Best Spearfishing in Oceania and the South Pacific

Oceania and the South Pacific are the holy grail for spearfishers. Endless reefs, gin-clear lagoons, and bluewater drop-offs create an arena where ocean giants roam. Whether you’re stalking coral trout on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or hunting wahoo off Tonga’s deep edges, this region offers everything from calm beginner zones to expert-level offshore grounds.

Explore all dives

5 Best Spearfishing Sites in Oceania and the South Pacific

1. Australia – From Reefs to Bluewater Giants

Australia’s vast coastline delivers world-class spearfishing diversity. Along Queensland’s coast, the Great Barrier Reef teems with coral trout, red emperor, and Spanish mackerel. Head farther offshore, and you’ll find tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin in the deep blue. Western Australia’s Coral Bay and Exmouth regions are equally rich, offering encounters with trevally and cobia under flawless skies.

Best time to visit: May to October for clear water and stable weather.

2. Fiji – Island Hunting and Deep Channels

Fiji’s calm lagoons and outer reef passes make it perfect for spearfishers seeking both reef and pelagic fish. Giant trevally, coral trout, and wahoo patrol the drop-offs, while local charters guide visitors to sustainable fishing zones. The island hospitality, warm water, and abundance of fish make Fiji a must-do destination.

Best time: June to October.

3. Tonga – Bluewater Action

For serious spearfishers, Tonga’s outer islands are a dream. Here, deep blue meets deep tradition. Pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish thrive in nutrient-rich waters. Local operators run responsible charters that blend cultural respect with thrilling hunts — often accompanied by humpback whale songs echoing through the deep.

Best time: July to November.

4. Vanuatu – Coral Reefs and Adventure

Vanuatu’s reefs are alive with coral trout, jobfish, and red bass. Offshore, the bluewater action brings tuna and mahi-mahi close to the islands. The waters are clear and calm, and the relaxed island pace makes for an ideal mix of adventure and escape.

Best time: April to December.

5. French Polynesia – Precision and Power

Polynesian waters are the ultimate playground for advanced spearfishers. The atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava are renowned for their pelagic action, with wahoo, tuna, and dogtooth snapper patrolling the passes. Local guides ensure sustainable practices and safety in fast-moving currents, helping visitors balance thrill with respect for the environment.

Best time: April to October for prime visibility and fish activity.

Why Spearfish Oceania and the South Pacific

From the vast coral gardens of Australia to the remote bluewater of Tonga, the South Pacific remains a spearfisher’s paradise — raw, wild, and beautiful.

In this region, spearfishing is elevated to an art form, defined by the immense scale of the Pacific Ocean and the legendary "Big Blue" that surrounds its isolated atolls. From the jagged drop-offs of the Coral Sea in Australia to the deep trenches of Fiji, hunters have the rare opportunity to encounter the ocean's most formidable pelagics in their natural element. This is the global headquarters for Dogtooth Tuna, a fish known for its sheer power and ability to test even the most advanced equipment to its breaking point. Whether you are drifting over the pristine reefs of the Solomon Islands or stalking the shallow flats of New Caledonia, the South Pacific offers a sense of vastness that makes every successful harvest feel like a monumental achievement.

What truly distinguishes Oceania is the profound cultural respect for the ocean and the tradition of sustainable, selective harvesting that has existed for millennia. In places like French Polynesia and Vanuatu, spearfishing isn't just a sport; it is a way of life that demands a deep understanding of lunar cycles, currents, and fish behavior. The water clarity here is legendary, often exceeding 40 meters, allowing you to see massive schools of Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, and Jobfish patrolling the reef edges from the surface. For the spearo seeking the ultimate "bucket-list" expedition, the South Pacific provides a raw, spiritual connection to the water, where the beauty of the surroundings is only matched by the thrill of the hunt.

When to Spearfish Oceania and the South Pacific

The best time to spearfish Oceania and the South Pacific, water temperatures, and target species:

Fiji (Game Fish): October to March (Yellowfin & Dogtooth Tuna peak). Waters from 26°C / 79°F up to 29°C / 84°F.
Tonga (Marlin & Wahoo): June to September (Black Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish peak). Waters consistently warm year-round.
French Polynesia (Tuna & Pelagics): November to April (Best for Yellowfin Tuna and Mahimahi). Waters from 25°C / 77°F up to 28°C / 82°F and 30m+ visibility.
Palau (Micronesia): October to May (Dry Season). Waters from 27°C / 81°F up to 30°C / 86°F and 30-50m vis (Best for pelagic action).
Great Barrier Reef, Australia (Mackerel): May to October (Peak Spanish Mackerel season). Waters from 24°C / 75°F up to 27°C / 81°F.
Galapagos (Ecuador - Pelagics): July to December (Cooler/Dry Season). Waters from 19°C / 66°F up to 24°C / 75°F (Best for large seasonal fish).