The Dog - Bay of Islands

Yucab Reef is a proper Cozumel classic. We usually hit it as a second dive, a nice shallow drift after something deeper, and it never disappoints. The current usually rips along here, so you just glide over a sprawling coral landscape, watching the scenery unfold. You’ll spot huge barrel sponges, some as tall as a person, and we always keep an eye out for the yellowhead jawfish darting in and out of their sandy burrows. The hard corals here are fantastic, lots of branched finger coral and big heads of great star coral, all looking incredibly healthy. What makes Yucab special for us is that relentless, effortless drift combined with how much life you see right in front of your mask. It’s perfect for divers who love covering ground and seeing a lot without finning hard. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here, including spotted eagle rays cruising by, and it’s one of our better spots for finding those elusive splendid toadfish tucked away in crevices. Visibility is almost always excellent, giving you a really clear view of everything below.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.168000, 174.338600
Type
drift
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to The Dog

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 for scuba diving at The Dog Islands dive sites?
The Dog is a dive site where the maximum recommended depth for a typical dive is 27 meters. However, specific features such as boulders covered in gorgonians and a black coral tree are located deeper, near the bottom of the wall, between 30-40 meters, contributing to its recommendation for advanced divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to encounter at The Dog Islands?
Divers at The Dog can expect to explore a colourful wall, with boulders covered in gorgonians and a black coral tree found deeper. The strong current attracts abundant marine life, including schools of Trevally, Kahawai, Sweep, and various pelagic fish. Splendid Perch and Sharks are also frequently sighted; you can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites around The Dog Islands, and are they suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Diving at The Dog is considered challenging and is recommended for Advanced and above certified divers. This is primarily due to the strong currents, which make it a drift dive, and the depths where interesting features are found. It is not suitable for beginner divers.
When is the best time of year to go diving at The Dog Islands for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at The Dog. For general information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What level of scuba diving certification is generally required to dive at The Dog Islands?
Due to the depths and strong currents encountered, a scuba diving certification of Advanced and above is generally required to dive at The Dog. This ensures divers have the necessary experience and training for this challenging drift dive.
What are the typical current and sea conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive at The Dog Islands?
Divers planning a dive at The Dog should be aware of the strong current, as it is a drift dive along the western side of the island. Despite the current, the average visibility is excellent, typically around 50 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment.