It could be due to regional differences in coral reefs, the widespread presence of shipwrecks, or the distribution of a wide variety of fish. Europe is a great place for spearfishing, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro.
Europe has been celebrated for centuries for its scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, quaint towns, and profound cultural heritage. Even so, Europe’s breathtaking coastlines are the primary reason why visitors flock to the continent.
Europe is a favourite among scuba divers because of its stunning underwater landscapes. If you’re thinking of taking a spearfishing and scuba diving trip to Europe, you should definitely check out some of these amazing dive sites. Don’t forget to check out Neptonics’ selection of spearguns, available in a variety of styles and sizes.
Madame Zenobia Wreck Cyprus
The MS Zenobia was an enormous RO-RO ferry that capsized and sank after its maiden voyage. In the area of Larnaca, Cyprus, she has been for over thirty years and is currently laid up on her port side at a depth of 42 metres.
You won’t find more impressive wreckage in all of Cyprus if you’re a diver who enjoys exploring sunken ships. This site presents a significant challenge for divers of all experience levels. Stop by the car deck and take a look at the many vehicles, cargo, and other items that went down with the ship.
In this area, the visibility is greater than 40 metres, and the depth of the seafloor ranges from 42 to 16 metres at its deepest point. Due to the mild temperatures and lack of currents, this is an ideal diving location for experienced divers of all levels. If you are looking for a great place to go wreck diving or spearfishing for the first time, Zenobia is a great option.
There is unparalleled marine life in and around the wreck in Cyprus. Grouper, barracuda, tuna, turtle, and possibly triggerfish can all be found here. The marine life is exceptionally diverse, and yet it is all found in the same dive site. Large Groupers, Barracuda, and Tiny Damselfish are just some of the fish you’ll see swimming around outside the Zenobia. Even smaller pink Flabellina nudibranchs may be spotted with a keen eye.
Spain’s Medes Island
The Medes Islands are an absolute must-see on any trip to Spain. If you want to go scuba diving in peace and quiet, this is the place to do it. One of seven islands in the far northwest corner of the Mediterranean Sea, this is one of a handful of uninhabited spots in the region.
To those who visit, the Medes Islands present a natural and varied marine environment. If you want to visit the islands, you should definitely plan ahead. There are a lot of people on the island during the summer.
Divers from all over the world flock to the Medes Islands, which are Spain’s most spectacular marine and natural reserve, to experience the underwater paradise that the islands offer. You might swim with dolphins, eagle rays, sharks, barracuda, octopi, and eels. There is a lot of attention paid to the Medes Islands because of their environment, which is widely recognised as one of the most significant protected areas in all of the western Mediterranean. Any diver, from novice to pro, can use it. The sea life, such as lobsters and starfish, is abundant among the kelp.
If you go deeper into the ocean, you’ll find a veritable treasure chest of tiny forests, each one a riot of colour and home to 6,000 unique species of animals. Caves and tunnels are home to groupers. These interconnected cave systems under the Medes Islands are ideal for experienced spearfishers. And wreck divers can’t miss the Reggio Messina, which went down in 1991.
In the Tropics, on the Island of Ascension
Reaching Ascension Island was like a dream come true. The crystal clear waters of this far-flung locale are home to several active world spearfishing records.
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean’s Trade Winds, this fabled volcanic island is a safe haven for pelagic fish on their annual migration between Brazil and Angola. Several species stop off at the shores of Ascension Island to hunt and rest on their way across the Atlantic.
The island enjoys year-round balmy temperatures thanks to its proximity to the equator and its crystal clear waters. Numerous spearfishers flock here in search of big game fish, and they won’t be disappointed.
Anyone who considers themselves a “big game spearo” should make this diving destination a priority.
In the sea, tuna is the most admired gamefish you can catch. Large, powerful, magnificent Tuna weighing 250 pounds or more can be found at any time of the year, with October being the peak month.
Kilkee, Eire
Kilkee, located in the Irish county of Clare, is a small coastal town. Amazing plants and animals, such as mackerel and wrasse schools, live in the ocean’s depths. Kilkee has quickly become famous as Ireland’s best diving location.
Chalkidiki, Greece
One of the best places to go spearfishing in the world is Chalkidiki, which also happens to be a fantastic place for families to take a vacation.
Close by is Thessaloniki, Greece’s de facto second largest city. To get to the first fishing spot from Thessaloniki, whether by car or public transportation, will take about an hour. If you’re willing to travel for a little longer, you can reach some other stunning locations that are a good two hours and a half away.
As its name suggests, Chalkidiki is a peninsula with three prongs. The third begins 10 kilometres from the village of Ierissos at Strymonikos Bay and extends all the way to the village of Platy on the opposite shore. This limb is where you’ll find the Holy Mountain. Nonetheless, local regulations prohibit spearfishing in that area, as well as in Thermaikos Bay on the first leg.
Paliouri is a tiny settlement located at the very tip of the first leg. When local mountains fall into the ocean, it causes the seafloor to suddenly steepen.
As is the case everywhere in the world, commercial fishing has led to a decrease in fish populations.
However, many different large species can be found depending on the time of day and the weather. You can fish for groupers, red snapper, golden grouper, white bream, amberjack, bluefish, and a few other less common species. Always find out ahead of time if spearfishing permits are required wherever you plan to go.
