Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
    Motu Manawa-Pollen Island

    Dolphin Underwater Club

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Motu Manawa-Pollen Island

    Why dive here

    With 72+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and seahorses - Dolphin Underwater Club offers some of Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf's richest diving. Water ranges 15-21°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Humpback Whales and Seahorses · 72+ species recorded
    Water15-21°C · warmest January, February, March
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Dolphin Underwater Club site, nestled within the broader Goat Island marine reserve, is one of those spots we find ourselves returning to again and again. It’s not about dramatic drop-offs or huge pelagics here, but rather an appreciation for the intricate coastal ecosystems. We love drifting over the rocky reef, keeping an eye out for the colourful Striped Triplefins darting in and out of crevices. On a good day, with a bit of swell, you can feel the surge gently moving you through the kelp forests, creating a truly immersive experience. Our favourite time to dive Dolphin Underwater Club is mid-week, early morning, before the weekend crowds arrive. The visibility tends to be at its best then, and the light filtering through the water column really makes the greens and purples of the kelp pop. Look closely for the Blue Green Chitons clinging to rocks and the delicate Eleven-armed seastars sprawled across the substrate. It’s a fantastic site for macro enthusiasts or newer divers looking to build confidence in temperate waters. Expect to spend your dive observing the smaller, often overlooked, residents of this vibrant reserve.

    Today05:4418:3312h 49m daylightGolden hour 17:59

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Dolphin Underwater Club

    Dolphin Underwater Club Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Dolphin Underwater Club, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-36.93, 175.86) (22km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    16°C

    60°F · Range: 14.5–16.9°C

    Current Speed

    1.41 cm/s

    Direction: SE (135°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.497 mg/m³

    Moderate productivity

    Salinity

    34.91 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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