North America
Fishing in
Guatemala 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Guatemala15.78°, -90.23°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Via charter boat operators and sport fishing marinas.
- Cost
- Sport fishing permit: from 20-40 USD. Included in charter price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the tour
- Available online?
- No
Guatemala is the SAILFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD on the Pacific! Nowhere else are more sailfish caught per day than here. The Pacific coast near Puerto Quetzal regularly sets world records in catch numbers. 20+ sailfish per boat/day are not uncommon!
Book fishing tours in Guatemala
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons for sport anglers.
- Catch limits
- Billfish: Catch-and-Release MANDATORY! Guatemala is a C&R pioneer for sailfish.
- Prohibited methods
- Nets prohibited in sport fishing waters.
- Catch & Release
- ABSOLUTE MANDATORY for sailfish and marlin! Guatemala strictly protects its billfish.
Guatemala holds the world record for the most sailfish releases in one day! The Pacific sailfish population is healthy thanks to strict C&R.
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Puerto Quetzal/Iztapa (Sailfish-Capital in the WORLD!)
- —Pacific Slope (20+ Sailfish/Tag möglich!)
- —Rio Dulce (Tarpon, Snook, Jungle)
- —Lake Atitlan (Smallmouth Bass, Vulkan-Lake)
- —Karibikküste (Tarpon, Snook, wenig erschlossen)
Freshwater
Lake Atitlan (spectacular volcanic lake) with bass. Rio Dulce: Tarpon and snook in the jungle.
Saltwater
Pacific coast: WORLD'S BEST sailfish grounds! Caribbean: Little developed but tarpon and snook.
Starting from2,000 USD / day
Best season: Sailfish: November-May (Peak: December-March). Tarpon: Year-round. Bass Atitlan: Year-round.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Charter boats provide complete equipment (top quality).
- Fishing guides
- Offshore charter: 600-2,000 USD/day. Inshore: 300-500 USD/day.
- Transport
- Flight to Guatemala City. Transfer to Puerto Quetzal (1.5h). Or shuttle to Antigua.
- Safety
- Guatemala City: Caution! Tourist areas (Antigua, Atitlan) safe. Charter boats safe.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Visa-free for EU citizens (90 days). Fishing equipment no problem.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
20-40 USD (included in charter price).
Guide prices
Offshore sailfish: 600-2,000 USD/day. Inshore: 300-500 USD.
Daily budget
Budget: 100-200 USD (Inshore/Atitlan). Premium: 400-1,000 USD (sailfish charter).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Guatemala
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
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Flights
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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