Spearfishing in Netherlands
Including Curaçao South Coast. On the map.
The vibe
Spearfishing along the North Sea coast is tightly restricted by local fisheries laws and generally impractical for visiting travelers due to heavy commercial traffic and murky visibility. Most visitors leave the speargun at home and stick to shore angling instead. There is no real recreational visitor scene for hunting underwater here.
commercial and recreational fishing licenses where applicable
Curaçao South Coast
Netherlands
Boris Kasimov from Toronto, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The southern coastline of Curaçao offers a mix of dramatic drop-offs and protected bays where spearfishing enthusiasts target snapper, grouper, and pelagics. The water is exceptionally clear, making it a premier destination for hunters looking to explore the island's unique underwater topography.
Access. Spearfishing is primarily a charter-based activity here; visitors should look for specialized local fishing charters that specifically advertise spearfishing or 'spear-fishing' services, as standard sport fishing boats may not accommodate spear guns. DIY shore hunting is highly restricted due to strict marine park regulations, so booking a local guide is the only reliable way to access legal zones.
Notes. Spearfishing is strictly regulated in Curaçao. It is illegal to spearfish within the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park. Visitors must ensure their guide is licensed and operating in non-protected waters. The use of scuba gear while spearfishing is prohibited; only freediving is allowed.