Andaman Sea · Phuket
Spearfishing Phuket.
Phuket itself has limited legal spearfishing water — the island is mostly bordered by marine-park-protected zones or heavily-trafficked tourist bays. But the islands just outside the protected zones (Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Koh Hae, outer Chalong cluster) hold the clearest water in Thailand's commercial sector and species mix that outclasses the gulf.
For the big Andaman trip — Similans, Surin — see the /blog/spearfishing-phuket-similans-guide post. This page is the day-trip reality: what you can hunt using Phuket as a base without committing to a multi-day liveaboard.
What you'll find
Species and conditions.
Andaman reef mix: blue-spot grouper, coral grouper, red snapper, mangrove jack, mixed travelly (GT, bluefin, brassy), queenfish, and seasonal bluewater species (small tuna, wahoo) at the outer drops around Racha Noi.
Top species
- — Coral grouper
- — Red snapper
- — Giant trevally
- — Bluefin trevally
- — Queenfish
- — Spanish mackerel
- — Barracuda
Depth range
5-30 m (reef work 8-18 m, bluewater 15-30 m)
Conditions
Visibility 15-30 m in season — the best in commercial Thailand. Season runs November through April. Southwest monsoon (May-October) shuts it down on the west; stay inside or skip. Water 27-29°C; 1.5 mm open-cell.
Gear
What to bring.
Two-gun setup works well: a 90 cm Snapper for reef drops and a 1.1 m Tuna Rail for the bluewater windows at Racha Noi. If you only bring one, the 1 m Snapper is the compromise that covers both.
Access
Getting there.
Phuket International Airport. Charters leave from Chalong pier or Rawai. Racha Yai day trip runs THB 4,000-7,000 per person on a shared speedboat; private charter THB 15,000-25,000 for a full day. The outer island trips are weather-dependent even in season.
Frequently asked.
Where near Phuket can I legally spearfish?
Racha Yai and Racha Noi (30-40 min south of Chalong by speedboat) are outside marine park boundaries and hold the best legal Phuket-area spearfishing. Avoid the waters directly off Patong, Karon, and Kata which are designated protected zones with active patrols.
What is the best month for spearfishing Phuket?
November through April. December to March is the peak window — lowest swell, clearest water, most consistent charter weather. May to October is monsoon season; boats still run but visibility drops dramatically.
Can I bring my Rob Allen speargun on an international flight to Phuket?
Yes, in checked baggage, declared as sporting equipment. Rubbers off. Store in a hard-sided case or rolled in a wetsuit. Airlines treat it the same as a fishing rod. Thai customs do not confiscate recreational spearguns.
Are there spearfishing charters from Phuket?
Most Phuket dive boats accept freedivers with their own gear. Ask for a "freediving charter, no scuba" — they will route to spots more aligned with spearing. THB 4,000-7,000 shared, THB 15,000-25,000 private for a full day.
Is spearfishing at Racha Noi worth it?
Yes — Racha Noi is the outer sister island and holds the pelagic species that Racha Yai does not. Longer boat ride (45-60 min) and more weather-dependent, but the fishery is a different level.
Can I spearfish at the Similan Islands?
No. Similans are a national marine park. Spearfishing is illegal. Liveaboards and day trips that operate there are scuba/snorkel only.
Further reading