Best Spearfishing in Asia

Asia offers a mix of rich traditions and world-class underwater hunting grounds that make it one of the most exciting destinations for spearfishers. From the coral drop-offs of Indonesia to the remote waters of the Philippines, every region promises adventure, challenge, and the chance to bring home a story worth telling.

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5 Best Spearfishing Sites in Asia

1. Indonesia – The Spearfisher’s Playground

Indonesia’s vast archipelago offers ideal spearfishing conditions — warm waters, incredible biodiversity, and countless untouched reefs. Bali and Komodo are popular, but the real treasures lie in the remote islands like Alor and Flores, where tuna, wahoo, and giant trevally roam.

Best time to visit: April to November during dry season for calm seas and visibility over 25 metres.

2. Philippines – Adventure and Variety

The Philippines offers everything from shallow reef hunting to deep bluewater spearfishing. Areas like Cebu and Palawan are rich in coral trout, snapper, and trevally. Local charters can take you to offshore drop-offs where dogtooth tuna patrol the depths.

Best time to visit: December to May for calm seas and peak fish activity.

3. Thailand – Accessible and Scenic

Spearfishing in Thailand is perfect for beginners or travellers wanting easy access. The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea offer reef fish like grouper and trevally, with local guides familiar with the best legal areas.

Best time: November to April.

4. Malaysia – Remote and Rewarding

The waters off Sabah and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia offer big-game opportunities. Expect coral trout, Spanish mackerel, and the occasional sailfish in deep offshore zones.

Best time to visit: March to October.

5. Maldives – Sustainable Bluewater Hunting

With its crystal-clear waters and strict conservation rules, the Maldives offers ethical spearfishing in designated zones. You’ll find trevally, wahoo, and mahi-mahi in the channels between atolls.

Best time to visit: January to April for ideal visibility and ocean conditions.

Why Spearfish Asia

From the pristine coral gardens of Indonesia to the nutrient-rich waters of the Philippines, spearfishing in Asia offers exceptional opportunities for both reef and pelagic species. Every dive here is a pursuit of trophy fish in crystal-clear waters — from GT, tuna, and wahoo to red snapper and grouper. Asia's diverse underwater terrain and abundant marine life create unforgettable spearfishing experiences that challenge and reward hunters of all skill levels.

When to Spearfish Asia

The best time to spearfish Asia, water temperatures, and visibility:

Indonesia (Bali): May to November. Waters from 26°C / 79°F and 15-30m vis.
Philippines: December to May. Waters from 26°C / 79°F and 15-30m vis.
Thailand: November to April. Waters from 27°C / 81°F and 15-25m vis.
Malaysia (Borneo): March to October. Waters from 27°C / 81°F and 15-30m vis.
Sri Lanka: All year in various locations. Waters from 27°C / 81°F and up to 30m vis.
Maldives: November to April. Waters from 27°C / 81°F and 20-40m vis.
Timor Leste: May to November. Waters from 26°C / 84°F and 30-40m vis.