Passe exterieure Boulari - Prony Bay

Saveiros is one of our favourite wreck dives in Fernando de Noronha, hands down. We love how purposefully it was sunk; the tugboat sits upright on the seabed at 28 metres, almost as if it’s still sailing. You can fin right through the wheelhouse, peek into the engine room, and even spot the ducted propeller. It feels less like a graveyard and more like an apartment complex for fish. The real magic here, though, is the sheer number of grunts. They form these massive, shimmering curtains around the wreck – so many sometimes you can barely see the bow. We often see red grouper lurking in the shadowy corridors and a good variety of snappers and hogfish patrolling the decks. Visibility here is usually excellent, around 20 metres, making it a fantastic spot for photographers. It’s a comfortable dive for anyone with a bit of wreck experience, offering plenty to explore without being too demanding. Just keep an eye on your bottom time; it’s easy to get lost in the details here.

Location
Prony Bay, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-22.493200, 166.436500
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 exterieure Boulari

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 exterieure Boulari

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Passe exterieure Boulari?
The maximum depth for diving at Passe exterieure Boulari is 22 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certification levels, offering a great experience within recreational limits.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Passe exterieure Boulari?
Divers at Passe exterieure Boulari can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, especially during an incoming current. You might see schools of grey reefsharks, barracudas, loaches, mantas, and eagle rays. Additionally, a variety of reef fish complete the rich biodiversity of this site.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Passe exterieure Boulari?
Diving at Passe exterieure Boulari is rated as an intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to the site being an interesting spot for incoming currents, which makes it an ideal starting point for a drift dive. Divers should be comfortable with current conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Passe exterieure Boulari for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Passe exterieure Boulari for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section. It's always recommended to check with local dive operators for current conditions.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Passe exterieure Boulari?
The specific diving certifications required for Passe exterieure Boulari are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its maximum depth of 22 meters and intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended for comfort and safety, especially with drift diving in currents. Always confirm with your dive operator.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Passe exterieure Boulari?
Passe exterieure Boulari is known for its interesting incoming current, making it an excellent starting point for a drift dive through the channel. Divers can typically expect good visibility, with an average of 20 meters. These conditions contribute to exciting marine encounters.