récif intérieur de Dumbéa - Prony Bay

The Star Gerren is a fantastic wreck, especially considering its unintended side-lying position. That accident actually created some really interesting swim-throughs, not just big open chasms but tighter passages that make you feel like you're properly exploring. We love how quickly this German cargo ship has become part of the reef since it was sunk in 2000. You'll spot plenty of Spotted Goatfish rooting around the sand nearby, and we've seen Hawksbill Turtles cruising through on more than one occasion. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, little Cherub Pygmy Angelfish darting in and out of the cracks. Visibility averages around 17 metres, which is usually plenty to get a good sense of the ship's scale. Our favourite part has to be the engine room access, a slightly tighter squeeze but incredibly rewarding. This site is perfect for divers looking for an accessible wreck dive with a decent amount of penetration options, without needing advanced certs. It’s also a good spot for spotting a range of reef fish and, if you’re lucky, a turtle or two.

Location
Prony Bay, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-22.363600, 166.263200
Type
reef

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

Nearest Dive Centres to récif intérieur 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

Recommended Packing List for récif intérieur 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