Danger Rock - Bay of Islands

Hong Kong, off Sulawesi, often gets its name from the sheer volume of fish. Drop down onto the sloping reef and you'll often find yourself enveloped in thick schools of yellow snapper, sometimes so dense they filter the sunlight. We’ve also reliably encountered schooling batfish here, and the resident whitetip reef shark often cruises through. Look closely in the coral for scarlet soldierfish darting about and keep an eye out for blue spotted rays and the occasional turtle on the sand. It’s a solid dive for those who appreciate big schools of fish.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.344500, 174.395500
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
9-18m

Marine Protected Area: Tamateatai Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Danger Rock

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 are the typical depths encountered when diving at Danger Rock, and what is the maximum depth?
Divers at Danger Rock typically encounter depths ranging from 9-18 meters, exploring various reef structures. The maximum depth for diving at this site is 24 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Danger Rock?
Danger Rock offers diverse underwater topography, including a northern side dropping to 18m with a pinnacle at 9m, and a western side featuring two pinnacles forming a narrow canyon to swim through. Divers can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life, such as vibrant nudibranchs and invertebrates, alongside fish species like Kingfish, Trevally, and Scorpionfish.
How challenging is the Danger Rock dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Danger Rock dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some prior experience. Divers should be comfortable with varying conditions, as strong currents can occasionally be encountered on the northern side of the site.
When is the best time of year to dive Danger Rock for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data for Danger Rock does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life encounters. For general information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving at Danger Rock?
The provided information for Danger Rock does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for this site. Generally, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is often beneficial for intermediate sites with potential currents and deeper sections. Always consult with a local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and other environmental factors divers should be aware of at Danger Rock?
Divers at Danger Rock should be aware that the northern side of the site can experience strong currents. The average visibility at this site is typically around 16 meters, offering clear views of the reef and marine life.