01 ·
Espiritu Santo
GT & Dogtooth Tunaknown for first-class blue-water fishing
Oceania · Fishing World Guide
Vanuatu.
Fishing in Vanuatu 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
7
target species
No
license needed
Year-round
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
No.
Free. Fishing trips bookable through providers.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- No fishing license required for tourists. Charter boats and resorts organize everything.
- Cost
- Free. Fishing trips bookable through providers.
- Validity
- Not applicable
- Available online?
- No
Vanuatu is a South Pacific paradise with 83 islands! No license needed. GT, Dogtooth Tuna and Big Game in pristine waters. Volcanic islands with spectacular underwater world.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
All year round! GT: Best time April-November. Big Game: October-April. Cyclone season: November-April.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Efate / Port Vila
Center for big-game charters & Mahi-Mahi
03 ·
Tanna
Spectacular coastal fishing at active volcano islands
04 ·
Malakula
Remote areas with pristine species diversity
05 ·
Banks Islands
Excellent GT fishing in very remote waters
What's biting?
Your target species.
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No formal closed seasons. Respect local taboo areas (tribal law)!
Catch limits
Catch limits
No strict limits. Catch-and-Release recommended.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite prohibited. Taboo areas: Absolutely no fishing!
Catch & release
Catch & release
Recommended for GT and Billfish.
What does it cost?
0 €
License
NO license required — completely free!
300-700 USD
Guide per day
Charter: 300-700 USD/day. Remote islands lodge: 400-800 USD/day.
100-200 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 100-200 USD. Premium: 400-800 USD/day.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Vanuatu-15.38°, 166.96°
🎣 Live catches in vanuatu
2 verified catches
Not enough data (2 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
No fishing license required for tourists. Charter boats and resorts organize everything. — Vanuatu is a South Pacific paradise with 83 islands! No license needed. GT, Dogtooth Tuna and Big Game in pristine waters. Volcanic islands with spectacular underwater world.
Rules in detail
Vanuatu has a similar taboo system to Fiji. Certain reef areas are sacrosanct — ask in advance!
Freshwater
Little freshwater fishing. Some rivers with tropical species.
Saltwater
83 islands in the South Pacific! Reefs, drop-offs, blue water. Rarely fished!
Equipment
Charters provide equipment. Own GT equipment recommended.
Guides
Charter Port Vila: 300-700 USD/day. Remote islands: Only via lodge/liveaboard.
Getting there
Flights to Port Vila (via Auckland, Brisbane or Noumea). Small planes between islands.
Safety
Cyclone risk (Nov-April). Tropical sun. Malaria on some islands. Active volcanoes!
Customs & fish export
Visa-free for EU citizens (30 days). Fishing equipment permitted.
More Countries
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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: April 20, 2026
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