MATIPO
Protected Area
Parc du Grand Lagon Sud
Why dive here
With 73+ marine species recorded in the area - including dugongs, great white sharks, humpback whales and sperm whales - MATIPO offers some of Prony Bay's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 22-27°C, warmest January, February, March.
Matipo is a different kind of wreck dive, and we really like it for that. She’s not deep, just two meters, which means endless bottom time and brilliant natural light. The Matipo, a motor vessel, ran aground in Prony Bay back in ‘68, driven up onto the reef. Most of her hull and superstructure are still there, almost entirely out of the water, which is unusual for a wreck. This is an ideal site for snorkelers and freedivers, or even just for a surface interval with a difference. Underwater, you’re swimming through a skeletal frame. Schools of small fish dart in and out of the ribs, catching the shafts of sunlight. The coral growth on the submerged sections is robust, a vibrant contrast to the rusting metal. It’s a gentle exploration, very relaxed. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light then is spectacular, really highlighting the structure and the clear water. It's a spot that makes you think about the history, not just the marine life.
Typical MATIPO Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Reviews for MATIPO
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MATIPO
MATIPO Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MATIPO, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-22.43, 166.43) (4km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
23°C
74°F · Range: 21.8–26.2°C
Current Speed
6.71 cm/s
Direction: SW (206.6°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.061 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
35.39 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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