Dale Point - Fiordland

Honeycomb Caves, on Roatán’s south side, is one of those dives that starts with a bit of a grunt. The entry can be rocky, and you’ll likely feel some surge pushing you around until you clear the shallows. But push through that, because what lies beneath is genuinely special. We love the feeling of slipping into those cuts and caverns; it’s not really a deep dive, maxing out at 14m, but the way the light filters through the openings is something else. Inside, the caves are home to some surprisingly delicate life. Look closely for the smaller stuff – we’ve spotted Robertson's Blennies peeking out of crevices and even the occasional Mouse Cone working its way along the rock. The walls are encrusted with sponges and corals, a nice contrast to the more open reef. Our favourite part has to be finning slowly through the various chambers, watching for Longspine Squirrelfish tucked into the shadows. Visibility averages a comfortable 20m, which helps when you’re navigating the turns. This dive really suits those who appreciate a good macro hunt and don't mind a slightly challenging entry for the reward of exploring unique topography.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.600200, 167.818300
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Piopiotahi

Best Time to Dive in Fiordland

The warmest water temperatures in Fiordland occur in February, averaging 15.7°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.6°C
  • February: 15.7°C
  • March: 15.1°C
  • April: 13.8°C
  • May: 12.4°C
  • June: 10.8°C
  • July: 9.8°C
  • August: 9.6°C
  • September: 10.4°C
  • October: 11.2°C
  • November: 13.3°C
  • December: 14.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Fiordland

Marine Life in Fiordland

Home to 49 recorded species including 21 reef fish, 10 sharks & rays, 9 other, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Dale Point

Based on average water temperature of 12.7°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 13°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for recreational diving at Dale Point?
At Dale Point, recreational divers can expect to explore depths up to a maximum of 21m. This marine reserve site features a mix of wall dives with steep drop-offs, offering varied depth experiences within this range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Dale Point?
Divers at Dale Point will encounter a diverse underwater landscape, including wall dives with steep drop-offs and some reef sections. The site is abundant in large black coral, yellow zoanthids, and a variety of fish life. Expect to see fascinating creatures like nudibranchs, octopus, eagle and stingrays, various sharks, conger eels, and butterfly perch, among many others, making it a rich wildlife experience.
How challenging is diving at Dale Point for different experience levels?
Diving at Dale Point is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond entry-level certification to comfortably navigate the site's features, which include wall dives with steep drop-offs.
What is the best time of year to dive Dale Point for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Dale Point for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local dive operators or our general when to dive guide for insights into seasonal patterns in Fiordland.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Dale Point?
Given that Dale Point is classified as an intermediate dive site, a certification beyond basic Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water or equivalent, is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely explore the wall dives and steep drop-offs found here.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at the Dale Point dive site?
At the Dale Point dive site, divers can typically expect an average water visibility of 11m. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions, so it's advisable to consult local dive operators for real-time updates.