Do you need a license?
Yes, if you're going to fish. Costa Rica's fisheries institute, INCOPESCA, requires a sport fishing license for every angler, local or foreign, and that includes a charter like ours.
How much it costs
For fishing from a boat, the license costs the same for tourists and residents. Prices include tax and are per person:
| Valid for | Price |
|---|---|
| 8 days | US$16.95 |
| 30 days | US$28.25 |
| 1 year | US$56.50 |
For a fishing trip during your vacation, the 8-day license (about US$17) is all you need.
Kids and guests who don't fish
Kids who fish need their own license. Since 2016 the rule applies to everyone who fishes, with no minimum age, and kids pay the same price.
Guests who only come along for the ride don't need one. The license is for the people who fish. If they decide to grab a rod on the day, they'll need one too.
How to get one
- Open the official INCOPESCA form (there's an English version).
- Add one applicant per angler. You can add your whole group in one go.
- Choose the start date: the day of your trip, or earlier if you're fishing more than once.
- Fill in name, passport number, email and country.
- Pick “from a boat” and how long you need it, then pay.
- Keep the confirmation on your phone.
You can do it on the day of the trip, but we recommend buying it a few days before so there are no surprises.
Get your licenseHow it works on the Predator
The license isn't included in the price of the charter. The boat holds its own permits: a fishing license from INCOPESCA, a seaworthiness certificate from the MOPT and civil liability insurance with the INS. If you have any doubt, message us before your trip and we'll walk you through it.
