Cathedral Cave - Bay of Islands

Fuikbai Anchorage, we'll be honest, isn't going to blow your mind with vast coral formations. If you’re chasing pristine reefs, this isn’t it. What it *is*, though, is a fantastic spot for a treasure hunt. Think of it as an urban dive, Caribbean style. The bottom is mostly sand and sparse vegetation, dropping to around 20 metres, and the visibility can be a bit soupy, especially after a busy Sunday. That's because Fuikbai becomes a massive local party then, and things tend to get "lost." Our favourite dives here are more about the small discoveries. We’ve found forgotten sunglasses, old anchors, even a decent camera once. You’ll spot conchs ploughing through the sand, lobsters tucked under the few rocky outcrops, and the occasional spotted trunkfish or greater soapfish cruising past. It’s a low-key dive, perfect for honing your search and recovery skills, or just enjoying a relaxed float without the pressure of a "big" reef. We'd suggest going on a weekday morning for slightly better viz and fewer party remnants. It’s a dive for those who enjoy the unexpected and don't mind getting a little gritty.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.164000, 174.338700
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Cathedral Cave

Marine Life in Bay of Islands

Home to 172 recorded species including 100 reef fish, 22 sharks & rays, 11 whales & dolphins, 10 other, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving inside Cathedral Cave?
The maximum recreational diving depth inside Cathedral Cave is 22 meters. While the cave's geological structure extends deeper, with walls dropping to 30m at the entrance and up to 55m further out, 22m is the typical maximum for divers.
What marine life and unique geological features can divers expect to see at Cathedral Cave?
Cathedral Cave is a large sea cave open at the surface, with impressive walls dropping to 30m at the entrance. Divers can expect to encounter a great variety of marine life, including many nudibranchs and other invertebrates. Look for stingrays and moray eels towards the back of the cave, while reef fish and occasional pelagics can be spotted near the outside. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Is Cathedral Cave considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
Cathedral Cave is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to its nature as a cave dive and the depths involved, it is generally not recommended for beginners. Divers should have appropriate experience and training for intermediate-level dives.
What is the best time of year and day to dive Cathedral Cave for optimal conditions and light?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Cathedral Cave for optimal conditions or light. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our when to dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Cathedral Cave?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, given that Cathedral Cave is an intermediate difficulty dive site, advanced open water certification or equivalent experience is typically recommended. Divers should be comfortable with cave environments and depths up to 22 meters.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at Cathedral Cave?
Divers at Cathedral Cave can expect an average visibility of 14 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical water temperatures or currents for this dive site.