Blue Water Hunting International have been running spearfishing expeditions to the Coral Sea for over twelve years. This destination is our premier charter destination and the reason is simple:

“The Coral Sea off Australia’s north-east coast boast warm and crystal clear waters along with rich fishing grounds year round”

 

>> Check out our recent articles

 

HOW?

Due to the distances travelled on our spearfishing charters to the Coral Sea (up to 300 kilometres off the Australian coastline) all trips to this region are conducted from large live a board vessel.

Numbers of divers will vary depending on the vessel size. At present we are utilising the services of the MV Norkat 11, and we take ten divers and two guides along with the standard Norkat 11 crew. Upon arrival at the diving destination, two five meters tenders are lowered from the Norkat 11 and these are our dive platforms.

For specifications of the Norkat 11, click here.

HOW LONG?

Typical duration of expeditions to the Coral Sea vary from 9-12 days. We have found this allows for adequate travel time and allows divers a good opportunity to visit both the offshore Coral Sea reefs as well as enjoy some diving around the Great Barrier Reef.

DIVING CONDITIONS:

Typical underwater visibility in the Coral Sea is 35-40 meters whilst the water temperature varies between 24-28 degrees celcius depending on exact location and season. The Coral Sea generally provides calm surface conditions and diverse diving suitable enough for divers of all levels of experience. From the lagoons and insides of the reefs to the more open and exposed channels and outside reef edges. Depths vary from the shallow lagoons to the deep drop offs found on some reefs.

SPECIES ENCOUNTERED:

	Some of the game fish we encounter whilst spearfishing in the Coral Sea include Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin and Dorardo. These species tend to be found within 10 meters of the surface whilst the Dog Tooth Tuna tend to frequent the deeper reefs. The World Record Dog Tooth Tuna has been broken on numerous occasion on our trips to the Coral Sea and fish to two hundred pound are regularly seen. Other species of pelagic fish include Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjacks, Rainbow Runner, Barracuda and various species of the trevally family.
Bernard Finnerty with his IUSA World Record Dog Tooth Tuna, taken in the Coral Sea.
	Other quality species such as the tasty Green Jobfish and Coral Trout are often found in the sheltered lagoons or being attracted to divers with berly/chum.
Amercian Blue Water Hunter, Joe Tobin, with a large Coral Sea Giant Trevally

BEST TIME TO FISH:

The Coral Sea does produce quality fish year round but the weather is generally better, (lighter winds) in October through to December. Blue Water Hunting International have two nine day expeditions booked for 2007 in both October and December.

Many of Blue Water Hunting International clients return to the Coral Sea annually from overseas to enjoy this incredible destination. See our testimonials for various divers accounts to their visits to the Coral Sea.

	Blue Water Hunting International have produced two broadcast quality DVD’s on spearfishing in the Coral Sea. Both “Spearfishing in the Coral Sea” and “Spearfishing Safari – Coral Sea” are available on DVD and have proven very popular spearfishing productions.
See a sneak preview of the type of diving in the Coral Sea - watch the video here.

Our guides for our Coral Sea trips vary from trip to trip but all are very experienced in spearfishing this region. Their role includes diver safety, working the flashers and chumming to attract gamefish. On certain trips it can even include filming and photographing the spearfishing vacation.

MEALS:

These trips are fully catered for and include healthy, delicious meals including regular fresh fish meals. All beer, wine and soft drinks are included.

YOUR CATCH:

Your catch is frozen fresh daily and packed upon return and can be taken home with you or we will take care of your catch.

PRIVATE CHARTERS:

As with all of our destinations, private customised charters to the Coral Sea are available on a number of different vessels or you can utilise your own vessel and bring our crew along as expert guides. Private tuition is also available and whilst this style of trip is not within every ones budget, it does result in very rewarding results. Testimonials are available upon request from past clients.

COST?

The typical Blue Water Hunting International “all inclusive” 9 day charter to the Coral Sea on MV Norkat 11 costs $5495 Australian Dollars. This price includes the charter boat, all meals and drinks, two expert guides, a souvenir polo shirt and hat. Prices obviously vary depending on vessel chartered and duration of trip.

Please contact us for more information.

RECENT ARTICLES:

	>> Mesmerised by Marion Reef
	>> Personal Best in the Coral Sea

* Articles courtesy of www.diving-action.com