How Much Does a Spearfishing License Cost in Tenerife, Canary Islands?
Is a license obtained in Tenerife valid across Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote?
Diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Canary Islands for a spearfishing adventure is an exhilarating prospect. But before you cast off, securing the proper license is essential. This guide will walk you through the straightforward, step-by-step process of obtaining your spearfishing license right here in Tenerife, ensuring you're fully compliant with local regulations.
Good news for island-hoppers! A spearfishing license issued in Tenerife is indeed recognized and valid across all the beautiful Canary Islands, including Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. This means once you've completed the process, you're set for underwater exploration throughout the archipelago.
The total cost for obtaining your spearfishing license in Tenerife typically involves two main fees: the medical examination and the license itself. You can expect to pay approximately 35 Euros for the medical check-up and an additional 28 Euros for the license fee, making the total around 63 Euros for a license valid for three years.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Spearfishing License
Here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Get Your Medical Examination.
- Based on my experience, here's how the medical exam unfolds:
- First, you'll need to visit an occupational health doctor.
- Upon arrival, inform the receptionist that you are applying for a spearfishing license.
- The fee for this examination is 35 Euros.
- The examination itself takes about 20 minutes.
- The doctor will ask you about your general health. Don't worry if you're not fluent in medical Spanish; most offices have a computer with Google Translate at hand to help with communication.
- Using a stethoscope, the doctor will listen to your lungs.
- Next, you'll be asked to remove your shoes and lie down on a couch for an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- The doctor might ask if you've consumed coffee or energy drinks. They had a laugh about it, but my results were fine. I suggest avoiding energy drinks before your examination to ensure the best possible results.
- The doctor will attach suction cups with wires to your chest around the heart area.
- After a few minutes, the machine will print out several sheets of paper with squiggly lines. The doctor will review them and confirm that your health condition allows you to apply for a spearfishing license using a speargun.
- Step 2: Visit the Local Government Office.
- After your medical exam, your next stop is what appears to be a municipal or town hall office.
- The most crucial thing to do here is to book an appointment.
- You can get the correct phone number for scheduling from the information desk.
- The staff informed me which number to dial. Without an appointment, you won't be able to join the queue.
- Official language in Tenerife is Spanish. It's a good idea to have a few basic Spanish phrases prepared, explaining why you're there and what you need. It can be an amusing experience, but communication is usually achieved!
- Once your turn comes, you'll receive a number to watch for on the monitor.
- After greeting the official, you'll present your medical documents and identification.
- You will then be given a payment slip.
- The fee for the license itself is 28 Euros.
- Step 3: Make the Payment at the Bank.
- You need to make this payment at a bank.
- Be aware that I couldn't pay with my foreign bank card because it wasn't a Spanish national bank card. Therefore, you'll likely need to make a cash payment.
- A crucial tip: cash payments in banks are often only accepted until 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, depending on the bank. This applies across all banks. So, plan your visit accordingly.
- Step 4: Collect Your License.
- After making the payment and returning to the office with your receipt, the clerk will print your license.
- Your spearfishing license is valid for 3 years and, as mentioned, is honored on all other Canary Islands.
Below are photos of the locations involved in the process:
- Medical Clinic: The facility where you'll undergo your health examination.
- Office: The government building where you apply for your spearfishing license/permit.
- Bank: Where you'll make the cash payment for your spearfishing license.
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