Discover the World’s Top Spearfishing Countries – An Ultimate Guide

Hey there, fellow ocean enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours dreaming about hunting in the top spearfishing countries with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. I’ve been lucky to have traveled to some incredible locations during my 15+ years in the sport, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you!

Whether you’re a seasoned spearo looking for your next adventure or a curious newbie wondering where the best spearfishing nations are located, this guide has got you covered. Okay, so let’s get started!

Why Location Matters When Exploring Top Spearfishing Countries

Not gonna lie, where you choose to spearfish can make or break your experience. The top spearfishing countries offer a perfect combination of water visibility, marine biodiversity, accessibility, and reasonable regulations.

I remember my first trip to a mediocre spot in my early days I spent more time squinting through murky water than actually hunting! Compare that to diving in one of the premier spearfishing locations like Tahiti, and it’s like night and day.

The right country can offer you:

• Diverse and abundant fish species
• 👁️ Exceptional visibility (sometimes 30+ meters!)
• Comfortable water temperatures
• Reasonable regulations and permit requirements
• Value for money (some amazing spots are surprisingly affordable)

🔱 Mediterranean Gems: European Spearfishing Hotspots

Greece: Ancient Waters with Modern Appeal

Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins and delicious food it’s seriously one of the top spearfishing countries in the Mediterranean. With over 6,000 islands and islets, the hunting opportunities are practically endless!

The Ionian Islands offer amazing visibility and plenty of rocky structures where groupers and amberjacks love to hang out. I spent a week in Zakynthos last summer, and honestly, I’m still dreaming about those blue waters.

Croatia: The Adriatic Treasure

Croatia has exploded onto the global spearfishing destinations scene in recent years. With its incredibly clear Adriatic waters and over 1,200 islands, it’s a spearo’s dream come true.

The underwater topography here is wild tons of caves, walls, and reefs that are perfect ambush points. Also, Croatian people really understand the importance of sustainable fishing, which has helped preserve their marine system.

For the best experience, check out islands like Vis, Hvar, or the Kornati archipelago. Just remember you’ll need a permit, which you can easily get online or at local fishing stores for about €20 per day.

Italy: Beyond the Pizza and Pasta

Italy doesn’t always get the credit it deserves as one of the top spearfishing countries, but trust me its waters are teeming with life! Sardinia and Sicily offer some particularly stellar hunting grounds.

Something special about Italian waters is that there is a mix of deep blue offshore areas and shallow, rocky coastlines. This lets you target everything from groupers and dentex up to the bigger pelagic creatures.

A friend of mine landed a 30kg amberjack off the Sardinian coast last year yeah, for real! Just be aware that regulations can vary by region, so do your homework before heading out.

🏝️ Pacific Island Nations: The Ultimate Spearfishing Mecca

Tahiti & French Polynesia: The Crown Jewel

If I had to pick just one place from all the top spearfishing countries in the world, French Polynesia might be it. These islands are what spearfishing dreams are made of ridiculously clear water, abundant fish, and a culture that has respected the art of spearfishing for centuries.

The island passes from natural channels for large pelagic fish and thus makes ideal hunting grounds. Rangiroa’s Tiputa Pass is legendary among spearos for good reason the sheer volume of fish passing through is mind-blowing.

One thing to know: locals here have mad respect for traditional fishing methods, and you can learn a ton from them. I once had a Tahitian guide show me how they track fish by watching bird behavior above the water completely changed my approach!

Fiji: South Pacific Paradise

Fiji ranks high among the best underwater hunting locations with its 300+ islands offering incredibly diverse spearfishing opportunities. With coral reefs for beginners and bluewater hunting for experienced divers, Fiji has everything.

What I love about Fiji is how pristine many of the reefs still are. Areas like the Yasawa Islands or Kadavu have spots that seem virtually untouched. And the Fijian people? Some of the kindest people you’ll ever encounter.

Just remember that many villages have traditional fishing rights (Qoliqoli), so always ask permission before diving. Respecting local customs here isn’t just polite it’s essential.

So About The Solomon Islands: The Untouched Frontier

For those seeking less-traveled spearfishing territories, the Solomon Islands offer some of the most pristine waters on the planet. This place is what I imagine the entire Pacific was like 50 years ago.

The biodiversity here is off the charts from massive dogtooth tuna to vibrant reef species. And because it’s not overrun with tourists, you’ll often have entire reefs to yourself.

Fair warning though: this isn’t a beginner’s destination. For spearos who seek less-traveled spearfishing waters, the Solomon Islands offer some of the purest water on the planet. But for experienced spearos looking for adventure? Pure magic.

The Americas: Diverse Spearfishing Territories

Mexico: Where Two Oceans Create Double the Fun

Mexico deserves serious recognition as one of the top spearfishing countries in the Western Hemisphere. With both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, the diversity of spearfishing experiences here is unmatched.

The Baja Peninsula is a spearo’s playground with clear water and abundant life. I spent two weeks hunting there last spring, and the yellowtail and grouper action was nothing short of spectacular.

On the Caribbean side, the Yucatán offers amazing visibility and the opportunity to hunt along the second-largest barrier reef in the world. And let’s be honest ending your spearfishing day with street tacos and a cold cerveza isn’t exactly roughing it!

Florida & The Bahamas: Atlantic Treasures

While not a country itself, Florida combined with the nearby Bahamas creates one of the most accessible spearfishing regions for many North Americans. The Florida Keys offer incredible reef systems, while the Bahamas provide that gin-clear water spearos dream about.

What is interesting about this region is the variability from shallow reef stalking to blue deep waters and blue water chases of wahoo and tuna. Ideal pelagic environments, especially during migration seasons, are produced in the Gulf Stream.

Just know that regulations in Florida are pretty strict (and change frequently), so stay up-to-date. The Bahamas is more relaxed but requires a fishing permit that you can get upon arrival.

Brazil: South America’s Hidden Gem

Brazil doesn’t always make it onto lists of top spearfishing countries, but anyone who’s been there knows it deserves a spot. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago features some of the Atlantic’s finest waters.

What makes Brazilian waters unique is the convergence of currents that bring in both tropical and subtropical species. This creates an amazing diversity of potential targets throughout the year.

The local spearfishing community in Brazil is passionate and growing rapidly. If you connect with locals, they’ll often share their favorite spots Brazilian hospitality extends underwater too!

African & Middle Eastern Spearfishing Havens

South Africa: Where Two Oceans Meet

South Africa offers some of the most thrilling spearfishing on the planet, earning its place among the top spearfishing countries for adventurous souls. The confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans produces an extraordinary ecosystem with staggering biodiversity.0

The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces provide dramatic opportunities for targeting yellowfin tuna, king mackerel, and bottom fish species.
But let’s be real what draws many spearos here is the adrenaline rush of diving in sharky waters.

I’ll never forget my first dive at Aliwal Shoal watching oceanic blacktip sharks cruise by while hunting gamefish keeps you alert! It’s not for all, but for the adventurous, it’s unparalleled.

Mozambique: The0 Rising Star

Mozambique is quickly gaining recognition among premier spearfishing locations with its 2,500km of relatively undeveloped coastline. The Bazaruto Archipelago and Inhambane province provide world-class conditions.

What makes Mozambique special is the combination of healthy reefs, abundant gamefish, and the opportunity to hunt truly massive species. Sailfish, giant trevally, and even marlin are realistic targets for experienced spearos here.

The best part? It’s still relatively affordable compared to many other top destinations. You can get a week of guided spearfishing, accommodation, and meals for the price of just a few days in some of the more established spots.

Oman: Arabian Peninsula’s Best-Kept Secret

Oman might fly under the radar, but it deserves mention among the best spearfishing nations. The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman provide remarkably diverse hunting opportunities.

What impresses me about Oman is the sheer size of some species groupers, and trevallies here grow to monster proportions! The underwater topography with its dramatic drop-offs and pinnacles creates perfect ambush points.

The country has invested heavily in marine conservation, which has paid off with healthy fish populations. Just be aware that summer temperatures can be brutal, making winter and spring the ideal seasons to visit.

Asia & Oceania: Unexplored Spearfishing Wonderlands

Australia: Diverse Ecosystems on Epic Scale

Australia stands tall among the top spearfishing countries with its massive coastline offering everything from tropical reef diving in the north to cooler, pelagic-rich waters in the south.

The Great Barrier Reef gets all the attention, but honestly, some of the best hunting happens along the less-famous coastlines. The eastern seaboard from Sydney to Brisbane offers amazing rock platform diving with kingfish and mulloway as prime targets.

One thing to appreciate about Australia is their approach to sustainability they’ve got some of the most science-based fisheries management in the world. Regulations can be strict, but they’ve helped maintain healthy fish stocks.

Philippines: The Coral Triangle’s Crown Jewel

With over 7,600 islands, the Philippines offers incredible variety as one of Asia’s top spearfishing countries. Being part of the Coral Triangle means biodiversity here is off the charts.

Palawan and Visayas have some of the best opportunities, with well-cleaned waters and healthy reef systems. What makes the Philippines special is the accessibility you can find amazing diving just minutes from shore in many locations.

One thing to note: traditional fishing is still vital to many communities here, so showing respect and perhaps hiring local guides not only enhances your experience but also supports conservation efforts.

New Zealand: Cold Water Bounty

New Zealand proves that not all premier spearfishing locations are in tropical waters. Its temperate seas offer some of the most challenging and rewarding hunting on the planet.

The North Island’s east coast and the Poor Knights Islands are legendary for good reason kingfish (yellowtail) here grow to massive sizes, and the snapper fishing is world-class. But you’ll need to be comfortable in cooler waters and sometimes challenging conditions.

What I love about diving in NZ is the pristine underwater environment. Their marine reserves show what oceans can look like when properly protected, and the spillover effect benefits spearos diving adjacent areas.

🏆 What Makes a Great Spearfishing Country?

After visiting many of the top spearfishing countries around the world, I’ve noticed certain factors that consistently make for exceptional experiences. It’s not just about having lots of fish!

Water Clarity: The Visibility Factor

Let’s be honest hunting in murky water is just frustrating. The best destinations offer consistently good visibility, ideally 15+ meters. This isn’t just about the enjoyment factor; good vis makes for safer, more selective hunting.

Tropical locations often win here due to less plankton, but some temperate areas with the right conditions can offer crystal clear waters too. New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands, for example, can have 30m+ visibility on good days despite cooler waters.

Fish Population: Quality and Quantity

A top spearfishing destination needs healthy fish populations both in variety and size. The most memorable locations offer opportunities for trophy fish but also reliable action for table fare.

What separates truly great locations is sustainable management. Places like Palau and parts of Australia have implemented smart conservation measures that ensure spearos today and tomorrow can enjoy abundant marine life.

Accessibility & Infrastructure

Even the fishiest waters aren’t worth much if you can’t reasonably access them. The top spearfishing countries balance remoteness (which often means less pressure on fish populations) with practical accessibility.

This includes:

• Shore diving opportunities
• Available boat charters
• Decent accommodation options
• Local shops for gear or repairs
• Safety considerations including medical facilities

✈️ Planning Your Trip to These Underwater Paradises

So you’ve picked one of the top spearfishing countries from this list awesome! Now is the fun part of planning your trip. Here’s what you need to consider:

Timing Is Everything

Each destination has prime seasons when conditions align perfectly. For example, Tahiti is fantastic year-round but has slightly better visibility from April to October. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Sardine Run is an unbelievable natural phenomenon that happens in June and July.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I booked a trip to the Philippines during typhoon season. The locals were super nice about it, but I spent more time playing cards in the hotel than actually diving! Research seasonal patterns before booking.

Gear Considerations

Different spearfishing territories require different setups. Here’s a quick guide:

Pro tip: When traveling to remote spearfishing hotspots, bring spare parts! O-rings, wishbones, and shooting lines can be impossible to find in some locations.

Finding Local Knowledge

The single best investment you can make isn’t expensive gear it’s connecting with local knowledge. Local guides know where the fish are, when they’re active, and how to hunt them effectively.

Before any international trip, I spend time in online spearfishing forums looking for contacts. Facebook groups dedicated to spearfishing in specific countries are gold mines for connections. A friendly message asking for advice often leads to invaluable information or even diving invitations!

📜 Understanding Local Regulations in Top Spearfishing Countries

Respecting local laws isn’t just about avoiding fines it’s about being a responsible ambassador for our sport. Rules vary dramatically between top spearfishing countries, so doing your homework is essential.

Common Regulatory Differences

Here’s what typically varies between locations:

• Minimum size limits
• Bag limits (daily catch quotas)
• Protected species lists
• Marine protected areas/no-take zones
• Equipment restrictions (some places ban certain gear types)
• License or permit requirements

I remember being surprised in Italy when I learned that spearfishing was prohibited at night which makes sense for conservation but differs from policies in some other Mediterranean countries.

Getting Legal: Licenses and Permits

Most premier spearfishing locations require some form of a fishing license or specific spearfishing permit. The process for obtaining these varies widely:

• Croatia: Licenses available online or at tourist offices
• Australia: State-based fishing licenses required
• Bahamas: Fishing permit needed, available upon arrival
• Fiji: Permission from local villages is required in many areas

Budget $20-100 USD for permits depending on the country and duration. It’s a nominal charge for lawful entry to world-class diving.

🗓️ Seasonal Guide to Global Spearfishing Destinations

Not sure when to plan your trip? This seasonal breakdown covers when to visit various top spearfishing countries for optimal conditions:

January-March: Southern Summer

This is prime time for Southern Hemisphere destinations:

• New Zealand (peak kingfish season)
• Southern Australia
• South Africa (minus sardine run)
• Southern Brazil

Water clarity is typically at its best during these months in these regions, and pelagic species are often more abundant.

April-June: Transition Season

These months offer excellent opportunities in:

• Mediterranean (warming waters, less crowds)
• Philippines (before typhoon season)
• Baja California (yellowtail season)
• South Africa (Sardine Run in June)

July-September: Northern Summer

Perfect timing for these spearfishing regions:

• Greece and Mediterranean (peak season)
• Croatia (warmest water, best visibility)
• Bahamas (hurricane season but often great conditions)
• French Polynesia (drier season)

October-December: Another Transition

Great opportunities in:

• Northern Australia (before the rainy season)
• Fiji (shoulder season, fewer tourists)
• Mozambique (before peak rainy season)
• Oman (after summer heat)

Remember, these are general guidelines—marine life doesn’t always follow our calendars! Connecting with locals for up-to-date conditions is always worthwhile.

Concluding our global tour of top spearfishing countries, remember that the perfect destination combines good visibility, abundant marine life, reasonable regulations, and accessibility. Whether you choose the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the crystal-clear Pacific, or somewhere in between, the underwater world offers amazing adventures for those willing to explore it.

The best spearfishing trip isn’t necessarily to the most famous destination it’s the one where you connect with the ocean, learn something new, and bring home fresh stories along with your catch. So check those regulations, pack your gear carefully, connect with locals, and dive into the adventure! Which top spearfishing countries are on your bucket list?

If you’re seeking adventure off the beaten path, don’t miss our article on secret