Matiatia Bay - Wharf - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Pico del Náufrago, or Shipwreck Peak, is one of our favourite spots in Tayrona, despite the name suggesting a wreck that isn't really there anymore. What you get instead is a really healthy ridge that starts shallow, around 7 metres, and then slopes down to about 18 metres. We love how the light plays on the coral formations here, especially in the shallower sections. You'll glide past massive brain corals and chunky bottle corals, feeling the gentle surge. We often spot schools of Schoolmasters darting around and the occasional placid Trunkfish minding its own business. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for Chalk Bass and Sponge Cardinalfish – they’re everywhere if you take your time. Visibility averages about 14 metres, which is decent enough to really appreciate the scale of the reef. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive before the day boats get too busy; it’s a much calmer experience. It's a great dive for anyone comfortable with a gentle current, offering plenty to see whether you’re into macro life or just enjoy a pretty reef swim.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.780100, 174.991300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Te Matuku

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 Matiatia Bay - Wharf

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 Matiatia Bay - Wharf

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