Spearfishing in Anguilla
Including Anguilla Barrier Reefs. On the map.
The vibe
The island’s reefs provide a rich hunting ground where spearfishers can target a variety of tropical species, feeling like a true Caribbean angler’s dream. The peak season is from December to April when fish are abundant and waters are calm. Spearfishing is mostly a local activity; visitors need to obtain a fishing licence and often join local clubs or hire a guide, giving it a more organized feel.
Fishing licence
Anguilla Barrier Reefs
Anguilla
Connor / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Surrounding Anguilla’s pristine turquoise waters are vibrant barrier reefs and shallow drop-offs teeming with grouper, snapper, and pelagics. Spearfishers encounter clear visibility and diverse marine life along coral ledges and sandy patches just off the main island shores and surrounding cays.
Access. Access is primarily DIY from shore for shallow reef spots or via local private charter boats and fishing guides operating out of Sandy Ground or Island Harbour. Visitors should arrange trips with knowledgeable local marine guides who understand current maritime regulations.
Notes. Anguilla enforces strict marine conservation laws. A valid fishing/spearfishing permit from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources is required for visitors, and certain marine parks or protected bays are strictly no-take zones.