How much does a fishing license cost in El Salvador?

Sport fishing permit: From 15 USD. Included in charter price.

What fish can you catch in El Salvador?

The most popular target fish in El Salvador are: Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Roosterfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Tarpon, Guapote.

North America

Fishing in
El Salvador 2026.

Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview

🌙Fishing Times 2026

Simple license

Fishing Times Fishing License & Permit Rules & Regulations Waters & Fish Species Practical Information Cost Overview

Read blog article →

Detailed guide: Fishing in El Salvador

Complete fishing guide El Salvador 2026: licenses, regulations, seasons, top spots, species & tips for anglers.

Best fishing times

·El Salvador

13.79°, -88.90°

Open 30-day forecast

Fishing License & Permit

License required?: Yes
Where to apply?: Through charter boat operators or CENDEPESCA.
Cost: Sport fishing permit: From 15 USD. Included in charter price.
Validity: For the duration of the tour
Available online?: No

El Salvador is an emerging sailfish hotspot on the Pacific! Less known than Guatemala but with similarly good catch rates. More affordable prices and less fishing pressure.

Fishing tours

Book fishing tours in El Salvador

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

View tours →

Rules & Regulations

Closed seasons: No general closed seasons for sport anglers.
Catch limits: Billfish: Catch and release. Food fish: Moderate limits.
Prohibited methods: Dynamite prohibited. Sustainability promoted.
Catch & Release: Standard for sailfish and marlin.

El Salvador is located right next to Guatemala in the Pacific's sailfish corridor. Similar catch rates, fewer tourists!

Waters & Fish Species

Top waters

—Los Cobanos (Sailfish, Pazifik-Hotspot)
—Puerto La Libertad (Big Game, near San Salvador)
—Barra de Santiago (Tarpon, Snook, Mangroves)
—Golf von Fonseca (Roosterfish, Snapper)
—Ilopango-Lake (Guapote, Volcanic lake!)

Target fish

Sailfish Blue Marlin Roosterfish Yellowfin Tuna Dorado TarponGuapote

Best seasonSailfish: November-May. Roosterfish: Year-round. Tarpon: May-September (rainy season).

Freshwater

Ilopango (volcanic lake) and Coatepeque with guapote (rainbow bass). Little developed.

Saltwater

Pacific coast in the sailfish corridor. Emerging and affordable!

Book a fishing trip & guide in El Salvador

Starting from400 USD / day

View trips

OfferCharter boats & guides

GuidesLocal captains & guides

AvailabilityInstant booking

Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: Sailfish: November-May. Roosterfish: Year-round. Tarpon: May-September (rainy season).

Practical Information

Equipment: Charter boats provide equipment.
Fishing guides: Offshore charter: 400-1,000 USD/day. Inshore: 200-400 USD/day.
Transport: Flight to San Salvador. Rental car. Short distances to the coast (45 min).
Safety: Security situation improving. Tourist areas safe. Sun protection!
Customs & taking fish home: Visa-free for EU citizens (90 days). Fishing equipment allowed.

Cost Overview

License fees

15 USD (included in charter price).

Guide prices

Inshore: 200-400 USD/day. Offshore: 400-1,000 USD/day.

Daily budget

Budget: 60-120 USD. Big game: 200-500 USD/person.

Read blog article →

Detailed guide: Fishing in El Salvador

Equipment

Recommended fishing equipment

View equipment for El Salvador →

Flights

Compare and book cheap flights to El Salvador with Kiwi.com

Compare flights →

Airport Transfer

Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter

Book transfer →

Mobile Data

eSIM for 150+ countries — no roaming fees

Get eSIM →

Data not correct?

Help us keep this page up to date — report outdated or incorrect information

Report correction →

All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 4, 2026

Don't miss any fishing tips!

Get the best fishing destination recommendations weekly in your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Fishing inEl Salvador 2026.