10 Most Dangerous Spearfishing Locations You Should Think Twice About Visiting

Look, I’m not gonna lie – there’s nothing that gets my adrenaline pumping quite like diving into new waters with my trusty speargun. But after 15+ years of hunting in waters around the world, I’ve learned that some dangerous spearfishing locations demand serious respect (and sometimes, straight-up avoidance). Whether you’re a seasoned spearo or just getting your fins wet, knowing which spots might try to kill you is pretty darn important! 😅

What Makes a Spearfishing Location Dangerous?

Before we dive into specific dangerous spearfishing locations, let’s talk about what makes a spot dangerous. Trust me, it’s not just about sharks (though they deserve respect).

When I consider whether a location belongs on the dangerous spearfishing locations list, I look at multiple factors that could potentially turn your fun underwater hunt into a nightmare. Yes, that sounds melodramatic, but I’ve come close enough times that I’m taking this seriously.

• Predator presence (sharks 🦈 , saltwater crocodiles, etc.)
• Unpredictable or strong currents
• Heavy boat traffic
• Poor visibility conditions
• Rapidly changing weather patterns
• Distance from medical facilities
• Presence of venomous marine life

Top 10 Dangerous Spearfishing Locations Around the World

Alright, let’s get into the meat of this article – the places that have earned their reputation as dangerous spearfishing locations. I’ve either dived these spots myself or have reliable firsthand accounts from my spearfishing buddies who’ve tested these waters.

1. Northern Australia’s Croc-Infested Waters

Northern Australia takes the crown for possibly the most dangerous spearfishing location on earth.  So why? Two words: saltwater crocodiles. They can grow over 20 feet long and are total ambush experts.

I made the mistake of spearfishing the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin without proper local guidance. About 20 minutes into my descent, a passing boat rushed over to save me. I was diving in a notorious croc feeding ground. Lesson learned the hard way!

If you absolutely must spearfish in Northern Australia, which ranks among top spearfishing countries for many enthusiasts, always go with experienced local guides who know exactly which spots to avoid.

2. South Africa’s Shark Alley

Aptly named “Shark Alley,” the channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock in South Africa is home to one of the densest great white shark populations in the world. While not technically a spearfishing spot (it’s a marine reserve), the surrounding waters are popular among thrill-seeking spearos.

These waters represent some of the most treacherous spearfishing waters due to the combination of limited visibility, strong currents, and obviously, the toothy residents. Several of my South African spearfishing friends have stories about being “bumped” by curious great whites in this region.

3. The Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt 💀

Known as the “Diver’s Cemetery,” this infamous dive site has claimed over 100 lives. While it’s more known for scuba diving than spearfishing, some spearos still venture here, making it one of the most perilous underwater hunting grounds.

The danger comes from the tempting “Arch” passage at about 55 meters depth, which has led many divers to exceed safe depth limits. For freedivers and spearos, the extreme depth combined with strong currents creates deadly conditions if you’re not extremely experienced.

I’ve dived the Blue Hole, but stayed well away from the Arch. Even at “safe” depths, the sudden drop-offs can cause spatial disorientation that’s terrifying even for experienced divers like myself.

4. Cocos Island, Costa Rica

This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its incredible marine biodiversity, including massive schools of hammerhead sharks. While spearfishing is prohibited within the marine reserve, the surrounding waters are among the most high-risk spearfishing destinations due to strong currents and abundant large predators.

The waters around Cocos are known for unpredictable upwellings and thermoclines that can suddenly change visibility from excellent to terrible. Combined with the unbelievably high shark density, you have the ingredients for some fairly extreme diving conditions.

5. The Straits of Florida

The Gulf Stream creates powerful currents between Florida and the Bahamas, earning it a spot on our dangerous spearfishing locations list. Every year, spearfishermen get swept away after misjudging these currents or experiencing boat problems.

I had a terrifying experience here in 2019. What started as a perfect day of spearfishing quickly turned south when our boat engine died. Within minutes, the current had carried us miles from our starting point. If we hadn’t had a backup radio and GPS, things could have ended very differently.

If you’re planning to spearfish this area, which can be among the best spearfishing destinations when conditions are right, always check current predictions and have multiple safety systems in place.

6. Papua New Guinea’s Kimbe Bay

Kimbe Bay offers some of the most biodiverse spearfishing on the planet, but it earns its place among dangerous spearfishing locations for several reasons. The remoteness of the waters puts you hours away from medical help, and the area is home to dozens of different species of sharks.0

What makes Kimbe particularly challenging is the combination of deep drop-offs, strong currents, and the fact that local sharks are less accustomed to divers, potentially making them more curious or aggressive. Several spearos I know have reported being “checked out” much more intensely here than in more diver-frequented waters.

7. The Cook Strait, New Zealand

The narrow passage between New Zealand’s North and South Islands funnels the ocean through, creating some seriously treacherous spearfishing waters. The unpredictable weather and visibility conditions make this a challenging site even for experienced spearos.

What makes the Cook Strait especially dangerous is how quickly conditions can change. You might start your dive in relatively calm waters only to surface to 6-foot swells and howling winds. I’ve only dived here once, and honestly, the stress of constantly checking conditions wasn’t worth the hunt.

8. Reunion Island

This French territory in the Indian Ocean has gained an unfortunate reputation as one of the most dangerous spearfishing locations due to a significant increase in shark attacks since 2011. Bull and tiger sharks patrol these waters in numbers that have led to spearfishing prohibitions in all but a few areas.

The island’s rough underwater topography, with shoreward deep water, and cloudy conditions, create the perfect environment for ambush shark encounters. Several of my French spearfishing buddies have abandoned diving here altogether despite the excellent fish populations.

9. The Maldives’ Outer Atolls

While the Maldives is a paradise for many types of fishing, the outer atolls present serious challenges that place them among hazardous spearfishing sites. The strong oceanic currents that pass through the channels between atolls can reach speeds that no swimmer can fight against.

These channels, known locally as “kandus,” can experience current speeds up to 8 knots – strong enough to tear a mask off your face! But the same currents deliver enormous pelagic fish, an irresistible attractant for danger-seeking spearos. Always use current hooks and never dive into these spots alone.

10. The Portuguese Islands (Azores) in Winter Session

The Atlantic swells that pound the Azores in winter create some of the most treacherous spearfishing waters you can imagine. Massive waves, rapidly changing weather, and strong currents make winter spearfishing here an extreme sport.

I visited during a “mild” winter week and still experienced 15-foot swells that made entry and exit points extremely dangerous. Several local spearos showed me scars from being thrown against rocks while trying to exit the water. The fish are plentiful, but the risk factor is off the charts during storm season.

Dealing with Predators in Hazardous Diving Areas

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or rather, the sharks in the water. When spearfishing in hazardous spearfishing spots, knowing predator behavior can be a lifesaver.

First things first: most shark encounters while spearfishing are uneventful. But when you’re bleeding fish in high-risk spearfishing destinations, you’re essentially ringing the dinner bell. This is what I’ve discovered about handling predator encounters:

• Use a kill spike to dispatch fish quickly and minimize blood
• Keep caught fish far from your body (use a float line)
• Maintain constant 360° awareness
• Always have a dive buddy watching your back
• Exit the water calmly but promptly if large predators appear

I’ve had countless shark encounters over my spearfishing career, and the most dangerous situations always involved speared fish, not direct interest in me as prey. That said, in places like Reunion Island or certain Bahamas spots, sharks have become more habituated to associating spearfishers with food.

If you’re heading to known dangerous spearfishing locations, consider investing in a Shark Shield or similar electronic deterrent. I was skeptical until I saw one repel a particularly interesting bull shark in Fiji – now I won’t dive into certain areas without one.

Surviving Strong Currents in Treacherous Spearfishing Waters

In my experience, currents have created more dangerous situations than sharks ever have. The ocean’s underwater rivers can turn a pleasant dive into a survival situation in seconds, especially in dangerous spearfishing locations known for strong flows.

The worst current experience I’ve had was off Pemba Island in Tanzania. What was supposed to be a slack tide suddenly accelerated to what felt like a liquid treadmill. No matter how hard I found it, I was being swept toward the open ocean. That’s when my current line saved my hide.

Here’s how to prepare for diving in areas with strong currents:

1. Always check tide charts and local current predictions
2. Use a current hook or line connected to your float
3. Ensure your boat captain understands drift diving protocols
4. Plan entry/exit points that account for the current direction
5. Save enough energy reserves for swimming against unexpected flows

When diving in treacherous spearfishing waters with known current issues, consider using a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) so your boat can track your position even if you’re swept off course. This humble device has averted many hazardous situations for spearos around the world.

And remember – there’s no shame in canceling a dive if the currents look stronger than expected. The fish will still be there another day, but you might not be if you take unnecessary risks in hazardous spearfishing sites.

Essential Safety Equipment for High-Risk Spearfishing Destinations

When heading to dangerous spearfishing locations, your gear choices can make the difference between an epic adventure and a disaster. Through trial and error (and some scary moments), I’ve developed a safety equipment list for high-risk locations.

Standard gear isn’t enough when diving perilous underwater hunting grounds. Here’s what should be in your kit beyond the basics:

• Personal locator beacon (I use the Ocean Signal PLB1)
• 📱 Waterproof VHF radio (attached to float)
• Trauma kit including hemostatic gauze
• 🦈 Shark deterrent (electronic or chemical)
• Redundant buoyancy (both weight belt and breakaway weights)
• Multiple signaling devices (whistle, mirror, strobe)
• Surface marker with high visibility colors

One piece of gear that saved my buddy Jake during a dive in one of those secret spearfishing locations off Mozambique was a simple rescue streamer – a 6-foot orange strip that unfurls in the water. After getting separated in poor visibility, this $15 tool made him visible from over 100 yards away.

Precautions to Take When Visiting Dangerous Spearfishing Locations

Beyond having the right gear, there are crucial protocols you should follow when diving in dangerous spearfishing locations. These precautions have been developed through decades of collective experience – sometimes learned the hard way.

The most important safety rule I follow when diving hazardous spearfishing sites is never diving alone. This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many experienced spearos break this rule “just this once” – sometimes with tragic consequences.

Other principal precautions include:

1. Create a detailed dive plan and share it with someone onshore
2. Set strict bottom time limits and stick to them
3. Know the location of the nearest decompression chamber
4. Study local marine life hazards before your trip
5. Carry appropriate first aid supplies for regional risks
6. Establish clear no-go conditions (weather, current, etc.)

One practice that’s saved me multiple times is the “one-up, one-down” system when diving into treacherous spearfishing waters. While one diver hunts, their partner stays at the surface monitoring conditions and watching for boats or predators. You then swap roles with each dive.

Another crucial tip when visiting tropical vs cold water spearfishing spots with high-risk factors: always do a test dive without your speargun first. This enables you to assess conditions unbiased by hunting.

Why Local Knowledge is Crucial in Perilous Underwater Hunting Grounds

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from diving into dangerous spearfishing locations around the world, it’s this: local knowledge is worth more than the fanciest gear or the most technical training. Full stop.

When I visit new high-risk spearfishing destinations, the first thing I do is find local divers. They know exactly which spots become dangerous during certain tides, which areas have recently seen predator activity, and where the underwater terrain creates hazards.

Here’s how to tap into local knowledge effectively:

• Visit local dive shops and build relationships
• 🧑‍🦰 Hire local guides for your first few dives
• Join regional spearfishing social media groups before your trip
• Respect local customs and traditions (sometimes buying a round at the local dive bar opens more doors than cash)
• Check local catch reports for patterns in conditions

One of the most dangerous spearfishing locations I’ve dived was seemingly innocent – a beautiful reef in the Philippines that looked perfect on the surface. But local divers warned me about powerful downcurrents that appeared without warning. Sure enough, during my dive, I felt that sudden pull downward. Because I was prepared, I didn’t fight it but swam diagonally to escape the flow.

Remember that conditions in perilous underwater hunting grounds can change seasonally or even daily. What was safe last week might be dangerous today – and only locals will have that up-to-date knowledge.

If you’re planning an extended trip to explore new cheap spearfishing trip destinations, budget for at least one day with a local guide. It‘s expensive, maybe, but what you learn will stay with you while you’re there.

Conclusion time

let’s be real about dangerous spearfishing locations. This piece can look like a set of warnings, but it is really a case of respect for the ocean’s power. These spots aren’t “bad” – they’re just demanding your preparation and attention. Even the most difficult waters can present excellent hunting if you plan it right, bring the right equipment, and have some knowledge of the area.

I still dive into many of the locations on this list, but I do so with careful preparation and a healthy dose of caution. The ocean deserves our respect, especially in its most forceful manifestations. Stay safe out there, fellow spearos – and remember that sometimes the best dive decision is choosing not to dive at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I encounter an aggressive shark when spearfishing?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always the great white shark. In my experience, bull sharks present the highest risk in dangerous spearfishing locations because they frequent shallow, murky waters, are highly territorial, and can be unpredictable. Saltwater crocodiles are a close second in regions where they’re present – they’re ambush predators with lightning-fast attacks.

How do I know if currents are too strong for safe spearfishing?

A good rule of thumb in potentially treacherous spearfishing waters: if you’re finning at full strength and making no progress or moving backward, the current is too strong. Also watch for surface signs like rippling water, floating objects moving rapidly, or unusual wave patterns. When in doubt, postpone your dive or choose a more protected location.

What should I do if I encounter an aggressive shark while spearfishing?

In high-risk spearfishing destinations where shark encounters are possible, remember these steps: maintain eye contact with the shark, keep your speared fish at arm’s length or release it if necessary, slowly back toward your buddy or exit point, and use your speargun as a barrier (not a weapon) if the shark approaches too closely. Most importantly, exit the water calmly but promptly.

Is spearfishing at night more dangerous?

Yes of course. Night diving in dangerous spearfishing waters compounds inherent risks by reducing visibility, making navigation harder, and coinciding with the hunting periods of most predators. I only night dive in very familiar, protected locations and always with multiple buddies. For beginners, I strongly recommend against night spearfishing in any location considered even marginally risky.

How do I check if a location is known to be dangerous before planning a trip?

Research perilous underwater hunting grounds before visiting by checking marine park websites for advisories, joining regional spearfishing forums or social media groups, contacting local dive shops, and reviewing any published incident reports. The Divers Alert Network often has regional safety information as well. Nothing beats talking directly with local divers who spearfish the area regularly.