Récif Tabu - Prony Bay

Stepping Stones is a bit of a trek, about 25 minutes out, but we think it’s absolutely worth the boat ride. This site lives up to its name, a series of bommies spread across a channel between two bigger reef systems. It really does feel like you’re hopping from one vibrant coral head to another. At a maximum depth of 17m, it’s a beautiful, relaxed dive. We love the swim-throughs here; they’re not huge caverns, more like gentle arches of coral that you drift through, often finding a big marbled cone snail or a prickly spotted drupe clinging to the rock. Visibility averages around 12m, which is good enough to really appreciate the soft corals draped over every surface and the clouds of fusiliers darting between the bommies. Keep an eye out for chambered nautilus in the deeper sections of the channel. We’ve had a few incredible encounters here, usually just after dawn. This site is perfect for photographers who want to take their time exploring the intricate details on each bommie, or anyone who enjoys a leisurely drift with plenty of colourful distractions.

Location
Prony Bay, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-22.480600, 166.446600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Parc du lagon sud: Ilot Amedee et Grand Recif Abore

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 Tabu

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 Tabu

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