FAD Fishing Costa Rica: Complete Guide for 2026 (Quepos & Los Sueños)
If you’re searching for the ultimate offshore fishing experience, FAD fishing in Costa Rica is at the very top of the list. This is not your typical fishing trip—it’s a multi-day, deep-sea expedition targeting some of the most powerful game fish in the world.
Departing from world-class marinas like Marina Pez Vela and Los Sueños Marina, anglers travel far offshore to fish around seamounts and Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), where the biggest pelagic species gather.
In this complete 2026 guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about FAD fishing in Costa Rica, including pricing, distance offshore, target species, boat types, and what to expect.
What Is FAD Fishing?
FAD stands for Fish Aggregating Device—a floating or anchored structure placed in the open ocean to attract baitfish. These baitfish, in turn, attract larger predators like marlin and tuna.
In Costa Rica, FADs are strategically placed around underwater mountains called seamounts, creating one of the most productive offshore fisheries in the world.
This combination of FADs + seamounts is what makes Costa Rica a global hotspot for trophy fishing.
Where FAD Fishing Takes Place
FAD fishing trips in Costa Rica primarily depart from two key locations:
Marina Pez Vela
Located in Quepos, this marina is one of the top sportfishing hubs in Central America.
Why Choose Quepos:
- Close to Manuel Antonio
- Experienced captains and crews
- Access to productive offshore waters
- Wide range of boats
Most FAD trips from here depart in the afternoon or evening and travel overnight to the fishing grounds.
Los Sueños Marina
Located in Herradura near Jacó, this is a luxury sportfishing marina known for high-end charters.
Why Choose Los Sueños:
- Premium yachts and crews
- Excellent access to offshore fishing zones
- Ideal for serious anglers
Both marinas provide access to the same offshore seamount and FAD systems.
Distance Offshore: How Far Are the FADs?
This is where FAD fishing becomes a true expedition.
Typical Distance:
- 65 miles offshore to the main seamount (“The Pocket”)
- Up to 100–300 miles offshore depending on conditions and trip type
Travel Time:
- 8 to 12 hours by boat
Because of this distance, FAD fishing is always:
👉 Multi-day (overnight) fishing
Boats typically depart in the afternoon and arrive at the fishing grounds by sunrise.
Target Species: What You Can Catch
FAD fishing is all about big game pelagic species.
Top Target Fish:
- Blue Marlin (main target)
- Black Marlin
- Striped Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi)
- Sailfish
FADs concentrate baitfish, which attract large predators—making it possible to have multiple marlin bites in a single day, something very rare in most parts of the world.
Trip Duration: How Long Are FAD Fishing Charters?
FAD fishing is not a half-day or full-day trip—it’s a serious offshore expedition.
Typical Trip Options:
- 2 nights / 1 day fishing
- 3 nights / 2 days fishing
- 4–5 nights / 3–4 days fishing
The schedule usually looks like this:
- Day 1: Depart marina (afternoon/evening)
- Day 2–3: Full days fishing at FADs
- Final day: Return to marina
FAD Fishing Prices (2026)
Pricing varies depending on boat size, luxury level, and trip duration.
From Quepos (Marina Pez Vela)
Typical pricing:
- 2 nights / 1 day: $4,500 – $6,600+
- 3 nights / 2 days: $7,500 – $10,950+
- 4 nights / 3 days: $9,000 – $14,600+
Luxury yachts can exceed $18,000+ for extended trips.
From Los Sueños Marina
Typical pricing:
- 2 nights / 1 day: $3,000 – $5,000+
- 3 nights / 2 days: $6,000 – $10,000+
- 4 nights / 3 days: $12,000 – $16,000+
Key Pricing Insight:
- Prices are per boat, not per person
- Cost is split among 3–6 anglers
- Per person cost usually ranges from $1,000 to $3,000+
Boat Types for FAD Fishing
FAD fishing requires large, offshore-capable sportfishing yachts.
Common Boat Sizes:
- 36 ft to 60+ ft sportfishing boats
Features You Can Expect:
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Sleeping bunks
- Full bathrooms
- Kitchen (galley)
- Tuna tubes, outriggers, heavy tackle
- Professional captain and crew
These boats are designed for long-range offshore fishing, not day trips.
What’s Included on FAD Fishing Trips
FAD fishing charters are typically all-inclusive.
Standard Inclusions:
- Professional captain and crew
- All fishing equipment and bait
- Licenses and permits
- Navigation and safety systems
Food & Drinks:
- 3 meals per day
- Snacks and fresh fruit
- Water, soft drinks, beer
- Sometimes premium alcohol
Accommodation:
- Private or shared sleeping cabins
- Air conditioning
- Bathrooms and showers
This makes the experience feel more like a floating fishing lodge.
What to Expect on a FAD Fishing Trip
FAD fishing is very different from standard fishing charters.
The Experience:
- Long offshore run overnight
- Sunrise arrival at the FADs
- Multiple rods trolling at once
- High chances of big fish action
- Long, intense fights with large pelagic species
You’ll spend hours fishing in deep blue water, often surrounded by nothing but ocean.
Why Costa Rica Is One of the Best Places for FAD Fishing
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is unique because of:
- Underwater seamounts rising from deep ocean
- Warm, nutrient-rich currents
- High concentration of baitfish
- Strategic placement of FADs
This creates one of the most productive offshore ecosystems in the world.
Quepos vs Los Sueños: Which Is Better?
Choose Quepos (Marina Pez Vela) if you want:
- Closer access from Manuel Antonio
- More charter variety
- Competitive pricing
Choose Los Sueños Marina if you want:
- Luxury boats
- Premium experience
- High-end service
Both locations access the same offshore fishing grounds.
Who Should Book a FAD Fishing Charter?
FAD fishing is best for:
- Experienced anglers
- Groups of 3–6 people
- Travelers seeking trophy fish
- Those comfortable with multi-day ocean trips
This is not a casual activity—it’s a serious fishing expedition.
Tips for Booking a FAD Fishing Trip
- Book several months in advance
- Choose the right boat size for your group
- Confirm what’s included
- Check captain experience
- Plan for multi-day availability
Book Your FAD Fishing Charter in Costa Rica
If you’re serious about offshore fishing, this is one of the best experiences you can book anywhere in the world.
- Choose Quepos for accessibility and variety
- Choose Los Sueños for luxury and premium service
- Choose multi-day trips for the best results
FAD fishing charters are limited and high demand—especially during peak marlin seasons.
Reserve your charter early to secure your dates and boat.
Why FAD Fishing Is Worth It
This experience offers:
- Some of the best marlin fishing in the world
- Remote offshore adventure
- High catch potential
- All-inclusive luxury fishing trips
It’s not just fishing—it’s a bucket-list offshore expedition.
