Double Cove Marine Reserve - Kaikōura

Isla Frijoles is one of our favourite spots in Coiba, primarily because it delivers on both the small stuff and the big picture. We often do it as a drift, letting the current carry us around the island's rocky base. The reef drops to a sandy bottom around 21 metres, where we've spent many dives scanning for a passing shark, often a white-tip reef shark cruising past. Look closer, though, and you'll find plenty to hold your attention. We’ve spotted everything from the intricate patterns of a masked moray peering from a crevice to the unusual shape of a dusky flounder blending into the sand. We love how the schools of snapper and jack swirl in the blue, sometimes so thick the light dims for a second. Our tip? After you've watched the larger fish, spend some time exploring the corals for scorpionfish or a well-camouflaged frogfish. Visibility averages about 15 metres, which is decent enough to appreciate the scale of the fish groupings. Isla Frijoles is a solid dive for those who enjoy a gentle drift and appreciate both pelagic encounters and finding hidden reef critters.

Location
Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.233700, 174.015300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Te Mahia

Best Time to Dive in Kaikōura

The warmest water temperatures in Kaikōura occur in February, averaging 18.4°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 13.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.1°C
  • February: 18.4°C
  • March: 18.1°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 15.8°C
  • June: 14.6°C
  • July: 13.9°C
  • August: 13.5°C
  • September: 13.3°C
  • October: 13.7°C
  • November: 15.1°C
  • December: 16.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Kaikōura

Nearest Dive Centres to Double Cove Marine Reserve

Marine Life in Kaikōura

Home to 37 recorded species including 16 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 sea urchins, 2 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Double Cove Marine Reserve

Based on average water temperature of 15.7°C, currents 18 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 16°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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