Panga, half day
Live bait around the rocks and points near Herradura.
Fish Costa Rica · Los Sueños boat guide
Pangas vs Sportfishers
in Los Sueños
Which boat should you book at Los Sueños Marina? Compare the two, answer three quick questions, and see which fits your group and the fish you want.
Panga22–28 ft · inshore
Sportfisher34–60+ ft · offshore
0–8 vs 20–40+ miTypical fishing range
Always privateYour group only
Side by side
The two boats at a glance.
| Panga | Sportfisher | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 22–28 ft, one or two outboards | 34–60+ ft, twin diesels |
| Where you fish | Inshore: reefs, points and islands, 0–8 miles out | Offshore blue water, 20–40+ miles out |
| Main fish | Roosterfish, snapper, jacks, mackerel | Sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo |
| Group size | Small groups, about 2–3 anglers | Larger groups, depending on the boat |
| Comfort | Shade, cooler and basic seating | Air-conditioned cabin, restroom, plenty of shade |
| Crew | Captain, sometimes a mate | Captain and mate |
| Best trip | Half day | Full day, overnight or FAD trips |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Boat picker
Three questions.
Your boat.
Answer the questions
Your recommendation will show up here.
How to choose
Which one is right for you?
Choose a panga if…
- You’re after roosterfish and snapper inshore
- You want to keep the budget lower
- You like light tackle and fast action
- You’re bringing kids or first-time anglers for a half day
- You want a simple, relaxed morning
More on inshore fishing and roosterfish.
Choose a sportfisher if…
- You want sailfish, marlin or tuna
- Your group is four or more
- You want A/C, a restroom and room to relax
- It’s a bucket-list trip
- You’re bringing seniors or non-anglers
More on offshore fishing and sailfish.
Real trips
What our clients usually book.
Sportfisher, full day
Out to blue water early for the best shot at billfish.
Sportfisher
Shade, A/C and a restroom keep everyone comfortable.
Both
An offshore day for billfish, plus an inshore half day for roosters.
Our Los Sueños sportfishers
Ready to pick a boat?
- Good Day Too · 36 ft Hatteras
- Dream Maker · 36 ft Cabo
- Dream Work · 36 ft Express
- Circle Hook · 37 ft Hatteras
- Tres Amigos · 38 ft
- Crush Em · 48 ft Ocean Yacht
- Scatterbrain · 52 ft Hatteras
Want a panga? Tell us your dates and we’ll check what’s available. See all Los Sueños fishing charters.
Keep planning
More Los Sueños guides.
Staying at the resortFishing from Los SueñosPlan a fishing day from the Marriott, the villas or Herradura.Plan your day →
Seasons & speciesLos Sueños fishing guideWhat’s biting when, and how far the boats run.Read the guide →
All of Costa RicaPangas vs sportfishers nationwideThe same choice in Quepos, Flamingo, Papagayo and the South Pacific.Compare by region →
Boat questions
Quick answers.
Still not sure? Tell us your group and we’ll recommend a boat.
What is a panga?
A panga is a small open boat, usually 22 to 28 feet with one or two outboard engines, used for inshore fishing close to shore.
Can you catch sailfish from a panga at Los Sueños?
Pangas mostly fish inshore, 0 to 8 miles out. For sailfish and marlin, a sportfisher that can run 20 to 40+ miles offshore in comfort is the better choice.
How many people fit on a Los Sueños sportfisher?
It depends on the boat. Most of our 36 to 38 ft sportfishers take up to 6 anglers, and larger yachts suit bigger groups.
Do pangas have a bathroom?
No. Pangas have shade, a cooler and basic seating. Sportfishers have an air-conditioned cabin and a restroom.
Which boat is best for kids?
For a short morning of steady action, an inshore panga half day. For longer trips or young children who need shade and a restroom, a sportfisher.
How much does a panga or sportfisher charter cost in Los Sueños?
Pangas cost less than sportfishers. The price depends on the boat, the trip length and your dates, so ask us for a quote.
Plan your charter
Tell us your group.
We’ll pick the boat.
Send your dates, number of anglers and what you’d like to catch. We’ll recommend a panga or sportfisher and send a quote.
USA & Canada: 1-800-986-6980
Costa Rica / WhatsApp: +506 8888 4723