True Love Reef - Bay of Islands

Bajo de los Pargos sits on the shelf’s western edge, a site we think works for most divers, maxing out around 16m. You start in a patch of sandy seabed with coral here and there, then the slope drops into a gentle wall. It’s named for the snappers, and they do show up, sometimes after a bit of coaxing. We’ve also seen jacks cruising in from the blue. Visibility usually hovers around 11m, so keep an eye out for those shyer fish.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-34.967000, 173.937000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Totara North

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to True Love 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 maximum depth at True Love Reef, and are there any specific depth considerations for divers?
The maximum recommended depth at True Love Reef is 23m. Divers should be mindful of their depth, as the bottoms of the pinnacle-type rocks can extend beyond 30 meters, making it easy to inadvertently go too deep. Always keep a close watch on your depth gauge to stay within safe limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at True Love Reef?
True Love Reef is characterized by numerous pinnacle-type rock formations, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Divers can expect to encounter abundant marine life, including huge schools of fish like Blue Maomao and Twospot Demoisell. The rocks are also home to a rich variety of invertebrate life, and keeping an eye on the blue water might reveal rare and exciting pelagic animals.
How challenging is diving at True Love Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at True Love Reef is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it's a great spot for recreational divers, beginners might find it challenging due to the potential to easily exceed safe depths around the pinnacle formations. Divers should have good buoyancy control and depth awareness to fully enjoy this beautiful site.
When is the best time of year to dive True Love Reef for optimal conditions and marine life?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive True Love Reef for optimal conditions or marine life. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Bay of Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at True Love Reef?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers exploring True Love Reef should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures they have the necessary experience and skills, particularly for managing depth in an environment where it's easy to go too deep. Good buoyancy control is highly recommended for this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at True Love Reef?
At True Love Reef, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and rock formations. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site. It's always advisable to check local conditions with a dive operator before your dive.