Five Mile Bay - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Koi Island is one of those Raja Ampat sites we’d happily dive on repeat. It's a slope, not a wall, and that subtle angle really lets the light play on the corals as you drift. We love the feeling of being gently pushed along, spotting white-tip and black-tip reef sharks cruising below. Look closely for the Pygmy seahorses, both Denise’s and Bargibant’s are often nestled in the gorgonians. The reef here starts shallow, around five meters, and then slopes to a maximum of 21 meters, which makes it an ideal spot for a longer, relaxed dive. We’ve had some truly fantastic drifts with visibility often hitting 20 meters, though it can drop a bit if the currents are really ripping. You'll pass schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, and snapper, often finding a cruising eagle ray in the blue. Keep an eye out for the Flame Cardinalfish and Snakehead Cowries, they’re just lovely. It’s a site that suits anyone comfortable with a gentle drift, offering plenty of time to soak it all in.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-38.760800, 176.067200
Type
drift
Maximum Depth
5-15m

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 Five Mile Bay

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 Five Mile Bay

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 are the typical depths encountered when diving at Five Mile Bay (5 Mile Reef)?
At Five Mile Bay, divers typically encounter a maximum depth of 10 meters within the main dive area. However, the site features an easy shore entry on sand extending for 50 meters offshore, leading to a gentle slope that extends down to 27 meters and beyond. This allows for exploration at various depths depending on your dive plan.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to find at Five Mile Bay (5 Mile Reef)?
Five Mile Bay offers an interesting underwater topography, starting with an easy shore entry onto a sandy area that extends for 50 meters offshore. This sand then transitions into a gentle slope that continues down to 27 meters and beyond. While specific marine life is not detailed, divers can expect good water clarity over the sandy areas, though some silt may be present on the drop-off.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Five Mile Bay (5 Mile Reef), considering factors like currents and navigation?
The difficulty level for diving at Five Mile Bay is rated as intermediate. Despite being exposed to most wind directions, which can lead to choppy conditions with high winds, the site is generally considered easy to navigate. While it's listed as a drift dive type, the ease of navigation suggests that any currents are typically manageable for intermediate divers.
When is the best time of year to dive Five Mile Bay (5 Mile Reef) for the most favorable conditions and visibility?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided for Five Mile Bay, the most favorable diving conditions occur when winds are less than 8 knots and blowing from an easterly (offshore) direction. These conditions help to minimize choppiness and maintain good water clarity, especially over the sandy areas. Divers should check local weather forecasts for optimal wind conditions before planning their dive.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or experience levels recommended for Five Mile Bay (5 Mile Reef)?
Given that Five Mile Bay is rated as an intermediate dive site, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures comfort and proficiency in navigating the site's conditions, including potential choppiness from high winds. While navigation is generally easy, an intermediate skill level is recommended for a safe and enjoyable dive.
What are the typical water conditions, such as visibility and potential currents, at the Five Mile Bay (5 Mile Reef) dive site?
At Five Mile Bay, divers can expect an average visibility of 12 meters, with water clarity generally good over the sandy areas, though some silt may be present on the drop-off. The site is exposed to most wind directions, which can lead to choppy surface conditions with high winds. While listed as a drift dive type, the site is also described as easy to navigate, suggesting that any currents are typically mild and manageable.