Do I Need a Fishing Licence in Belize? 2026 Guide
Yes. If you plan to participate in sport fishing in Belizean waters, you need a valid sport-fishing licence—even if you are visiting for only one day or intend to release everything you catch.
Fortunately, obtaining a short-term licence is one of the easier parts of preparing for your trip.
Which fishing licence does a visitor need?
Most visiting anglers need a sport-fishing licence issued by Belize’s Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, commonly called CZMAI.
This is different from a commercial fisherfolk licence. Commercial licensing is intended for qualified fishers working within Belize’s commercial fishery and involves separate eligibility, vessel and reporting requirements.
Visitors fishing for leisure or competition should purchase the sport-fishing licence.
Do I need one when fishing with a guide?
Yes. Booking a licensed captain or charter does not automatically licence each guest fishing from the boat.
Belize’s regulations require a person participating in sport fishing to hold a valid sport-fishing licence. This includes fly fishing, spin casting and catch-and-release fishing.
The licence should be carried during the trip and made available if requested by an authorized officer.
How much does a Belize sport-fishing licence cost?
The current national fees are:
- One day: BZ$20
- One week: BZ$50
- One year: BZ$100
Because the Belize dollar is fixed at two Belize dollars to one US dollar, these amounts are approximately:
- One day: US$10
- One week: US$25
- One year: US$50
These are the licence fees listed in Belize’s official sport-fishing regulations. Check the purchasing portal before paying in case processing charges or requirements have changed.
Where do I purchase the licence?
One-day and one-week sport-fishing licences can be purchased through the official CZMAI Sport Fishing Licence Portal.
The application requests information such as:
- Your name and contact information
- Your intended fishing destination
- Your hotel or accommodation
- The type of fishing trip
CZMAI currently states that a one-year licence must be obtained in person from its office or an authorized licence distributor. Valid photo identification is required for the annual licence.
When should I buy it?
Purchase your licence at least a day or two before your charter. That gives you time to correct any problem with the application, payment or confirmation.
Avoid leaving it until you are standing at the dock on the morning of your trip.
Once issued, save the licence or confirmation where you can retrieve it without relying on mobile service. Keeping a downloaded copy and a screenshot on your phone is sensible.
Is the licence included with Captain Nato’s Charters?
No. Your personal sport-fishing licence is not included in the Captain Nato’s Charters trip price.
Each guest who will be fishing should purchase the appropriate licence separately before the trip. If someone is only accompanying the group and will not fish, confirm their requirements with Captain Nato or CZMAI before purchasing.
Does the licence allow me to keep fish?
A sport-fishing licence does not override Belize’s fisheries regulations.
Bonefish, permit and tarpon are protected and must be released immediately. Other species may be subject to:
- Closed seasons
- Minimum or maximum sizes
- Protected-species rules
- Marine-reserve boundaries
- Gear restrictions
- Special permits or quotas
Always ask your guide before keeping a fish. See our [Belize Fishing Rules guide] for the current principal species, seasons and size requirements.
What about fishing inside a marine reserve?
Marine reserves can have additional entrance fees, licences, zoning rules and fishing restrictions.
A national sport-fishing licence does not automatically permit fishing in every part of every reserve. Some zones allow licensed catch-and-release fishing, while conservation or preservation zones may prohibit fishing.
Your guide should select a legal fishing area based on the intended species, method and applicable reserve rules.
Quick checklist
Before your fishing trip:
- Purchase the correct sport-fishing licence.
- Choose a one-day or one-week licence for a typical vacation.
- Make sure every guest who intends to fish has one.
- Save a downloadable or screenshot copy.
- Carry the licence during the trip.
- Follow your guide’s instructions concerning protected species and reserve boundaries.
- Remember that Captain Nato’s trip price does not include your licence.
For official assistance, contact CZMAI through its Sport Fishing Licence Portal.
Once your licence is ready, book a fishing trip with Captain Nato’s Charters and let the Verde family help you experience the waters around San Pedro legally and responsibly.