“At Jaco360, we don’t just book boats; we manage the logistics for the most complex maritime expeditions in the Central Pacific. This is our definitive 2026 guide to the seamount revolution.”

Last Updated: March 6, 2026 – Includes updated 2026 Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela rates, current FAD fishing season insights, and new INCOPESCA licensing requirements.

For decades, the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica has been the epicenter of world-class sportfishing. However, in 2026, the game has evolved. While traditional offshore fishing remains a staple for many, a new frontier has captured the imagination of the global angling community: FAD and Seamount Fishing.

Whether you are looking for a classic day on the water out of Los Sueños or a multi-day “Marlin Marathon” departing from Manuel Antonio, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the most productive fishery on the planet.

What are FADs and Seamounts?

To catch the giants, you have to understand where they hide.

  • Seamounts: These are submerged volcanic mountains that rise from the ocean floor. As deep-sea currents strike these massive structures, they create an “upwelling” of nutrients. This creates a vertical food chain—starting with plankton and ending with the ocean’s apex predator: the Blue Marlin.
  • FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices): These are man-made structures anchored directly over these seamounts. By providing a fixed point of overhead cover in the open “blue desert,” FADs concentrate baitfish like skipjack and bonito in staggering numbers.
Fish Aggregating Device - FAD Fishing in Costa Rica

The Classic: Los Sueños Day Trips

Not every angler has three days to spend at sea. For those staying in Jaco Beach or Los Sueños, the Regular Day Trip is the most popular and cost-effective way to experience Costa Rican sportfishing. You can explore our full fleet and book a private Los Sueños sportfishing charter for a half-day or full-day offshore adventure.

The Experience

On a standard 8-9 hour charter, you’ll head 20–30 miles offshore to the “Drop-Off.” While you won’t reach the distant seamounts, you are still in prime territory for Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado.

2026 Day Trip Pricing (Budget to Luxury)

  • The “Local” Option (26’–31′ Panga/Center Console): $850 – $1,300. Ideal for 2–4 people who want a rugged, authentic experience.
  • The “Express” Option (32’–39′ Sportfisher): $1,600 – $2,500. Features A/C, a bathroom, and a professional fighting chair. Perfect for groups of 4–6.
  • The “Elite” Option (40’+ Luxury Yacht): $2,800 – $4,500. The gold standard for comfort, featuring Seakeeper stabilizers and high-end catering.
Blue Marlin release FAD fishing Costa Rica seamounts

The Next Level: FAD Expeditions from Los Sueños

If the standard day trip is a sprint, the FAD Expedition is a marathon. These trips depart Los Sueños in the late afternoon and “chug” overnight so you can wake up at dawn, 80+ miles offshore, with a line already in the water.

Why Los Sueños?

Los Sueños Marina is the most technologically advanced facility in Central America. The fleet here consists of tournament-winning crews who have pioneered the “Teaser-and-Switch” method specifically for Marlin. In 2026, many of these boats are now equipped with Starlink, allowing you to stay connected (if you wish) while in the middle of the Pacific.

  • Peak FAD Season (Los Sueños): May through November.
  • Expected Catch: 5–15 Marlin releases per day is common during peak months.

The Southern Strategy: Seamount Fishing from Manuel Antonio (Marina Pez Vela)

As the “Marlin Revolution” grows, Marina Pez Vela in Manuel Antonio (Quepos) has become a powerhouse for seamount fishing. Located roughly 90 minutes south of Jaco, this marina offers unique access to a different set of FADs further to the south.

The Manuel Antonio Advantage

Fishing out of Manuel Antonio often puts you closer to the Furuno Seamount and other southern FADs that see slightly less “pressure” than the northern grounds.

  • The Variety: Because the continental shelf is slightly closer to shore in Quepos, your run-time to reach productive water can sometimes be shorter, allowing for “Extended Day” seamount trips (5 AM – 6 PM) that don’t necessarily require an overnight stay on high-speed vessels.
  • The Setting: Manuel Antonio offers a more nature-centric backdrop. You can spend two days battling Marlin at the seamounts and the third day relaxing in the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

2026 Manuel Antonio FAD Rates

  • 2-Night / 1-Day Fishing: $6,000 – $8,500
  • 3-Night / 2-Day Fishing: $10,500 – $13,500
  • The “Extended Day” Seamount Trip: $2,800 – $3,500 (Available on select high-speed 35’+ center consoles).
Luxury sportfishing yacht 45ft Viking Los Suenos

Comparing the High-End: FADs vs. Traditional Offshore

Feature

Traditional Offshore

FAD / Seamount Expedition

Distance

20–40 Miles

80–120 Miles

Duration

8–9 Hours (View Charters) 

2–4 Days (Live-aboard)

Primary Target

Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado

Blue & Black Marlin

Daily Bites

2–5 Billfish raises

10–20+ Marlin raises

Cost (Avg)

$2,000

$12,000 (Total Trip)

The 2026 "What’s Biting" Forecast

  • December – April: The “Dry Season” is the reign of the Sailfish. You’ll see double-digit Sailfish releases on standard offshore day trips.
  • May – November: The “Green Season” belongs to the Marlin. As the rains begin, the FADs come alive. This is the time to book your overnight seamount expedition.
  • July – September: Peak Yellowfin Tuna season. These monsters often travel with spinner dolphins and can exceed 200 lbs.

Why Book Through an Agency Like Jaco360?

In 2026, the “best” boat isn’t always the biggest one—it’s the one with the captain who is currently “on the fish.” At Jaco360, we monitor the daily catch reports from both Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela.

When you book with us, we ensure:

  1. Vetted Crews: We only work with captains who have high-integrity safety records and proven release numbers.
  2. The Right Platform: We match your group size and budget to the right hull—whether you need the stability of a 50’ Viking or the speed of a 36’ Maverick.
  3. Paperwork & Licensing: We handle your 2026 INCOPESCA fishing licenses so you can walk straight from your shuttle to the boat.
Group sportfishing charter Los Suenos Costa Rica 2026

Seamount Expedition: Frequently Asked Questions

Is FAD fishing safe for families?

Answer: While we take families on standard offshore day trips every day, we generally recommend Seamount Expeditions for serious anglers or older teenagers. Because these trips involve overnight stays in the open ocean and 80+ mile runs, the conditions can be more intense than a typical day at the marina. If you are looking for a family-friendly experience, we recommend our standard Los Sueños charters.

Answer: This is a common concern. Because you are in the open Pacific, the swells can be larger than inshore. If you are prone to seasickness, we highly recommend starting a motion sickness regimen (like Dramamine or Scopolamine patches) 24 hours before departure. Most of our 2026 fleet is equipped with Seakeeper Gyro-Stabilizers, which reduce boat roll by up to 95%, making the experience much more comfortable even in choppy seas.

Answer: Absolutely. These are luxury expeditions. Once you book with Jaco360, our concierge team sends a “Preference Sheet.” You can request specific spirits, craft beers, or dietary-specific meals (Keto, Vegan, Gluten-Free). Many of our elite yachts also offer the option of a private chef to join the crew for the duration of the trip.

Answer: Traditional cell service disappears about 15 miles offshore. However, many of our 2026 partner vessels are now equipped with Starlink Satellite Internet. This allows for high-speed connectivity even 100 miles out, so you can share your Marlin catches in real-time or stay in touch with the office if necessary.

Your Bucket List Starts Here

Whether you are a professional angler chasing a world record or a family looking for a world-class day on the water, Jaco360 is your local expert partner. Explore our standard sportfishing charters or contact us for a custom FAD expedition quote today.

Ready to book your 2026 adventure? Contact our concierge team and let us build your custom Los Sueños or Manuel Antonio fishing itinerary.