Who founded the sunglasses brand Costa Del Mar in 1983?

Ray Ferguson founded the sunglasses brand Costa Del Mar in 1983.

Costa Del Mar was established in Florida as an eyewear company focused on sunglasses for people who spend time on the water. The brand’s name refers to the coast, matching its strong association with boating, fishing, and marine environments. Its products became especially recognizable among anglers and other outdoor users.

The company is known for polarized sunglasses, which help reduce glare reflected from water. Lens color and optical design are important in that setting because bright reflections can make it harder to see comfortably. Costa Del Mar has also promoted durable frames and lenses for active use.

Costa Del Mar is sometimes mistaken for Maui Jim because both brands are associated with polarized outdoor sunglasses. They are separate companies, however, and their founding stories differ: Costa Del Mar was founded by Ray Ferguson in 1983, while Maui Jim began in Hawaii in 1987.