When you’re heading 100 miles offshore for multiple days chasing Blue Marlin, the boat you choose matters as much as the captain. FAD fishing in Costa Rica demands long-range vessels built to handle heavy seas, stay self-sufficient for days, and keep anglers comfortable between battles.

From Los Sueños to Quepos and Golfito, Costa Rica’s elite fleet features some of the finest sportfishing yachts in Central America. Below, we’ll break down what makes a FAD boat exceptional, the features you should look for, and profiles of the vessels that consistently deliver results.

What Makes a FAD Boat Different

A FAD trip isn’t a simple offshore day charter. You’re traveling up to 150 miles offshore and staying out for two to four days. A true FAD boat must be:

Fast and fuel-efficient: twin diesel engines with extended range fuel tanks.
Stable and seaworthy: deep-V hull for smoother rides in open water.
Fully equipped: long-range radar, Furuno sonar, tuna tubes, ice boxes, and refrigerated holds.
Comfortable: cabins with air conditioning, beds, bathrooms, a galley, and a shaded cockpit.
Crewed by experts: captains and mates with years of FAD experience and marlin releases to prove it.

Every piece of equipment on board must perform perfectly. Out there, there’s no marina, no store, and no second chances.

Typical Boat Sizes

Most long-range FAD boats in Costa Rica fall between 40 and 60 feet.

40–45 ft: Ideal for smaller groups (up to 4 anglers). Faster travel, excellent efficiency.
46–55 ft: The sweet spot for balance between range, comfort, and speed.
56–65 ft: Luxury-class yachts with large salons, multiple cabins, and even chefs on board.

While smaller day boats can reach FADs on special runs, overnight comfort and safety are why most serious anglers opt for larger vessels.

Key Features You’ll Find on FAD Boats

Tuna Tubes & Live Wells: Keep baits alive during multi-day trips.
Long-Range Fuel Capacity: 800–1,200 gallons for extended range.
High-End Electronics: Furuno CH-300 sonar, Raymarine Axiom 9, 96-mile radar.
Comfort Amenities: A/C cabins, galley, head with shower, and shaded cockpit.
Safety Systems: EPIRB, life raft, satellite phone, and dual GPS.
Fishing Gear: Shimano Tiagra 80s, 130s, Penn Internationals, top-tier dredges, and teasers.

These details separate real FAD yachts from basic offshore charters.

The Captains – Masters of the Offshore

Behind every great boat is a greater captain. Costa Rica’s FAD crews are legendary for their seamanship, precision, and professionalism. Many of them have thousands of billfish releases logged and decades of experience navigating the seamounts.

Names to Know:

Capt. Bobby McGuinness – Based in Golfito, two-time IGFA “Captain of the Year.” Runs multi-day seamount trips on the Caza Tica II and Finesse. Known for 20+ marlin days.
Capt. Esteban Morcos – Veteran Los Sueños captain with deep FAD knowledge; specializes in long-range bluewater expeditions.
Capt. Bubba Carter – One of the most respected names in big-game fishing worldwide, often seen in Los Sueños and Quepos during marlin season.
Capt. Henry and Capt. Javier – Known for consistent results and hospitality out of Marina Pez Vela.

These captains not only know where to find fish—they understand ocean patterns, bait behavior, and the rhythm of the currents that make the FADs come alive.

Featured Boats for FAD Fishing in Costa Rica

Below are examples of vessels designed and proven for FAD and multi-day offshore work. (Specs are representative of Costa Rica’s top-tier fleet; exact configurations vary by marina.)

1. 54’ Riviera Sportfisher – “Clean Sweep” (Los Sueños Marina)

One of the most versatile boats in the fleet.

Engines: Twin MAN 800 hp diesels, 24-knot cruise.
Range: Over 1,000 nautical miles.
Features: Tuna tubes, ice-maker, full galley, two staterooms, full A/C.
Fishing Gear: Shimano Tiagra 80W, Furuno CH-300 sonar, dredges, teasers, and long-range comms.
Highlights: Perfect balance of comfort and performance. Ideal for 3–4-day FAD trips for groups up to six anglers.

2. 47’ Cabo Express – “Ambition” (Los Sueños Marina)

A purpose-built machine for offshore marlin.

Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
Engines: Twin CAT 800 hp C-series.
Electronics: Raymarine Axiom 9 radar, 3-screen Furuno touch setup.
Features: Twin tuna tubes, livewell, cockpit shade, air-conditioned salon, bunk beds.
Highlight: Excellent range and fast repositioning—ideal for shorter 2–3-day FAD expeditions.

3. 60’ Mikelson – “Thumper” (Golfito / Puerto Jiménez)

Built for comfort and endurance.

Engines: Twin Detroit Diesels 1,000 hp.
Cruise: 20 knots, range 1,200 nm.
Amenities: Full galley, spacious salon, satellite TV, two bathrooms, and sleeping for eight.
Features: Tuna tubes, 1,000 lb ice hold, dual generators.
Highlight: Combines the luxury of a yacht with the functionality of a working fishing vessel.

4. 42’ Silverton Convertible – “Luna Si” (Quepos / Marina Pez Vela)

Compact, comfortable, and reliable.

Engines: Twin Cummins 450s.
Range: 700+ miles.
Electronics: Furuno radar, depth finder, GPS.
Highlights: Great mid-size option for smaller groups targeting seamounts and FADs 100 miles offshore.

5. 35’ Cabo Express – “Dream On” (Los Sueños)

A legendary performer for both day and overnight charters.

Engines: Twin CAT 450s.
Features: Tuna tubes, shaded cockpit, Furuno sonar, cabin with A/C.
Highlight: Compact size makes it efficient yet capable of multi-day trips for small groups.

6. 32’ Blackfin – “Loretta” (Los Sueños)

A rugged and efficient option for anglers seeking performance.

Engines: Twin Cummins 370s.
Cruise: 22 knots.
Features: Small galley, tuna tubes, tower controls, electronics suite.
Highlight: Ideal for fast 1–2-night overnight charters; experienced local crew.

7. 54’ Viking Convertible – “Fish Whistle” (Los Sueños)

Luxury meets power.

Engines: Twin MAN 1000s, cruising at 27 knots.
Amenities: 3 staterooms, full galley, large salon, and entertainment system.
Fishing Gear: Dual dredge system, 80W Tiagras, Furuno omni sonar.
Highlight: Exceptional comfort for multi-day offshore runs with five-star service.

8. 42’ Bertram – “SuelTalo 2” (Los Sueños)

A local favorite for reliable performance.

Features: Twin diesels, tuna tubes, cockpit shade, A/C cabin, and full galley.
Highlight: Balanced power, proven in both day and FAD fishing operations.

Life Onboard

These boats are more than machines—they’re floating homes built for adventure.
You’ll wake up to coffee in the salon, step out into the cockpit, and watch the sunrise over the Pacific. Meals are freshly cooked—grilled tuna, ceviche, pasta, and local fruit.

Between bites, you’ll nap in air-conditioned cabins or talk tactics with the captain. Even hundreds of miles offshore, the comfort and camaraderie make every FAD expedition feel like a blend of adventure and luxury.

Safety First

All long-range FAD charters carry strict safety gear and are captained by licensed professionals. Every boat includes:

Life raft and jackets for all passengers.
EPIRB emergency beacon and satellite phone.
Fire suppression systems and backup generators.
Redundant GPS and fuel systems.
Weather monitoring and onboard first aid kits.

At Fish Costa Rica, every partner vessel meets or exceeds Costa Rican maritime safety regulations.

Choosing the Right Boat for Your Group

Couples or Small Groups (2–4 anglers): Choose 35–42 ft boats like Dream On or Luna Si.
Families or 4–6 anglers: Step up to 45–50 ft options like Ambition.
Hardcore Crews or Multi-Day Expeditions: Go with 54–60 ft yachts like Thumper for maximum comfort and endurance.

If you’re unsure which fits your needs, our team will match you with the right vessel, captain, and itinerary based on your dates, budget, and goals.

The Human Element – Crews that Make It Happen

Costa Rican FAD crews are true professionals. They know every detail—from rigging baits to reading sonar, tracking currents, and keeping morale high on long trips.

Most have worked together for years, developing silent communication during fights: a glance, a nod, a perfect leader grab. That level of precision is what keeps release numbers high and anglers coming back year after year.

Why Booking Through Fish Costa Rica Makes a Difference

We’ve spent decades working directly with captains across Los Sueños, Quepos, and Golfito. Our relationships ensure:

You fish on proven, legal, and fully insured vessels.
Crews maintain top-tier gear and conservation standards.
Trips are customized—no cookie-cutter packages.
Transfers, accommodations, and logistics are handled start to finish.

You’ll fish like a local, guided by teams who live and breathe Costa Rican waters.

Ready for the Ultimate Offshore Adventure?

Whether it’s your first FAD expedition or your tenth, the right boat and crew make all the difference. With Costa Rica’s top fleet, luxury vessels built for performance, captains with world-class reputations, and crews that treat every trip like a tournament, you’re guaranteed the offshore experience of a lifetime.

Contact Fish Costa Rica today to plan your next FAD or multi-day marlin charter, and discover why our fleet stands above the rest as the benchmark for long-range sportfishing in Central America.