.
Wherever you launch from, all roads, or tides, lead back to the same goal: big fish and big smiles.
A Typical FAD Expedition
Day 1 – Departure from Los Sueños
You board early, meet the crew, and run 80–100 miles offshore. Trolling lines hit the water mid-morning as flying fish scatter across cobalt seas.
Day 2 – The FAD Zone
Sunrise over glass-calm waters. Outriggers snap. Your reel screams. Blue marlin light up neon behind the teasers. After releasing photos, a hearty breakfast, and then back to work, another strike, another dream realized.
Night 2 – On the Water
As stars fill the sky, you relax in the salon, share stories with the crew, and drift gently as baitfish flicker in the deck lights.
Day 3 – Return
Lines in for a few final hours, maybe a dorado or wahoo for dinner, then a comfortable run home with marlin still on your mind.
That’s the rhythm of a true offshore adventure.
Species You Can Target on Multi-Day Trips
| Species | Season | Best Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Marlin | Nov – Apr & Jul – Aug | FADs / Seamounts | Double-digit releases possible |
| Black Marlin | Jul – Sep | Southern Pacific (Golfito) | Larger fish; peak in warm water |
| Striped Marlin | Dec – Mar | Central Pacific | Often mixed with sailfish |
| Sailfish | Dec – Apr | Los Sueños / Quepos | Peak dry season bite |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Year-Round | All Pacific Marinas | Common near dolphin pods |
| Dorado (Mahi Mahi) | May – Nov | Offshore Currents | Abundant during green season |
| Roosterfish | Year-Round | Inshore Coastlines | Perfect for day-2 inshore combo |
| Wahoo | Jul – Aug | Seamount Edges | Abundant during the green season |
Planning Your Overnight Charter
A successful FAD or overnight trip requires preparation. Here’s what we recommend:
- Book Early – Prime months (Dec–Apr, Jul–Aug) fill quickly.
- Pick the Right Boat – Minimum 36 ft for overnight comfort; larger for multi-day runs.
- Travel Light – Sunscreen, camera, light clothing, deck shoes, seasickness tablets.
- Expect Luxury & Safety – All boats carry lifejackets, VHF, radar, satellite comms.
- Stay Flexible – Weather and bite patterns may shift, but captains adapt fast.
When you’re ready, our team will match you with the perfect vessel and crew, coordinate ground transfers, and handle your Costa Rica fishing license before you arrive.
Conservation & Sustainability
Costa Rica leads Latin America in sustainable sportfishing.
All billfish, marlin, and sailfish are strictly catch-and-release, and captains follow INCOPESCA tagging protocols. Many of our FAD trips contribute to ongoing research through IGFA and private conservation groups.
Responsible fishing ensures that the next generation can enjoy the same breathtaking marlin action that has made Costa Rica world-famous.
Extend Your Adventure
Why stop with just fishing? Combine your offshore expedition with:
- A day in Manuel Antonio National Park for rainforest and wildlife.
- A beach stay in Jacó or Herradura with in-home massages and chef service.
- A trip south to Golfito to fish with Captain Bobby McGuinness on his legendary Riviera.
Our team can customize complete Costa Rica Fishing Packages, including lodging, transfers, and multi-destination itineraries.
See details at Costa Rica Fishing Charters for inspiration and package options.
Book Your Multi-Day Fishing Adventure
The best offshore anglers know one truth — the biggest fish are out there, beyond the horizon.
From Los Sueños’ polished docks to the wild waters off Golfito, Costa Rica Fishing Experts takes you there with the country’s best captains and crews.
+506 8310 8393 | ✉️ info@costaricafishingexperts.com
Let’s go fishing, and make your next adventure one you’ll never forget.
