Harrison Cove - Fiordland

Lone Star Reef is one of those spots we always try to hit when we're in Grand Cayman, especially if it's been a rainy week. At 17m max depth, it's a relaxed, easy dive, perfect for a long bottom time. What we love here are the ledges. They're draped in colourful sponges and a good mix of hard and soft corals, but it's what’s underneath that really grabs us. Peer into those shadows and you’ll often find glassy blennies, or the odd red clingfish tucked away. The real draw, though, is that freshwater exit on the south side. On a day when there's been some rain, you can feel the distinct thermocline pushing out. It’s a strange, cool rush against your skin, a reminder of the island’s geology, and it sometimes draws in interesting little critters. Keep an eye out on the surrounding sand patches for mottled flounders camouflaged flat against the bottom. This site really shines for macro enthusiasts and anyone looking for a chill dive with a unique geological twist.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.624300, 167.912400
Type
reef

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 Harrison Cove

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 are the typical diving depths at Harrison Cove in Milford Sound?
Diving at Harrison Cove typically starts in shallow gravel areas. Divers can explore down to a maximum depth of 18 meters. The site features a 45-degree sloping muddy sandy bottom.
What kind of marine life and underwater scenery can divers expect to see at Harrison Cove in Milford Sound?
Divers at Harrison Cove can expect a unique underwater landscape, transitioning from a shallow gravel bottom to a 45-degree sloping muddy sandy bottom with rock outcrops. The site is known for its scattered black coral growth on some rocks and is considered a "sharky site." You might encounter fascinating species such as dogsharks, seven gill sharks, spiny seadragons, butterfly perch, and jock stewarts; learn more at our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Harrison Cove in Milford Sound for recreational divers?
Diving at Harrison Cove is rated as an intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, it is best suited for recreational divers with some prior experience. Divers should be comfortable with varying bottom compositions and potential encounters with marine life.
What is the best time of year to dive at Harrison Cove in Milford Sound, considering weather and marine life?
The provided data for Harrison Cove does not specify the best time of year for diving, considering weather or seasonal marine life patterns. For general information on optimal diving seasons, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in Harrison Cove, Milford Sound?
While the data for Harrison Cove does not explicitly state specific certification requirements, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that an Open Water Diver certification is likely a minimum. For greater comfort and skill in varying conditions, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification would be highly recommended.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving in Harrison Cove, Milford Sound?
At Harrison Cove, divers can expect an average visibility of 11 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical water temperatures or currents for this dive site.