Stanmore Bay Pool
Protected Area
Long Bay-Okura
Why dive here
With 72+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and seahorses - Stanmore Bay Pool offers some of Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf's richest reef diving. Water ranges 15-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Okay, so Stanmore Bay Pool. We’re not going to lie, it’s a pool. A big, rectangular, tiled pool. If you’re picturing schools of fusiliers or a majestic manta ray gliding past, you’re in the wrong place. But for what it is, a training ground, it’s surprisingly good. We love the simplicity here. The water is often bathwater warm, and the visibility is, well, 25m of pure, unadulterated blue tile. It's the perfect spot to iron out those buoyancy kinks, practice fin pivots until they’re second nature, or get comfortable with a new piece of kit without fighting current or cold. Our favourite tip? Head to the deep end, all 1.6 metres of it, and just spend some time hovering. It’s meditative. You might spot a forgotten hair tie or a shiny coin, which adds a certain treasure hunt element. This is where we bring new divers to build confidence, or seasoned pros to test out a new camera housing before hitting the open ocean. It’s controlled, predictable, and frankly, a bit of a laugh. You’ll leave feeling proficient, ready for whatever the real ocean throws your way.
Nearest Dive Centres to Stanmore Bay Pool
Dive shops near Stanmore Bay Pool
Wettie
Performance Diver NZ Ltd
GlobalDive
Epic SCUBA
Dive HQ Auckland
Dive Doctor
Reviews for Stanmore Bay Pool
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Stanmore Bay Pool
Stanmore Bay Pool Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Stanmore Bay Pool, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-36.93, 175.86) (22km away)
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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Goat Island & Hauraki GulfPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf.
Search stays in Goat Island & Hauraki GulfDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Stanmore Bay Pool
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
