North America
Fishing in
Puerto Rico 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Puerto Rico18.22°, -66.59°
Trip types in Puerto Rico
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- At the DNER (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales). Saltwater from shore: Free!
- Cost
- Freshwater: From 6 USD. Saltwater boat: From 15 USD. Shore fishing sea: Free!
- Validity
- Annual license. Short-term for tourists.
- Available online?
- Yes
Puerto Rico is a US territory with world-class Big Game Fishing! San Juan is the Blue Marlin capital of the Caribbean. Saltwater fishing from shore is FREE. US citizens do not need a passport!
Buy fishing license for Puerto Rico online
Official authority website
Book fishing tours in Puerto Rico
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons for sport anglers. Freshwater: Some closed seasons.
- Catch limits
- Billfish: C&R recommended. Federal Bag Limits apply (NOAA). Freshwater: Moderate limits.
- Prohibited methods
- Federal US rules apply. Nets prohibited for recreational anglers.
- Catch & Release
- Standard for Marlin. San Juan International Billfish Tournament: C&R.
Puerto Rico holds the Atlantic record for Blue Marlin (1,189 lbs/539 kg, 1992)! The Puerto Rico Trench is 8,376 m deep — the deepest point of the Atlantic — right off the coast!
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —San Juan (Blue Marlin, Drop-off 1 Meile vor Coast!)
- —La Parguera (Biolumineszenz, Tarpon, Snook)
- —Fajardo/Vieques (GT, Reef fishing, Islands)
- —Lago Dos Bocas (Peacock Bass, eingesetzt!)
- —Rincon (Wahoo, Dorado, West Coast)
Freshwater
Reservoirs with stocked Peacock Bass and Largemouth Bass! Lago Dos Bocas, Lago Guajataca.
Saltwater
Atlantic and Caribbean! Deepest point of the Atlantic right off the coast (Puerto Rico Trench).
Starting from500 USD / day
Best season: Marlin: June-October. Wahoo: November-March. Dorado: November-May. All year round!
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Excellent tackle shops (US standard). Bass Pro in San Juan. Everything available.
- Fishing guides
- Big Game Charter: 600-2,000 USD/day. Inshore: 300-500 USD. Bass Guide: 200-400 USD.
- Transport
- Direct flights from USA and Europe. Rental car. US infrastructure.
- Safety
- US territory. Safe in tourist areas. Pay attention to beach safety.
- Customs & taking fish home
- US territory! EU citizens need ESTA/visa like for the USA. No customs from USA.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Shore fishing sea: FREE! Boat: 15 USD. Freshwater: 6 USD.
Guide prices
Inshore: 300-500 USD. Big Game: 600-2,000 USD/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 60-120 USD (Shore). Big Game: 300-800 USD/person.
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Puerto Rico
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Puerto Rico →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Puerto Rico with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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