Fishing Licenses Costa Rica
If you plan to fish in Costa Rica’s waters—whether offshore, inshore, or freshwater—you will likely need a fishing license. Costa Rican regulations require anglers to carry a valid sport fishing license issued by the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA). This applies to both residents and international visitors.
Who Needs a Fishing License?
Any person older than 16 years old who fishes from a vessel or participates in recreational fishing in Costa Rica should have a fishing license.
Fishing License Cost & Duration
Fishing license fees vary based on how long you need coverage:
- 1–8 days: USD 17
- 30 days: USD 30
- 1 year: USD 57
Prices may adjust over time, so always verify the latest fees when applying.
How to Buy Fishing Licenses Costa Rica
The official way to obtain your fishing license is through the INCOPESCA system:
- Visit the INCOPESCA online application portal.
- Complete your personal details and select duration.
- Fill the form with those fields required ONLY.
- Pay the required fees online.
- Download and print your license or save it to your phone.
The best option for you is to buy them online since the INCOPESCA offices are located only in major ports and cities, including San José, Puntarenas, Quepos, and Los Sueños.
Rarely, Costa Guard stops the boats and check the papers; in those cases, you must to have the license and passport in hand (a copy in your phone will be fine too), or they might cancel the charter. The captain should drop you off ahead of schedule.
You may contact us if you require more information.