5-15m
    Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
    Île Verte

    Aquarium

    Best months: Jan–Dec

    Protected Area

    Île Verte

    Why dive here

    With 116+ marine species recorded in the area - including dugongs, eagle rays, great white sharks, manta rays and mobula rays (devil rays) - Aquarium offers some of Loyalty Islands's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-28°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Marine lifeDugongs, Eagle Rays, Great White Sharks, Manta Rays and Mobula Rays (Devil Rays) · 116+ species recorded
    Water24-28°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-15m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Chiliguaro feels like a secret handshake among macro lovers. Tucked away on the peninsula between Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, it’s a site we always recommend to photographers or anyone who just enjoys slowing right down. Drop in, and you’re immediately enveloped by these ancient-looking rocky formations, riddled with crevices and overhangs. It’s here, in these shadowy nooks, that you’ll find the real action. We’ve spent whole dives mesmerised by the antics of the Fishgod Blenny, bobbing and weaving from its tiny bolt hole, or the surprisingly vibrant Stripy moving with purpose across the rock face. Visibility usually averages around 8 metres, which, for a macro site, is absolutely fine – you’re not here for sweeping vistas. This is a place to get nose-to-lens with the likes of the Gaudy Frog shell, often tucked away, or a well-camouflaged Speckled Scorpionfish. Keep an eye out for resting sharks in the deeper sand patches, and we’ve often encountered turtles cruising past, seemingly unfazed by our presence. It’s a shallow site, topping out at 12 metres, meaning plenty of bottom time to really scour every inch. We’d suggest going early in the morning before any wind picks up, which can sometimes stir the sand and reduce visibility further. If you’re into the small stuff, Chiliguaro is our pick for a genuinely rewarding dive.

    Typical Aquarium Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Today06:1617:4711h 31m daylightGolden hour 17:17

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Aquarium

    Aquarium Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Aquarium, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data

    August Averages

    Sea Temperature

    24.23°C

    76°F

    Current Speed

    9.06 cm/s

    Direction: S (186.3°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.093 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.12 PSU

    Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)

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