Giant Boarfish Cave - Bay of Islands

Langebaan Divers Wall is one of those spots we reserve for celebrations, usually a 100th dive. It’s barely a dive in terms of depth, maxing out at 5 metres, but it offers something truly unique for the Western Cape. You drop in by boat just outside the Mykonos marina, and it’s a site that really makes you feel the ocean’s pulse. We love the sheer amount of life packed into this shallow zone. The wall itself, flanked by dense kelp and rugged rocks, often has the current sweeping past, bringing in all sorts of pelagic action. We’ve seen dwarf sperm whales here, even the occasional Bryde’s whale breaching further out. Down among the kelp, you’ll spot giant guitarfish camouflaged against the sand, and we’ve had common cuttlefish jetting past. Visibility averages a modest three metres, but that just adds to the intimate feel, pushing you to look closer. It’s definitely one for divers who appreciate the subtle drama of a shallow reef and aren't put off by a bit of swell. Watch the conditions, though; if the swell is up, it can be a bumpy ride.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.324900, 174.351600
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Tamateatai Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Giant Boarfish 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

How deep is the Giant Boarfish Cave dive site?
The entrance to the Giant Boarfish Cave lies in 15m of water, and divers can swim through to an exit at 18m. The overall dive site has a maximum depth of 24m, making it suitable for a range of dive profiles.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see inside and around Giant Boarfish Cave?
Divers exploring Giant Boarfish Cave can expect to encounter a 20m long swim-through within the cave itself. Inside, you might spot unique species like Giant Boarfish, Eels, and Big Eyes. Outside the cave, the surrounding reef structure and colourful walls are home to vibrant reef fish such as Wrasse, Maomao, and Demoiselle.
Is Giant Boarfish Cave considered a difficult dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Giant Boarfish Cave is considered an intermediate dive site. It is highly recommended for both Open Water and Advanced divers, offering an engaging experience for those with basic certification and beyond.
What is the best season or time of year to dive at Giant Boarfish Cave for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best season or time of year to dive at Giant Boarfish Cave for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. We recommend checking local dive conditions closer to your planned trip, and you can find general information on when to dive on DivePlnr.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Giant Boarfish Cave?
To dive at Giant Boarfish Cave, both Open Water and Advanced divers will find it to be a great site. This suggests that a minimum of Open Water certification is recommended to safely enjoy the dive.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents and visibility, at the Giant Boarfish Cave dive site?
At the Giant Boarfish Cave dive site, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 10m. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.