The Nursery - Bay of Islands

Malpelo Island isn't just a dive site; it’s an entire experience, a remote pinnacle jutting out of the Pacific where the big stuff truly lives. We’re talking about the kind of place where you drop in and are immediately surrounded by a swirling vortex of silky sharks, their sleek bodies catching the sunlight as they glide past. Our favourite dives here often involve just hanging out at depth, waiting for the massive schools of hammerheads to materialise out of the blue, sometimes hundreds strong, so thick you can barely see the diver next to you. The currents can be ripping, so this isn't a spot for the faint of heart or the inexperienced. You need solid buoyancy and the ability to handle surge. But for those who are ready, Malpelo delivers. Besides the sharks, we've had incredible encounters with oceanic manta rays, their wingtips almost brushing us as they cruise by. Keep an eye out for the smaller, more unusual stuff too; we’ve spotted dragon wrasse and gloss blennies tucked into crevices when the bigger action slows. This place is for divers who chase adrenaline and want to see the ocean's apex predators in their natural, powerful habitat.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.181500, 174.335000
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to The Nursery

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 depth range for diving at The Nursery dive site?
The Nursery is a shallow dive site, offering depths typically ranging from 5 to 20 meters. The maximum recorded depth at this location is 13 meters. This makes it accessible for various experience levels.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at The Nursery?
Divers at The Nursery can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life. This site is known for juvenile fish, schools of Blue Maomao, and other reef fish. You'll also find colourful invertebrates and kelp covering cracks and boulders, and friendly seals often sunbathe on the rocks, sometimes joining divers in the water. For more information on species, visit our wildlife database.
Is The Nursery dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
The Nursery dive site is considered to have an intermediate difficulty level. While it is a shallow site with depths ranging from 5-20m, its characteristics make it more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to dive at The Nursery for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at The Nursery. For general information on seasonal diving in New Zealand, you may consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at The Nursery?
The provided information does not specify the exact diving certifications required to dive at The Nursery. Given its intermediate difficulty, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Open Water Diver certification and have some experience.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at The Nursery dive site?
Divers at The Nursery can typically expect an average visibility of 12 meters, offering clear views of the marine life. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site.