🏛 Government of the Canary Islands🤿 Underwater fishing included♀ −80 % for women (1st time)
Fishing License · Canary Islands · 2026
Fishing License in the Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, fishing is done in the sea: you need the recreational maritime fishing license from the Government of the Canary Islands, which can be obtained online. It has a low fee (form 700), underwater fishing is included, and women receive an 80% discount on their first license. It is valid throughout the archipelago (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and the other islands).
Low fee (form 700)reviewed each year
Underwater fishing includedno separate permit required
🏝 The Canary Islands is all about sea fishing. There are hardly any freshwater bodies, so the license is recreational maritime and valid for the 7 islands. Underwater fishing is included in the classes (no separate permit needed).
Calculate your fishing license
Choose how you will fish and your situation. The fee is paid with form 700.
Price of the fishing license in the Canary Islands 2026
The fee is paid with the form 700 from the Canary Islands Tax Agency and is reviewed each year in the Budget Law. It is low and varies by class:
Class
Type · validity
1st class
individual from shore · 3 years
2nd class
from boat · annual
3rd class
collective · annual
Women (1st license)
−80 % off the fee
The exact amount is set each year (form 700); confirm it when processing. We charge nothing: the fee is paid on the official website.
Types of licenses
1st class — from shore: the most common; fishing with a rod from the coast, docks, and tide pools. Valid for 3 years.
2nd class — from boat: for fishing from a recreational boat. Annual.
3rd class — collective: for multiple people / group boats. Annual.
Underwater fishing in the Canary Islands
🤿 In the Canary Islands, recreational underwater fishing is included in the classes of the maritime license: no separate permit is needed. However, it is done by breath-hold (apnea), you must be over 16, and respect zones, marine reserves, and distances from bathers.
How to obtain the fishing license in the Canary Islands
Choose your class (shore, boat, or collective).
Go to the electronic headquarters of the Government of the Canary Islands and identify yourself.
Pay the fee with the form 700 (women, on their 1st license, receive an 80% discount).
Download your license; it is valid throughout the archipelago.
Atlantic waters year-round, from shore, dock, or boat:
Shore and tide poolsParrotfish, bream, salema, and moray eel with a rod.
Reefs and drop-offsAmberjack (lemon fish), snapper, and black grouper.
Offshore (with boat)Bonito, tuna, and marlin on charters.
Marine reservesLa Graciosa, El Hierro… with special regulations.
Typical species
ParrotfishThe quintessential Canary fish.
Amberjack and snapperFrom reefs and drop-offs.
Bream and black grouperFrom shore.
TunaBonito and skipjack offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the fishing license cost in the Canary Islands?
It has a low fee paid with form 700 and is reviewed each year. It varies by class (1st from shore, 2nd from boat, 3rd collective). Women receive an 80% discount on their first license.
Does underwater fishing require a separate permit?
No. In the Canary Islands, recreational underwater fishing is included in the classes of the maritime license. You must be over 16 and respect the rules of zones and reserves.
Is the license valid on all islands?
Yes. The Government of the Canary Islands license is valid throughout the archipelago (all 7 islands).
Is there a river license in the Canary Islands?
No. There are hardly any freshwater bodies in the Canary Islands, so recreational fishing is maritime.
Are "carnet" and "license" for fishing the same? How is it renewed?
Yes: "fishing carnet" is the colloquial term for the license. Both obtaining and renewing it are done online at the Government of the Canary Islands' headquarters; the 1st class lasts 3 years, while the 2nd and 3rd are annual.