Sinbad Gully - Fiordland

Torpedo Alley is one of those Komodo sites where you really need to slow down. Our pick for a relaxed afternoon dive, it's a completely different vibe from the ripping drifts further north. Here, it’s all about the small stuff, the critters that hide in plain sight. We’re talking bobbit worms, often with just their terrifying mouths visible from the sand, waiting. You’ll spot a parade of different pipefish – bluestripe, brown-banded – tucked into the coral rubble. Look closer, and you might catch a hairy octopus trying its best to blend in, or a rhinopias swaying gently, perfectly camouflaged. The reef itself is a patchy affair of coral and rock, sloping gently to 20 metres. Visibility averages a comfortable 18 metres, usually calm, which is ideal for macro photography. We love spending an hour just hovering, letting our eyes adjust to the intricate details. You'll see green turtles cruising by, a smattering of schooling fusiliers, and plenty of those torpedo rays that give the site its name, often half-buried in the sand. This is a site for the patient observer, the diver who appreciates the subtle beauty of Komodo's smaller residents.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.660000, 167.899000
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 Sinbad Gully

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