Costa Rica · Spearfishing zone
Jurisdictional and inland waters outside protected areas
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Jurisdictional and inland waters outside protected areas.
Recreational/underwater sport fishing is permitted in continental, jurisdictional and exclusive economic zone waters, and in inland waters reserved for subsistence, small-scale artisanal, tourism, sport and recreational fishing (Reglamento Art. 73), provided the area is not a national park, natural monument, biological reserve or otherwise restricted protected area, and the fisher holds a valid INCOPESCA sport-fishing card.
What applies here
Restrictions
Specific rules and limits that apply within this area.
Valid carne de pesca deportiva required; minimum age 16; freediving only (no SCUBA/autonomous breathing equipment); catch for self-consumption/taxidermy; respect INCOPESCA minimum sizes, catch limits and vedas.
When it applies
Seasons
Time-of-year periods that affect spearfishing in this zone.
Subject to INCOPESCA-set seasons and vedas
Source
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Costa Rica
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply online via the INCOPESCA website (www.incopesca.go.cr) or at one of the regional INCOPESCA offices (Cuajiniquil, Playas del Coco, Nicoya, Quepos, Golfito, Limon, Puntarenas, Herradura, San Jose, Heredia). Present a valid ID/residency card/passport, a recent passport-size photo, the F.S.P.D application form, and proof of payment of the canon.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · incopesca.go.cr