Devils Point - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Ihana sits just a couple of minutes from the resorts along the Sulawesi coastline, making it a very convenient spot. It’s a long, shore-hugging reef, perfect for a relaxed dive, especially if you’re newer to diving. We often start in the shallow, protected sandy patch, which is a fantastic place to ease in. You’ll find a surprising amount of small stuff here, from pygmy gobies to the occasional dwarf moray peeking out, and we’ve even spotted juvenile yellow snappers schooling. Deeper, the coral reef comes alive with chromis and wrasse darting between the soft corals. With a max depth of 14m, it’s a calm, easy dive, offering decent visibility, usually around 14m. While we wouldn't call it a big pelagic site, it's a solid choice for a laid-back afternoon exploring reef life.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.747900, 175.821700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Rabbit Island

Best Time to Dive in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The warmest water temperatures in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf occur in February, averaging 22.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 14.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 22.4°C
  • March: 21.8°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 17.4°C
  • June: 15.3°C
  • July: 14.1°C
  • August: 14.1°C
  • September: 14.7°C
  • October: 16.3°C
  • November: 18.5°C
  • December: 20.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Nearest Dive Centres to Devils Point

Marine Life in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Home to 77 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 crabs & lobsters, 3 other, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Devils Point

Based on average water temperature of 18.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 18°C water
  • 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 scuba diving at Devils Point in Plymouth?
While the main dive area at Devils Point, located in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand (not Plymouth), has a maximum depth of 14m, divers can find a belly coming up to 5-8m, ideal for safety stops. The site is also described as 'great deep diving country' with an outer pin dropping off past 30m, offering opportunities for deeper exploration for appropriately certified divers.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Devils Point?
Divers at Devils Point can expect a diverse underwater topography featuring boulder areas with deep cracks and holes, leading to a couple of caves. The site also includes rocky areas with small outcrops of kelp. Marine life is abundant, with common sightings of kingfish and dolphins, making it a vibrant spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Devils Point, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The difficulty level for diving at Devils Point is rated as intermediate. This suggests it is best suited for divers with some experience, rather than being suitable for all experience levels, particularly beginners. Divers should be comfortable with potential currents and deeper sections of the dive.
What is the best time to dive at Devils Point in Plymouth, considering tides and other factors?
Information regarding the best time to dive at Devils Point in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand (not Plymouth, as the question implies), including specific details on tides or seasonal factors, is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at Devils Point?
Given that Devils Point is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, divers should possess a suitable level of experience and certification. While specific certifications aren't detailed, proficiency in managing currents and deeper dives would be beneficial for safely exploring this site.
What are the prevailing currents and general water conditions at the Devils Point dive site?
At Devils Point, divers can expect a current running, particularly on the outer pin, which contributes to its 'great deep diving country' description. The general water conditions include an average visibility of 7m. No further details on water temperature or other specific conditions are provided in the current data.