Frenchmans Reef - Bay of Islands

Labyrinth, or Dave’s Cave as some of us call it, really is something special when conditions line up. We’re talking about a shallow, intricate tunnel system that winds right underneath the surf zone, from the Runway all the way to Black Rock. You feel the surge gently pushing you through these openings, the light from the surface playing tricks, shafts of blue cutting through the gloom. It’s not a deep dive, maxing out around 18 metres, but the experience is about the journey through the rock. This is a site for calm days, absolutely no question. If there’s any chop, the surge inside can get a bit much, making it genuinely tricky to navigate some of the tighter spots. But when it’s flat, we love drifting through, keeping an eye out for lurking crayfish in the cracks and those lionfish that seem to appear out of nowhere. We’ve spotted eagle rays cruising just outside the entrances, and a whitetip or two has been known to make an appearance. Visibility averages 16 metres, which is plenty for appreciating the scale of the caverns. It suits divers comfortable with overhead environments and a bit of a squeeze.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.228700, 174.181900
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Poroporo Island

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Frenchmans Reef

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 typical diving depth at Frenchmans Reef in St. Thomas?
Frenchmans Reef is actually located in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, not St. Thomas. At this site, the reef drops off to 9m deep, featuring sand and mixed kelp environments. The maximum diving depth recorded for Frenchmans Reef is 7m, offering a shallow yet interesting dive.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Frenchmans Reef?
At Frenchmans Reef, divers can expect to encounter plenty of wildlife, notably including morays often found hiding in the cracks on the reef. The site also features nice kelp growing on the sandy areas, contributing to an interesting underwater landscape with lots of holes. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Frenchmans Reef considered a difficult dive site for beginners or less experienced divers?
Frenchmans Reef is classified with an intermediate difficulty level, making it suitable for divers with some experience. While not overly challenging, beginners or less experienced divers should be mindful of the environment and the need to always dive with a flag due to boat traffic. It's always recommended to dive within your certification limits and comfort zone.
What is the best time of year to dive Frenchmans Reef for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Frenchmans Reef for optimal conditions. Divers interested in seasonal information for New Zealand diving should consult our When to Dive section for general guidance.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Frenchmans Reef?
The data provided does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Frenchmans Reef. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Open Water certification and feel comfortable with their skills. Always ensure you are diving within the limits of your training and experience.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Frenchmans Reef?
At Frenchmans Reef, divers can generally expect little current, making for a relatively calm dive. The average visibility at the site is approximately 2m. It is important to always dive with a flag due to potential boat traffic, regardless of current conditions.