pointe de Dumbéa - Prony Bay
Sharks Tooth is a reliable favourite when the swell lets you get out there. We often launch from South Bay Marina, then head north up the coast a little. The maximum depth of 17 metres means you get some decent bottom time, which is lucky, because there’s plenty to look at. Visibility averages about six metres, which isn’t epic, but it’s enough to spot those playful fur seals zipping past. We love the sheer density of fish life here. You’ll weave through schools of moki and butterfish, sometimes so thick they almost obscure the reef. Octopus often peer out from rocky crevices, and you’ll inevitably find crayfish tucked away in ledges. If you’re lucky, a pod of dusky dolphins might even cruise by. It's a great spot for newer divers, but even seasoned pros will enjoy the vibrant activity. Just keep an eye on the surge; it can pick up quickly.
- Location
- Prony Bay, New Caledonia, Australasia
- Coordinates
- -22.366900, 166.256000
Marine Protected Area: Passe de Dumbéa
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
- Aiguille de Prony (pinnacle)
- Aiguille du Prony - 1 (pinnacle)
- Boulari Plateau Manta (drift)
- Boulari Plateau Manta (wall)
- Corne de Tenia
- Epave du Snark (wreck)
- épave du snark (reef)
- épave du Umbolt (reef)
- Ever Propérity (reef)
- EVER PROSPERITY - 0m (wreck)
- EVER PROSPERITY - 0m (wreck)
- Extasy (cave)
- Fausse passe de Uitoé (reef)
- Forêt du Snark (reef)
- Grotte a Jean-Claude (cave)
Nearest Dive Centres to pointe de Dumbéa
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
- Chestnut Blenny (Cirripectes castaneus) - Reef Fish
- Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
- Boring Clam (Tridacna crocea) - Clams & Mussels
- Humphead Unicornfish (Naso unicornis) - Reef Fish
- Honeycomb Grouper (Epinephelus merra) - Reef Fish
- Greenfish (Stichopus chloronotus) - Sea Cucumbers
- Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) - Sea Cucumbers
- Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
- Orange-axil wrasse (Stethojulis bandanensis) - Reef Fish
- killer alga (Caulerpa taxifolia) - Seagrass & Algae
- Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
- Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
- Striated Locust Lobster (Eduarctus martensii) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Batavian Parrotfish (Scarus psittacus) - Reef Fish
- Banded Blue Sprat (Spratelloides gracilis) - Reef Fish
- Dugong (Dugong dugon) - Whales & Dolphins
- Banded Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Reef Fish
- Parrotfish (Thalassoma lutescens) - Reef Fish
- Leopard Blenny (Exallias brevis) - Reef Fish
- Pinkfish (Holothuria edulis) - Sea Cucumbers
Recommended Packing List for pointe de Dumbéa
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