What to confirm about licenses, catch-and-release expectations, and what’s included before you board
Direct answer: Before you board, confirm three things. First, that each angler has an INCOPESCA sport-fishing license, which everyone fishing from a boat must carry. Second, which fish will be released, since sailfish and marlin are protected species of interest. Third, what the trip includes, such as lunch, transport and fees.
Do you need a fishing license in Costa Rica?
Yes. INCOPESCA, the national fishing agency, says everyone who sport fishes from a boat or underwater must carry a sport-fishing license, called a carné. Boat licenses come in three lengths: eight days, one month or one year. You apply on the INCOPESCA website with your passport or ID.
Ask your captain if they help with this. One Quepos listing on Viator says licenses can be bought at its meeting spot in Marina Pez Vela.
What are the catch-and-release rules?
A guide from MarViva, a marine conservation group, sums up Costa Rican rules:
- Sailfish, marlin and tarpon are declared species of interest for sport fishing.
- When using natural bait for large open-ocean fish, boats must use circle hooks and practice catch and release.
- Billfish may not be lifted onto the side of the boat for photos, and gaffs may not be used to bring them in.
- Up to five fish per trip may be landed for your own meals or for taxidermy.
- Fish caught in sport fishing may not be sold.
Where is sport fishing not allowed?
MarViva's guide says sport fishing is not allowed in national parks, natural monuments or biological reserves. Ask your captain where you will fish.
See our Jacó and Los Sueños guide for the area.
What should you confirm is included?
- Bait, tackle and safety gear.
- Drinks, snacks and lunch.
- Fees and taxes.
- Transport to the marina, or a meeting point.
- Cancellation terms. One Quepos listing is all sales final.
One Jacó and Los Sueños half-day trip includes bait, tackle and safety gear but not lunch or transport. The full-day version adds lunch and fees.
What should you ask the captain before you leave the dock?
- Who handles licenses for each angler.
- Which fish you may keep and which will be released.
- How photos of released fish are taken.
- What to bring for sun and seasickness.
Use our travel essentials list to pack, and see trip planning for more.
Charters that list their inclusions
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Jacó and Los Sueños half-day inshore fishing (Viator) Select Tour Deals
Jacó and Los Sueños full-day fishing charter (Viator) Select Tour Deals
Quepos full-day offshore fishing trip (Viator) Select Tour Deals
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Frequently asked questions
Do tourists need a fishing license in Costa Rica?
Yes. INCOPESCA says everyone who sport fishes from a boat must carry a sport-fishing license. Boat licenses last eight days, one month or one year.
Can you keep a sailfish in Costa Rica?
Sailfish are a declared species of interest. With natural bait for large open-ocean fish, catch and release with circle hooks is required. Ask your captain about the rules.
How many fish can you keep on a charter?
MarViva's guide to Costa Rican rules says up to five fish per trip may be landed for your own meals or taxidermy. Sport catch may not be sold.
Can you take photos of a billfish on the boat?
The rules MarViva cites ban lifting billfish onto the side of the boat for photos. Ask your crew how they take photos of released fish.