drift

Log This Dive

Bartle Bay

Bartle Bay isn't always the easiest dive at the Poor Knights, and that's precisely why we love it. Tucked into the channel between the two main islands, it catches a lot of surge, which means you need to pick your day. But when conditions are right, the reward is a truly wild experience. Imagine slipping into that current-swept kelp forest, the light dappled and green, as schools of demoiselles and blue mao mao swirl so thickly they almost obscure the big snapper and kingfish hunting through them. We've seen brown dogfish tucked into crevices here, and on one memorable dive, a massive short-tail stingray glided right past us, seemingly unfazed by the commotion. It’s a site for those who enjoy a bit of dynamism, who appreciate the raw power of the ocean and the sheer volume of fish it delivers. If you're looking for something a bit more active than a calm reef cruise, and you’re comfortable with some water movement, Bartle Bay is our pick for a proper Poor Knights rush.