Nicaragua · Spearfishing zone
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cayos Perlas (Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cayos Perlas (Pearl Cays Wildlife Refuge).
Wildlife refuge established in 2010 (with WCS support) covering the Pearl Cays / Cayos Perlas, a group of ~18 cays about 35 km off Pearl Lagoon on Nicaragua's South Caribbean coast, ~700 km2. Protects critically endangered hawksbill and green turtle nesting sites plus some of the most intact coral reefs on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast (also home to tropical fish, lobsters, nurse sharks, rays). As a declared protected refuge, recreational spearfishing is not permitted (Law 489 excludes spearfishing from protected areas).
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
12.4670°N, 83.3830°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Nicaragua
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply for a sport fishing permit through MIFIC / the national fisheries authority (INPESCA). Per Arto. 84 of Law 489 the permit is required for sport fishing from shore, from vessels or underwater. Confirm current procedure and fees directly with INPESCA.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · inpesca.gob.ni