Join us in Northern California on a freedive spearfishing adventure. View the incredible array of sea life for those willing to venture into the cool waters. The rocky reefs and kelp forests we dive are unparalleled. In a single dive it is not uncommon to find lingcod, numerous species of rockfish, cabezon, greenling, surf perch, the occasional California halibut, CA sheephead, scallops, and an exceptional display of other creatures that aren’t on the menu.
We guide spearfishing and general freediving tours along the North Coast of California, primarily in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties but we are always chasing the fish and conditions. Guests may choose shore-based dives or kayak.
Also check out our ocean kayak angling experiences.
A Day On the Water
A typical day kayak spearfishing starts early in the morning – we will have a hearty breakfast and pack a thermos of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa and head to the water’s edge for a look at the ocean. Shuffling into wetsuits is done in haste because the sun won’t have fully crested the eastern horizon or the morning fog is still lingering. The wetsuit will soon be warmed by the excitement of what the water holds. We will set out in the kayaks to several known reefs that hold plenty of lingcod and schools of rockfish. Generally, it won’t take more than a mile paddle before we drop our first anchor and settle into the water. Dives will be done in pairs while scouring the bottom looking under and above rocks for lurking lingcod. After a solid dive we will pick up and move to another spot so we don’t take to many fish from one area.
Lunches and drinks will be brought with and guests can rest as needed between dives. Guides are fully prepared to spend several hours on the water diving. Once everyone has worn themselves out, we will turn in and head for shore to clean fish, relive the days dive, and a proper dinner.
Dive depths vary between 5-40 feet. Deeper isn’t always better. We’ve speared healthy lingcod in less than 5 feet of water but we are most often hunting the 12–25 feet range. Diving deeper can yield different species like vermillion rockfish but isn’t necessary for lingcod and a plethora of rockfish species. The proper structure is more important than depth.
It’s worth noting that not every day makes for a good and safe dive. Ocean trips are subject to cancelation based on the swell, weather, and visibility. We have an assortment of spots that we dive during rougher weather but sometimes we must call a trip. Safety is always the highest concern. When the stars do align it can be some of the most rewarding diving in the world. The most consistent ocean conditions occur from late-May to October but even the middle of winter brings windows of calm weather and some of the best visibility and spectacular dives.
Guests should have verifiable experience freediving or have taken, at minimum a Level 1 Freediver course to participate.
Season: spearfishing for most target species is open all year.
Rates – Northern California Freedive Spearfishing
Rate chart for spearfishing/freediving trips below. We are happy to provide lodging accommodations but you are also welcome to arrange your own. These are just some common trip lengths as we offer trips of nearly any duration.
Rates are per person.
| Half Day | Full Day | 1 day 1 night | 2 day 1 night | 2 day 2 night | 2 day 3 night | 3 day 3 night |
| $200 | $375 | $575 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,725 |
Extra nights = $200
Extra days = $375
Inclusions
- A knowledgeable and experienced guide.
- Transportation from a pre-arranged meeting location to the field.
- Kayak, paddle, and safety equipment.
- Deli style lunch.
- Non-alcoholic beverages.
- Breakfast and dinner if we provide lodging accommodations.
- Lodging for paid nights.
- Filleting of fish.
Exclusions
- Fishing license and applicable stamps/validations.
- Speargun, 7 mm wetsuit, dive knife, weights and belt, fins, mask, and snorkel– some loaner gear available upon request but also can be rented locally.
- Alcohol or tobacco products.
- Lodging and meals for before and after the trip.
- Transportation to the pre-arranged meeting location.
- Packaging and storage of fillets after the trip. Please bring an ice chest if possible.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for a personalized spearfishing or freediving adventure.
