Turks and Caicos Fishing Licenses
Recreational fishing licenses are typically required to go fishing in the Turks and Caicos Islands. These can be purchased for the day, month, or year. If you’re fishing with a fishing charter company, your captain will typically purchase licenses on your behalf and include it in the charter. If you’re fishing on your own, it’s your responsibility to obtain a license.
Fishing without a license can result in a $50,000 fine and 12 months imprisonment (or both).
This page discusses licenses for recreational fishing. There are different requirements for commercial fishing. For general fishing information, see Turks and Caicos Fishing Guide.
Where to Get a Fishing License
One-day and 30-day fishing licenses are available across Providenciales, including at all primary marinas and at the Maritime Department. Issuers of fishing licenses may ask to see government-issued photo ID of applicants.
- Turtle Cove Marina Office: +1 (649) 941-3781 - Turtle Cove
- Maritime Department: +1 (649) 338-4171 - South Dock Road
- Walkin Marine: +1 (649) 946-4411 - Old Airport Road, Downtown
- South Bank Marina Shop: +1 (649) 946-5600 - 1 Long Bay Highway, Long Bay
- South Side Marina: +1 (649) 946-4137 - 26 Turtle Tail Drive
- Blue Haven Marina: +1 (649) 946-9910 - Leeward
- Scooter Bob's Car Rental (one-day licenses only): +1 (649) 946-4684 - Suzy Turn Road, Turtle Cove
Fishing License Costs
One-day fishing licenses cost $10 from government offices that provide them, and $10–15 from marinas, charter companies, and other businesses that supply fishing licenses (2026 price). Thirty-day fishing licenses cost $30 from government offices that provide them, and $30–35 from businesses.
One-year licenses cost $60 for residents and $30 for visitors. These are typically only sold at the Maritime Department.
Who Needs a License?
All visitors 16 and older must have a fishing license when fishing in the Turks and Caicos. Children under 16 do not require a license (nor do people with Turks and Caicos Islander Status).
It’s important to note that a recreational fishing license is required for each person onboard the vessel who is 16 years or older and does not possess Turks and Caicos Islander Status (regardless of whether or not they are fishing). The vessel must also be registered for fishing with the Department of Fisheries & Marine Resources Management before fishing can legally take place.
For example, if one person on a boat with several passengers is fishing, each person aboard the boat who is not exempt from requiring a recreational fishing license must have one. Even if no one is fishing but fishing gear is present on the boat, fishing licenses and vessel registration are required.
Separate licenses are required for fishing tournaments.
Lionfishing License
It’s also possible to obtain a license for hunting lionfish, an invasive fish species typically caught with a pole spear. These can be applied for at the Maritime Department.
