Spearfishing Vacation

Spearfishing Vacation by NomadInMe.

The best places in the world for a spearfishing vacation are listed below, keep reading to lo learn more.

-The Florida Keys
-Madagascar
-Costa Rica
-Exmouth
-Bali
-Mozambique
-Hawaii
-Great Barrier Reef
-Azores
-Tonga
-Mexico
-Grand Cayman

In this article, we will cover the best spearfishing vacation destinations around the world. In addition, we will look at the best operators, target species and diving conditions.We will look at the most popular influencers and spearfishing resources available and share the best online deals on equipment. Whether you are a newcomer to the sport of a seasoned salty sea-dog, you will find the best and most up to date resources on the best spearfishing around the world.

Spearfishing Intro

Spearfishing is a method of fishing that has been around for millennia. It was the first known way humans hunted fish and has evolved massively over time. Modern spearfishing is performed whilst either free diving or scuba diving. Although freediving is the most common practice with scuba diving when spearfishing being banned by many fisheries. Types of speargun vary with hand spear or Hawaiian slings, elastic powered, compressed gas and pneumatic-powered spearguns.

It is widely considered that the most enjoyable, ethical and popular way of spearfishing is with elastic powered guns and whilst free diving. Its popularity is a result of what an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable process it is. The process of finding a location, hunting and catching a fish on a single breath and then cleaning, cooking and eating that fish is extremely rewarding.

Spearfishing success is down to a number of factors listed below:

-Freediving ability
-Local Knowledge
-Equipment
-Location
-Experience

If you live near water, there is a good chance you can go spearfishing. Of course, some location is better and perhaps more enjoyable places to spearfish than others. However, there is enjoyment from getting to know your local area, finding your best spots and enjoying the local seafood on offer.

Most of the best spearfishing destinations in the world have boats and guides that take visitors and tourist spearfishing. Many of these destinations are tropical, enjoying a long list of species and warm clear blue water. This makes a spearfishing vacation easy to plan into your trips. Spearfishing is still largely considered an extreme sport and not massively popular, especially when compared to scuba diving and fishing. This means you still get a more personal experience with most operators running small groups.

A spearfishing vacation is a great way to see the destinations from a different perspective. Experiencing a location from above and below the water gives you more value from your trip. As well as a purpose on your vacation. It also allows you to target species on your bucket list or that you would not be able to in your home town.

Spearfishing Vacation Legal

When Planning a spearfishing vacation, always check the laws in the country you are planning to visit first. You do this by searching online or perhaps asking a local guide for advice. Problems can occur when travelling with your won equipment particularly your speargun. Countries have many different rules. For example, many Caribbean islands allow only hand spears, with no trigger mechanisms being allowed.

Other countries and airlines will require the spears to be stored in a certain way. Some may require the speargun to be disassembled, to different extents. It is important that you are certain of these laws before visiting your spearfishing vacation destination. Many operators will allow you to rent spearguns and equipment from them.

Conservation

For anybody that has had a go at spearfishing, you will understand why it is classed as the most environmentally friendly fishing method. Spearfishing allows you to not only target individual species but also individual fish. There is zero bycatch associated with spearfishing. You can see the fish that you are targeting and make that decision based on the size of the fish and the number of that fish that are available.

In addition, it is rare for fish to be injured but not caught. Spearfishing is an extremely sustainable form of fishing, absent of hooks and fishing line that often gets lost and tangled on the reef. Being able to see what you are shooting is of great benefit, you can take a fish that is the perfect size for the amount of meat that you need.

Spearfishing can be met with some hostility by environmentalists. However diving and catching just the right amount of food you need to eat is not even comparable, to eating fish caught by a commercial fisherman. Mostly due to the unregulated bycatch and the number of nets and line that gets lost in our oceans every year.

Spearfishing Vacation Destinations

Spearfishing Vacation In The Florida Keys

About Spearfishing In The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are arguably the best location in the United States to spearfish. This coral island archipelago juts out from southern Florida. With an array of different islands, all with their own unique feel and things to do. The islands are an extremely popular fishing destination. With a wide variety of tropical Atlantic and Caribbean species. This is combined with warm and relatively clear water, all year round and plenty of shallow water and deep blue water.

Target Species
– Lion Fish
– Hog Fish
– Mutton Snapper
– Wahoo
– Mahi

Best Spearfishing guide In The Florida Keys

Forever Young Spearfishing in the Islamorada islands offers spearfishing charters alongside fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Where to stay In Islamorada Florida

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Madagascar

About Spearfishing In Madagascar

Madagascar is the second-largest island nation in the world and known for its biodiversity above and below the water. The island is vastly different on all sides, with tropical rainforest and arid deserts, temperate seas and coral reefs. A trip to Madagascar is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the spearfishing is some of the best in the world.

The north of Madagascar is the best part of the country for a spearfishing vacation. Here you will find tropical rainforests and dreamy, palm tree-covered islands. Nosy Be is a popular destination. This remote part of the world is hard to get to but well worth the effort!

Target Species
– Job Fish
– Dog Tooth Tuna
– Mangrove Snapper
– Wahoo

Best Spearfishing guide In Madagascar

Extreme Blue Water Spearfishing is one of a few companies that organise trips here. Alternatively, you can organise your own trip and hire a charter boat on the island.

Where to stay In Nosy Be

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Costa Rica

About Spearfishing In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country filled with natural beauty, an abundance of wildlife and a long list of activities to get even the most hardcore adventurists excited. With a Caribbean and Pacific side, there is no shortage of amazing ocean to explore. Costa Rica is also widely known as being one of the best game fishing locations in the world.

Spearfishing is a popular activity especially on the Pacific coast with a huge variety of reef fish and pelagic. From El Salvador to the Panama border, this rugged volcanic coastline has a lot to offer, including some species, specific to the area. The visibility and water temperature can vary with the time of the year and the location.

Target Species
– Rooster Fish
– Black and Yellow Fin Tuna
– Mangrove Snapper
– Mahi

Best Spearfishing guide In Costa Rica

For your Costa Rican spearfishing vacation, we recommend Freedive Costa Rica. Based in Tamarindo they offer freediving courses and spearfishing trips to the surrounding area. Las Catalina north of Tamarindo is a popular destination. Be aware algae blooms in the are can cause the visibility to fluctuate.

Where to stay In Tamarindo

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Exmouth Western Australia

About Spearfishing In Exmouth WA

Exmouth is the gateway to Western Australias Ningaloo Reef. Located about 1500km north of Perth, this remote desert peninsula is an extremely dry, hot and remote location. It is also home to one of the most incredible bits of the ocean in this part o the world. Throughout the year people make the journey to Exmouth to swim with Whale Sharks, see humpback whales and fish these rich waters.

The department of the environment does a great job of managing the fisheries and as a result, the fish stocks are very healthy, Ningaloo itself offers great spearfishing, the outer islands are remote but virtually untouched.

Target Species
– Red Emperor
– Coral Trout
– Job Fish
– Mahi
– Wahoo

Best Spearfishing guide In Exmouth WA

Exmouth Fishing Charters offer custom spearfishing tours, with experienced crew.

Where to stay In Exmouth WA

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Bali

About Spearfishing In Bali

Bali has to be one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. This popular destination has everything you could ever want from amazing surfing, rainforest hikes, cultural sites to great nightlife. Bali sits close to the coral triangle in the most biodiverse waters on the planet. Pacific and Indian ocean waters meet her creating upwellings, this, in turn, means the water is teeming with food.

Although the area has fallen victim to overfishing, the waters in and around the area are fantastic. Alternatively, there are countless islands in this Indonesian archipelago to explore. Bali is a popular spot amongst Australian tourists who love their surfing and fishing. As a result, there is no shortage of options when looking into spearfishing in this part of the world.

Target Species
– Spanish Mackerel
– Coral Trout
– Job Fish
– Wahoo

Best Spearfishing guide In Bali

We recommend Mario, the owner of Spearfishing Bali for your Bali spearfishing vacation. Born and bread Mario knowns all the best spots for the best tides in these changeable waters.

Where to stay In Bali

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Mozambique

About Spearfishing In Mozambique

Mozambique is an African Country in south-east Africa and famous for its rich African culture and safaris. Mozambique is one of the African continents safer countries and offers a massive variety of adventure-based tourist activities.

Although often overlooked, Mozambique has an incredibly rich coastline and world-class fishing and diving. It holds legendary status amongst spearos with big prize fish being just of the coast. Strong currents and challenging conditions exist in this part of the world but it is well worth the effort.

Target Species
– King Mackerel
– Sail Fish
– Job Fish
– Dog Tooth Tuna

Best Spearfishing guide In Mozambique

Scouting Spearfishing Adventures located in the Tofo Beach are ideally located to make the most of your Mozambique spearfishing adventure.

Where to stay In Tofo

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Hawaii

About Spearfishing In Hawaii

Hawaii is a remote island archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and makes up a part of the United States. Made up of 137 volcanic islands with each one being unique, but all of them sharing beautiful scenery and deep blue water. Hawaii is an extremely popular holiday destination for Americans and international tourists.

The waters around Hawaii are extremely deep, with the islands rising out of the ocean like underwater mountain ranges. Bluewater spearfishing is incredible in this part of the world with the islands being home to some significant world records. Spearfishing is almost as popular as surfing with many locals and tourists exploring the surrounding reefs for dinner.

Target Species
– Mahi Mahi
– Sail Fish
– Tuna
– Wahoo

Best Spearfishing guide In Hawaii

On Kona, also known as the big island you will find many freediving and spearfishing operators. Blue Water Hunter is based in Kailua in Kona and offers tours and training for all levels. This part of Hawaii is known for its spearfishing and freediving with deep water and healthy reefs.

Where to stay in Kona

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation Great Barrier Reef

About Spearfishing The Great Barrier Reef

It would be hard not to include the largest reef system on the planet in the best destinations for spearfishing vacations. The legendary great barrier reef on the east coast of Australia is made up of 2,900 individual reefs and over 900 islands.

The whole way up the coast up Queensland are quirky little beach towns that all provide access to different parts of the Great Barrier Reef. Despite difficulties with bleaching and other environmental problems. The sheer size of the great barrier reef means that there is still a very healthy area that boasts a huge array of fish life, some of which are only found in this part of the world.

Target Species
– Nannygai
– Red Emperor
– Coral Trout
– Spanish Mackerel

Best Spearfishing guide In The Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is largely considered to be the best place to access The Great Barrier Reef and there you will find Reefinity. You can book a variety of water-based tours and they specialise in spearfishing day trips to the more remote parts of the barrier reef

Where to stay In Cairns

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Azores

About Spearfishing In The Azores

The Azores can be found in the Eastern Atlantic and are an archipelago composed of nine volcanic islands. Belonging to Portugal they are approximately 870 miles to the west of Lisbon. Due to their position, they enjoy a very mild climate with extreme temperatures being controlled by the swathes of the Atlantic ocean between them and any significant landmass.

The Azores are beautiful and green with a dramatic landscape, thanks to their volcanic origin, they have tall peaks and fertile volcanic soil. The Azores receive a lot of rainfall and enjoy a mild winter. As you can imagine with being such a remote archipelago and surrounded by such deep water, the fishing is world-class. Spearfishing is very popular here with multiple world records being held on the islands.

Target Species
– Various Billfish
– Wahoo
– Tuna

Best Spearfishing guide In The Azores

DBM Azores is a diving and sport fishing company with a wide variety of boats and tours available

Where to stay In The Azores

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Tonga

About Spearfishing In Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is a Polynesian country and archipelago made up of 169 islands, 36 of which are inhabited. This is truly a Pacific Paradise, where turquoise blue lagoons meet lush rainforest-covered islands. These remote and sparsely populated islands are surrounded by extremely healthy reef systems that are host to some of the most stocked fisheries in this part of the world.

Tonga is a popular destination for eco-tourism, particularly those wanting to swim with the migratory population of humpback whales that visa the Vava’u region every year. For more information on this view the article https://nomadinme.com/swim-with-whales/. Tonga is remote and Vava’u even more so, be sure to do your research before booking a trip.

Target Species
– Dog Tooth Tuna
– Wahoo
– Job Fish
– Coronation Trout

Best Spearfishing guide In Tonga

Dive Tonga run everything from private charters to scuba diving to custom spearfishing vacation packages. Based in Vava’u the most remote and untouched part of the Tongan archipelago.

Where to stay In Vava’u

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Mexico

About Spearfishing In Mexico

Mexico is a popular tourist destination and an incredibly rich and diverse country to visit. For our American readers, it is very accessible and cheap, offering a wide variety of accommodation and great nightlife. Spearfishing companies exist on the Caribbean and Pacific coast but for this article, we will be focusing on the Pacific. In particular the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. Some of the best game fishing in the world exists here.

The Sea Of Cortez is packed with a variety of reef fish and large schools of Palaegics. The deepwater found here is home to a variety of life including giant squid, a variety of whale species, dolphins and much more. The Sea Of Cortez is renowned around the world for its rich bio-diversity.

Target Species
– Tuna
– Wahoo
– Mahi
– Grouper

Best Spearfishing guide In Mexico

Spearfishing Baja is a company in Cabo San Lucas that specialises in spearfishing trips. Guided by local experts with a fully stocked shop and close to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and accommodation, this is your best bet for spearfishing in Mexico.

Where to stay In Cabo San Lucas

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Spearfishing Vacation In Grand Cayman

About Spearfishing in Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman may not be your first thought when thinking of spearfishing vacation destinations. In fact, spearfishing is illegal here, unless, you are fishing for the invasive Lionfish that have taken over the Caribbean. Lionfish are thought to have been introduced to the Caribbean from Florida, where these ferocious predators were released into the ocean from peoples fish tanks. With no natural predators and a large appetite, they are having a negative effect on the local fish stocks.

Grand Cayman has countless high-end resorts, amazing beaches and restaurants. At some dive shops on the island, they will take you spearfishing for Lionfish with hand spears whilst scuba diving. This is a great way to learn spearfishing and a lot of fun. Not only are you doing some good by helping to control the numbers of an invasive species. Lionfish is actually very tasty meat. They are covered in poisonous spines, once removed the small chunky fillets can be breaded and enjoyed in the best fish tacos of your life! To learn more about Grand Cayman read this article https://nomadinme.com/what-to-do-in-grand-cayman/.

Target Species
– Lionfish

Best Spearfishing guide In Grand Cayman

Ocean Frontiers dive centre in the East End of Grand Cayman has Lionfish dives, great staff and boats as well as being next door to the best dive sites on the island.

Where to stay In Grand Cayman

Budget – View on VRBO
Mid-range – View on VRBO
Luxury – View on VRBO

Learn To Freedive

Freediving is by far the most important aspect of spearfishing. In recent years it’s popularity has grown and you can now find many resources online. Several companies now offer freediving courses to teach you how to dive deeper for longer and how to do it safely.

Freediving does come with some risk but there are simple techniques and rules you can follow to greatly reduce these risks. Correct breathing techniques, using the appropriate equipment and how to dive in a group, or with a buddy are some of the important rules to safe freediving. Below is a list of companies that offer freediving certification.

– PADI
– SSI
– NAUI
– SDI
-FII

Comment

Have any questions or thin Iv’e missed somewhere off the list? Comment bellow!

Best Spearfishing Equipment

Below is a list of my favourite and most essential spearfishing equipment at the best deals, follow the link to purchase on Amazon or to learn more about the products.