Short answer: if you are joining a chartered trip, you do not need a licence of your own — the vessel carries one that covers its guests. If you plan to fish from the shore, or to take out a boat yourself, you need a personal licence and you must obtain it before you fish.
Below is how the system actually works, based on the rules published by the Gobierno de Canarias fisheries authority. Regulations change; treat this as orientation and confirm anything critical with the authority or with us before your trip.
The Four Licence Classes
Recreational sea fishing in the Canary Islands is licensed by class, according to how you fish rather than what you catch.
| Class | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 1st class | Fishing from a vessel using surface trolling (curricán de superficie) — the technique behind most big game fishing here |
| 2nd class | Underwater fishing (spearfishing), restricted to designated zones |
| 3rd class | Fishing from shore, or from a vessel without surface trolling — the shore angler's licence |
| Collective 1st class | Held by the vessel itself for group recreational fishing from sixth-list (commercial) boats |
Every licence is valid for three years from issue or renewal, and is personal and non-transferable — it must be carried with photo ID to be valid.
Why Charter Guests Are Covered
That last row is the one that matters if you are booking a trip. A licensed charter operating as a sixth-list vessel holds a collective 1st class licence attached to the boat, and that licence is what permits recreational fishing by the group aboard. You are fishing under the vessel's authorisation, not your own.
This is why we can say plainly that guests on our trips do not need to arrange anything — and why you should still ask any operator to confirm it for the specific trip you are booking, since it depends on the vessel being properly licensed.
If You Want to Fish Independently
Shore fishing, or fishing from a boat you have rented yourself, is a different matter: you need your own licence, in your own name.
How to apply:
- Online through the Sede Electrónica of the Gobierno de Canarias, which requires a Spanish digital certificate or a cl@ve account.
- In person at a fisheries office, by appointment — call 012, or 922 470 012 for Tenerife.
- A tasa (administrative fee) is paid via Modelo 700 through the Canary Islands tax agency. The amount depends on the licence class and is revised annually in the regional budget law, so we do not quote a figure that may be out of date by the time you read this.
- Women applying for their first recreational licence receive an 80% reduction on the fee.
The practical catch for visitors: the online route assumes a Spanish digital identity that most tourists do not have, and the in-person route needs an appointment during office hours. For a one-week holiday, that is often more friction than the fishing is worth — which is the honest reason most visitors fish from a charter instead. The official guidance does not set out a separate procedure for non-resident visitors, so confirm your situation directly with the authority if you intend to fish independently.
If you are considering renting a boat, our licence-free boat rental guide explains what that category does and does not allow.
Catch Rules, Protected Species and Restricted Areas
Beyond licensing, recreational fishing is subject to rules on gear, seasons, minimum sizes, protected species and marine reserve boundaries. These vary by species, municipality and reserve, and they change — so rather than publish numbers that may be wrong, we point you to the authority above and tell you what we do on our own boats:
- All billfish — blue and white marlin — are tagged and released alive, without exception. See our catch and release ethics.
- Species that can be legally kept and are good eating — tuna, wahoo, dorado, amberjack, bonito — are yours to take home.
- The captain knows which grounds carry restrictions and routes around them. If a stretch of water is closed, we fish elsewhere.
More context in our sustainable tourism and marine protection guide.
FAQ
Do I need a fishing licence in Tenerife as a tourist?
Not for a chartered trip — the boat's collective 1st class licence covers guests aboard. For shore fishing or self-drive fishing, yes: you need a personal licence, most commonly the 3rd class.
How long is a Canary Islands fishing licence valid?
Three years from the date of issue or renewal. It is personal, non-transferable, and must be carried together with identity documentation.
How much does a fishing licence cost in Tenerife?
The fee is set by licence class and revised annually in the regional budget, and is paid via Modelo 700. Check the current figure with the Gobierno de Canarias rather than relying on a number quoted on a third-party site. Women receive an 80% reduction on a first licence.
Can I get a Canary Islands fishing licence online?
Yes, through the Sede Electrónica — but it requires a Spanish digital certificate or cl@ve account, which most visitors do not have. The alternative is an in-person appointment.
Which licence do I need to fish from the rocks?
The 3rd class licence, which covers fishing from land. See our shore fishing guide for what that fishing is actually like here.
Do you handle the licence if I book with you?
Yes. Our vessels are licensed for recreational fishing by guests aboard — you turn up and fish. Compare trip formats or ask the crew when you book.
Ready to fish without the paperwork?
Book a guided trip and the licensing is handled for you. Explore our fishing tours to find the right format for your group.