01 ·
Ari Atoll North/South
MarlinSailfishWahoo
Asia · Fishing World Guide
Maldives.
Fishing in Maldives 2026 — Licenses, Regulations & Best Spots
10
target species
Yes
license needed
Apr–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Usually included in charter tours
›All license details
- 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.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
November to April – stable weather, calm seas, clear water
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Baa Atoll
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with Reef and Deep-sea fish
03 ·
Haa Alifu Atoll North
MackerelRed SnapperRainbow Runner
04 ·
Laamu Atoll South
BarramundiPufferfishBarracuda
05 ·
Malé Atoll
near the airportaffordable night fishing tours
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No year-round closed seasons, but permanently prohibited: all shark species, spearfishing
Catch limits
Catch limits
Giant trevally and billfish: catch-and-release only
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Spearfishing, drift-net fishing, trap nets, seine net fishing, explosives and toxins
Catch & release
Catch & release
Giant trevally and billfish are catch-and-release only
What does it cost?
—
License
Included in charter tours
4
Guide per day
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
307
Daily budget
Boat hire/hour: average €307; inclusive services: captain, fishing equipment, fuel, bait, licence fees
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Maldives3.20°, 73.22°
🎣 Live catches in malediven
6 verified catches
When are they biting?
24-hour bite time · malediven
Based on: 6 verified catches
NOW 0% · 3:00
08:00
100%
Morning
06:00
50%
Sunrise
07:00
50%
Sunrise
Catch statistics
Top catch species
Barramundi
2 · 40%
Sailfish
1 · 20%
Barracuda
1 · 20%
Wahoo
1 · 20%
Best conditions
990
998
1006
1014
1022+
0481216+
↑ Pressure (hPa)Wind (m/s) →
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
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Fishing trips in Maldives
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Trip types in Maldives
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Hotels and resorts (water sports centres) — 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.
Rules in detail
The Maldives strictly protect their reefs. Fishing is ONLY permitted in open water (offshore) and at designated spots. Reef fishing is prohibited!
Freshwater
Not available
Saltwater
Offshore and reef fishing, night fishing with traditional dhoni boats
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.
Guides
Recommendation: use resort guide due to complex regulations and local knowledge
Getting there
Seaplane (fast, expensive, less luggage) or speedboat (cheaper, flexible)
Safety
Boats equipped with life jackets, gloves and cool boxes
Customs & fish export
Hotels and resorts have water sports centres to handle permits
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: March 27, 2026
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