Passe de Mato - Prony Bay

The SAS Pietermaritzburg, just off Miller’s Point, has a real story to tell, even if she's falling apart a bit these days. We love that she's so accessible; a short swim from shore and you're dropping onto a piece of naval history. What you’ll find is a destroyer escort, mostly intact, lying in about 20 metres of water. We always head for the bridge area first; it’s still recognisable, and you can picture the crew there. Visibility here averages around 7 metres, so it's not always super clear, but that adds to the atmospheric dive. We've seen some impressive schools of hottentot and strepies darting through the superstructure. Look closely at the plates and you'll spot scorpionfish tucked into crevices and common octopuses peering out. Our favourite is spotting the double-sash butterflyfish flitting around the old deck guns. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate a wreck with character, where the marine life has truly made itself at home amongst the deteriorating metal. Expect a relaxed dive, plenty of exploration, and a good chance to spot some interesting critters.

Location
Prony Bay, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-22.686800, 166.646700
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Réserve de la passe Amédée

Best Time to Dive in Prony Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Prony Bay occur in February, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 22.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C
  • February: 27.4°C
  • March: 27.4°C
  • April: 26.5°C
  • May: 24.6°C
  • June: 23.4°C
  • July: 22.5°C
  • August: 22.0°C
  • September: 22.6°C
  • October: 23.6°C
  • November: 25.0°C
  • December: 26.5°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Prony Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to Passe de Mato

Marine Life in Prony Bay

Home to 84 recorded species including 62 reef fish, 7 sea cucumbers, 4 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Passe de Mato

Based on average water temperature of 24.9°C, currents 6 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories