To practise spearfishing in the Canary Islands you need a licence issued by the Canary Islands Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Water. The application is online or in person.
The licence is valid for 3 years and lets you spearfish in all Canary Islands Autonomous Community waters, respecting marine reserves and local regulations.
You must always carry the licence with you during activity. Environmental officers can request it at any time.
El Cabrón Marine Reserve (Arinaga) and other specially protected fishing zones. Total spearfishing ban within their limits.
Special Conservation Areas (ZEC) and marine Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA). Some allow spearfishing with restrictions, others prohibit it entirely.
Inner port waters, access channels, docks, and marked bathing zones. A safety perimeter applies depending on the facility.
Proximity to desalination plants, submarine outfalls, underwater cables and coastal military facilities. Check the official maps before planning.
Always dive with a buddy. The buddy system is mandatory. No exceptions.
Don't push depths or times you haven't mastered. Spearfishing doesn't justify unnecessary risks.
Mandatory by law. Be visible to boats. Always use the alpha flag (diver below).
Before every outing, check your speargun, rubbers, line, buoy, wetsuit and weights. Equipment failure in the water can be serious.
Minor violations like spearfishing without a buoy or without carrying the licence. Fines from 60 to 600 euros depending on severity.
Spearfishing in a prohibited zone, exceeding quotas or catching protected species. Confiscation of gear and catches, plus fines from 601 to 60,000 euros.
Repeat offences, spearfishing in a marine reserve, or violations causing significant environmental damage. Ban from obtaining a licence for 1 to 10 years, plus fines up to 300,000 euros.
The best insurance is training. Learn with us and enter the water with confidence and knowledge.
