pinnacle

Log This Dive

Putahataha Island

We love Putahataha for a relaxed dive in the Bay of Islands, especially when the weather is playing up. The island offers a sheltered side, perfect for a gentle drift along the rocky, kelp-fringed reef. You start shallow, around 10 meters, before the reef gradually slopes down to 17 meters as you round the island. The main draw here is a fantastic underwater cavern. It’s about 5 meters wide at the entrance, and inside, the light shifts beautifully, giving everything a muted, ethereal feel. We've seen some impressive snapper here, often a little curious, which is a real testament to the local *rahui*. Keep an eye out for mottled and yellow morays peeking from the rocks. There are also plenty of packhorse crayfish tucked away, and if you’re patient, you might spot a Greenbone or a banded morwong gliding past. Visibility averages around 12 meters, so it’s never a super wide vista, but it’s usually clear enough to enjoy the details. This site is brilliant for divers who appreciate a quiet, unhurried exploration and want to experience the benefits of local conservation efforts firsthand.