Can I Bring my Fish Back from Costa Rica?

In short, yes, you can bring fish back from Costa Rica, but there are some important things to consider. FIRST – we always recommend checking with your airline. Most do allow you to bring your fish back, but each airline will have their own requirements.

Must be Frozen: The fish must be frozen solid when going through Costa Rica customs.

Proper Packaging: You should not pack the frozen fish with ice, dry ice, or any other type of chemical refrigerant. You will need a hard sided cooler for transport. If the cooler has a removable lid, you will need tape to make sure the lid is secure on the plane.

Check-in Baggage: You can bring the fish in your checked baggage, but not in your carry-on. 

Inspection: Be prepared for a possible inspection at the airport, as some regulations require police inspection before the airline will check the fish. There is a possibility that Costa Rica agents will not approve you taking the fish back – so be prepared that while you’ve taken all the proper steps, they might just say no.

Customs Regulations: Likewise, keep in mind that customs at your arrival destination may confiscate the fish, and there's no guarantee it will clear, as you are at the mercy of the customs agent.

Boomerang Client Perks: If you would like to take fish home with you after fishing on Boomerang, we will happily vacuum seal your fish, and can even store it in our freezers (up to three days) for your convenience. We do not supply coolers, but some of the local supers, Do It Center, Walmart, Pricemart, Pequeno Mundo should all have these items. For vacationers fishing on other charters, we can offer the service (vacuum seal & store up to 3 days) for a $30 fee.