Asia
Fishing in
Maldives 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Maldives3.20°, 73.22°
Trip types in Malediven
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Hotels and resorts (water sports centres)
- Cost
- Usually included in charter tours
- Validity
- Depending on tour duration
- Available online?
- No
Shore fishing in resort lagoons is prohibited unless the hotel gives express permission. Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve): fines €500–€2,000. Shark fishing completely prohibited.
Book fishing tours in Maldives
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No year-round closed seasons, but permanently prohibited: all shark species, spearfishing
- Catch limits
- Giant trevally and billfish: catch-and-release only
- Prohibited methods
- Spearfishing, drift-net fishing, trap nets, seine net fishing, explosives and toxins
- Catch & Release
- Giant trevally and billfish are catch-and-release only
The Maldives strictly protect their reefs. Fishing is ONLY permitted in open water (offshore) and at designated spots. Reef fishing is prohibited!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Ari Atoll Nord/Süd (Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo)
- —Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphärenreservat with Reefsr- and Deep-sea fishn)
- —Haa Alifu Atoll North (Mackerel, Red Snapper, Rainbow Runner)
- —Laamu Atoll Süden (Barramandi, Kugelfische, Barracuda)
- —Malé Atoll (Nähe tom Flughafen, günstige Nachtfischer-Touren)
Target fish
Freshwater
Not available
Saltwater
Offshore and reef fishing, night fishing with traditional dhoni boats
Short trip 4h: €423 / 8h: €1,200; full-day tours: €1,000; night fishing: €20–€50 basic / €40–€50 with meals; multi-day package 5–9 days: €1,447–€10,335 per person
Best season: November to April – stable weather, calm seas, clear water
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Rods, bait and guides from the resort; standard sea rods, Penn and Shimano gear common; experienced anglers can bring their own equipment. Fly fishing, trolling, jigging, popping, handline technique.
- Fishing guides
- Recommendation: use resort guide due to complex regulations and local knowledge
- Transport
- Seaplane (fast, expensive, less luggage) or speedboat (cheaper, flexible)
- Safety
- Boats equipped with life jackets, gloves and cool boxes
- Customs & taking fish home
- Hotels and resorts have water sports centres to handle permits
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Included in charter tours
Guide prices
Short trip 4h: €423 / 8h: €1,200; full-day tours: €1,000; night fishing: €20–€50 basic / €40–€50 with meals; multi-day package 5–9 days: €1,447–€10,335 per person
Daily budget
Boat hire/hour: average €307; inclusive services: captain, fishing equipment, fuel, bait, licence fees
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Maldives
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
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Airport Transfer
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