Shaded seating
A spacious, shaded seating area where you can relax comfortably between bites.
Gamefisherman 40 · Hand-built in Costa Rica · 1986
Plautus
There are fishing boats, and then there are boats with a story.
1986Built in Costa Rica
40 ftThe ideal fishing size
WoodCold-molded hull
2020Fully restored
The story of the Plautus
The Plautus is a Gamefisherman 40, hand-built in Costa Rica in 1986 by Dennis Garrett, one of the craftsmen behind Gamefisherman's early production here. Four decades later, she continues to fish the same waters where she was born.
Book NowA classic with a pedigree
Built around one purpose: fishing
In the mid-1980s, as major builders competed to produce ever-larger, more luxurious sportfishing yachts, Mike Matlack, former president of the legendary Rybovich yard, took a different approach. He envisioned mid-size, nimble boats built around one purpose: fishing.
Gamefisherman was founded in 1985, and its very first model was the Gamefisherman 40, the same model as the Plautus. Designed for tournament anglers, the philosophy was simple: a good boat should be like a sharp hook, purpose-built to do its job exceptionally well. Today, Gamefisherman is recognized worldwide for building boats that have held world records across the globe.
Built in Costa Rica, for Costa Rica
Hand-crafted in wood and epoxy
Alongside its Florida shop, Gamefisherman built boats right here in Costa Rica, using the hand-crafted wood-and-epoxy construction method that helped establish the brand's reputation. The Plautus is one of these distinctive vessels.
The design became known for a trolling wake that raises marlin and sailfish, while its straightforward, dependable systems made it particularly well suited to Costa Rica, where a boat must perform day after day.
1,330+
Billfish released in just 190 daysThe Gamefisherman 40 also made its mark on local fishing history. In 1990, one of the model's earliest hulls, fishing out of Flamingo, released more than 1,330 billfish in just 190 days.
Wood, not fiberglass
A hull you can hear
The Plautus is cold-molded wood, a traditional construction method behind some of the great sportfishing classics.
Among captains along this coast, a belief has been passed down through generations: a wooden hull sounds different in the water, and that sound draws fish closer. Whether science or legend, the experience of fishing from wood is distinctive. Quieter, more solid and more connected to the sea, the Plautus offers a character that modern fiberglass boats cannot replicate.
Classic on the outside, renewed on the inside
Preserved, never left to grow old
Preserving a classic does not mean letting her grow old. The Plautus underwent a major refit in 2012, followed by a complete restoration in 2020. Today, she retains the character and craftsmanship of her original design while benefiting from the condition and finish of a carefully maintained vessel.
The photos speak for themselves.
The perfect size
Forty feet, built for serious fishing
At 40 feet, the Plautus embodies the size Gamefisherman always championed as ideal for serious fishing. She is large enough to ride smoothly and remain stable when the wind picks up, yet nimble enough to get you to the fish quickly. Everything on board is designed to make your time on the water enjoyable, comfortable and focused on the fishing.
Cockpit & fighting chair
A generous cockpit and comfortable fighting chair for when it's time to take on the catch.
Cabin & head
A cabin and onboard head (restroom) for added comfort throughout your trip.
Specifications
- Model
- Gamefisherman 40
- Type
- Sport fishing boat
- Built
- 1986, Costa Rica
- Builder
- Hand-built by Dennis Garrett
- Length
- 40 ft
- Hull
- Cold-molded wood
- Refit / restoration
- 2012 / 2020
- Engines
- 2 × Cummins 430
- Guests
- Up to 6 (+2 at $100 pp)
- Home port
- Marina Papagayo
- Cabin
- Yes
- Bathroom
- 1 onboard head
- Shaded seating
- Yes
- Refrigerator / cooler
- Yes
- GPS
- Yes
- Fish finder & radar
- Yes
- Snorkeling equipment
- Yes
- Air conditioning
- No
Rates & reservations
Fishing packages
Private fishing charters with beach pickup in the Gulf of Papagayo. Inshore and offshore fishing, depending on the package and sea conditions.
4 hours
Half-Day Sport Fishing Charter
$3,185USD, plus taxes
- Departs7:00 AM or 1:00 PM
- Morning returnAbout 12:00 PM
- Fishing timeAbout 3–3.5 hours
- GuestsUp to 6 (+2)
6 hours
Three-Quarter-Day Fishing Charter
On requestContact us for a quote
- Departs7:00 AM
- ReturnsAbout 2:00 PM
- Fishing timeAbout 4–5 hours
- GuestsUp to 6 (+2)
8 hours · The full experience
Full-Day Fishing Charter
$3,835USD, plus taxes
- Departs7:00 AM
- ReturnsAbout 5:00–6:00 PM
- Fishing timeAbout 6–7 hours
- GuestsUp to 6 (+2)
Up to 6 guests per fishing charter. Up to 2 additional guests can join at $100 per person. Rates are in USD and do not include taxes. Any additional fees are disclosed before booking.
What is included
All you bring is the sunscreen
Included on every fishing charter
- A professional captain
- Rods, reels and tackle by Shimano and Penn
- Live bait, subject to availability
- Lures and tackle appropriate for the fishing method
- Fishing licenses
- Bottled water, soft drinks, beers and ice
- Fresh fruits and snacks
- Lunch: sandwiches, burritos and other options
- Fish cleaning and filleting
- Snorkeling equipment on board
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Comfortable clothing
- Swimwear, if applicable
- A camera
Alcohol is allowed on board.
The fishing · Pacific coast of Guanacaste
Sailfish, dorado and tuna, a short run from the beach
A trolling wake known for raising billfish. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish, marlin, roosterfish, wahoo and snapper, depending on the season and fishing conditions.
Yellowfin tuna
Sailfish release
Dorado (mahi-mahi)
Our catch policy
Guests can keep their catch when permitted by applicable fishing regulations. Which fish you can keep depends on the species, current regulations and the captain's guidance. Usually that means tuna, mahi-mahi and red snapper.
Protected species, and any fish under a mandatory catch-and-release policy, are released. Roosterfish are always released as part of responsible sport fishing.
Taking your fish home
You can take your fish with you when the catch is legally retained and can be safely stored, subject to applicable regulations. Cleaning and filleting are included.
Book NowThe experience · Gulf of Papagayo
We pick you up at the beach
Plautus is based at Marina Papagayo, on the Península Papagayo. Our dinghy tender collects guests right from the sand, so you step aboard without driving to the marina.
Marina PapagayoPlaya PanamáPlaya HermosaPlayas del CocoPlaya ZapotalFlamingoPotreroand nearby beaches
Book NowA reputation that sails with us
Four decades on these waters
For four decades, the Plautus has earned her reputation on Costa Rica's Pacific waters. Anglers return year after year, drawn by a boat whose legacy has been built one trip at a time, guided by captains who know these waters like home.
If you're looking for just another boat, the marina is full of them. But if you want to fish aboard a Costa Rican classic with soul, history and a crew that lives for the experience, the Plautus is waiting for you.
Book NowBooking & payment
Simple to reserve
20% depositConfirms your reservation.
Balance on the dayThe remaining balance is due on the day of the tour.
Ways to payCredit card, cash, bank transfer or payment link. Prices in USD.
Free date changeOne date change, requested at least 72 hours ahead, subject to availability.
Cancel 7 days or more before your trip for a full refund of your deposit. See the cancellation questions below for full terms.
Aboard the Plautus
Classic wood, fully restored, and a crew that knows these waters
FAQ
Everything you need to know
Tap a question to see the answer.
About the company
What areas of Costa Rica do you serve?
We serve the Gulf of Papagayo (Golfo Papagayo), Catalinas, Zapotal, Potrero and Flamingo.
Where do tours depart from?
All charters depart from Marina Papagayo, on the Península Papagayo. Our dinghy tender can also collect you from Playa Panamá, Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Zapotal, Flamingo, Potrero and nearby beaches.
What makes your charter company different?
Our charters run aboard the Plautus, a Gamefisherman 40 hand-built in Costa Rica in 1986 by Dennis Garrett. She is cold-molded wood, refit in 2012 and fully restored in 2020, with a trolling wake known for raising marlin and sailfish. If you're looking for just another boat, the marina is full of them. If you want a Costa Rican classic with soul, history and a crew that lives for the experience, the Plautus is waiting for you.
Are you fully licensed and insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed and insured with INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros).
Do you have the required permits?
Yes. We hold all the permits required to operate our charters.
Contact
What phone or WhatsApp number can I use?
Call or message us on +506 8455 5222.
Where should I send booking requests?
Email reservas@costaricachartertours.com, or use the booking form on our Contact page.
The boat
What is the boat's name?
The Plautus.
What type of boat is it?
A sport fishing boat.
What model is it?
A Gamefisherman 40.
What year was the boat built?
1986. She was hand-built in Costa Rica, refit in 2012 and fully restored in 2020.
How long is the boat?
40 feet.
How many guests can come on board?
Up to 6 guests per fishing charter. Up to 2 additional guests can join at $100 per person.
What engines does it have?
Two Cummins 430 engines.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes, there is one bathroom (onboard head).
Does it have a cabin?
Yes.
Does it have air conditioning?
No.
Is there shaded seating?
Yes, a spacious shaded seating area.
Is there a refrigerator or cooler?
Yes.
Does it have GPS?
Yes.
Does it have a fish finder?
Yes, along with radar.
Is snorkeling equipment available?
Yes.
Fishing packages
What fishing packages do you offer?
Half-Day Sport Fishing Charter (4 hours), Three-Quarter-Day Fishing Charter (6 hours) and Full-Day Fishing Charter (8 hours).
Is it inshore or offshore fishing?
Both. Inshore and offshore fishing, depending on the package and sea conditions.
How long is each trip?
Half day: 4 hours. Three-quarter day: 6 hours. Full day: 8 hours.
What time do trips depart?
Half day: 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Three-quarter day: 7:00 AM. Full day: 7:00 AM.
What time do trips return?
Half day (morning): around 12:00 PM. Three-quarter day: around 2:00 PM. Full day: around 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
How much fishing time should I expect?
Half day: about 3 to 3.5 hours. Three-quarter day: about 4 to 5 hours. Full day: about 6 to 7 hours.
What is the maximum number of guests?
6 guests per fishing charter. Up to 2 more guests can join at $100 per person.
How much does a charter cost?
Full-day fishing is $3,835 and half-day fishing is $3,185. The three-quarter-day rate is available on request.
Are taxes included?
No. Rates are plus taxes.
Are there any additional fees?
Any additional fees will be disclosed before booking.
What fish are normally targeted?
Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish, marlin, roosterfish, wahoo and snapper, depending on the season and fishing conditions.
Is fishing suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome on board. All trips are subject to safety conditions, and children must be supervised by an adult.
What is the minimum recommended age?
There is no strict minimum age, but children aged 5 and older are recommended for a more comfortable fishing experience. Younger children may be accepted depending on sea conditions and parental supervision.
What is included
Are rods, reels and tackle included?
Yes.
What brands of fishing equipment do you use?
Shimano and Penn.
Is live bait included?
Yes, subject to availability.
Are lures included?
Yes. Lures and tackle are appropriate for the fishing method.
Are fishing licenses included?
Yes.
Is a captain included?
Yes, a professional captain.
Are drinks included?
Yes: bottled water, soft drinks, beers and ice.
Is alcohol allowed on board?
Yes.
Are snacks included?
Yes, fresh fruits and snacks.
Is lunch included?
Yes. We usually serve sandwiches, burritos and other options.
Is fish cleaning and filleting included?
Yes.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, swimwear if applicable, and a camera.
Fish & catch policy
Can I keep my catch?
Yes, when permitted by applicable fishing regulations.
Which fish can I keep?
This depends on the species, current fishing regulations and the captain's guidance. Usually tuna, mahi-mahi and red snapper, for example.
Which species must be released?
Protected species and any fish subject to a mandatory catch-and-release policy, including roosterfish, as part of responsible sport fishing.
Are roosterfish released?
Yes.
Can I take the fish with me?
Yes, when the catch is legally retained and can be safely stored, subject to applicable regulations.
Other boat tours
Do you offer half-day tours?
Yes, inshore.
Do you offer full-day tours?
Yes, offshore.
Do you offer sunset tours?
Yes. We focus primarily on fishing, and we also offer sunset tours.
Do you offer snorkeling tours?
Yes.
Do you offer beach-hopping tours?
Yes.
Do you offer private party tours?
Yes, including birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette groups.
How long are these tours and what do they cost?
Duration, rates and group size for these tours are confirmed when you enquire.
Booking & payment
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A 20% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.
When is the remaining balance due?
On the day of the tour.
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit card, cash, bank transfer and payment link. We do not accept SINPE.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Are prices listed in USD?
Yes.
Cancellation policy
What is your cancellation policy?
A 20% deposit is required to confirm the reservation. Cancellation and refund conditions depend on how far in advance the cancellation is made.
How many days before the trip can I cancel?
Cancel 7 days or more before the trip to receive a full refund of your deposit.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes, if the reservation is cancelled at least 7 days before the scheduled trip. Deposits are non-refundable for cancellations made less than 7 days before the trip, subject to the applicable cancellation terms.
What happens with last-minute cancellations?
Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the trip are non-refundable and the deposit is retained.
What happens with no-shows?
No-shows are charged 100% of the total trip price.
Can I change my date?
Yes. You may request one date change at least 72 hours before the scheduled trip, subject to availability.
Is there a rescheduling fee?
No. One date change is free of charge when requested at least 72 hours in advance, subject to availability.
What happens if the weather is unsafe?
The captain makes the final decision on whether it is safe to operate the trip. If the Plautus cancels due to unsafe weather conditions, you can choose a full refund or reschedule at no additional cost.
Do I get a refund or reschedule for bad weather?
Yes. If the captain determines that weather or sea conditions are unsafe, you can choose a full refund or reschedule at no additional cost. Light rain or cloudy skies alone do not automatically qualify for cancellation.
Ready to fish aboard a Costa Rican classic?
Book Now