Bartle Bay - Poor Knights Islands

The Corveta Camaquã is the wreck dive in Fernando de Noronha that always pulls us back. It’s a purposeful dive, dropping down to 52 metres, so you need to be comfortable with depth and maybe think about nitrox to stretch out bottom time. The ship lies on its starboard side, largely intact, which means you get that real sense of a vessel resting on the seabed. We love swimming along the deck, past the cannons and scattered ammunition, imagining the rough seas that brought her down. Visibility here often hits 25 metres, and with the light filtering through the water, the scale of the wreck really hits you. Schools of snapper and jacks are constant companions, swirling around the superstructure. Keep an eye out for green turtles, often found munching on algae growing on the hull, seemingly unbothered by divers. We’ve also had some incredible encounters with eagle rays gliding gracefully past the bow. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the way the ocean reclaims human artefacts, creating new homes for marine life.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.474000, 174.739900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Poor Knights Islands

Best Time to Dive in Poor Knights Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Poor Knights Islands occur in February, averaging 21.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 15.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 21.9°C
  • March: 21.7°C
  • April: 20.6°C
  • May: 19.1°C
  • June: 17.6°C
  • July: 16.5°C
  • August: 15.8°C
  • September: 15.9°C
  • October: 16.6°C
  • November: 18.2°C
  • December: 19.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Poor Knights Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Bartle Bay

Marine Life in Poor Knights Islands

Home to 84 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bartle Bay

Based on average water temperature of 18.8°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°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 for scuba diving at Bartle Bay (Directors Bay)?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at Bartle Bay is 20m. Divers can explore the kelpy and fishy areas within this depth range, experiencing the rich marine life brought in by the water movement.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Bartle Bay (Directors Bay)?
At Bartle Bay, divers can expect to see a vibrant marine ecosystem, particularly in the kelpy and fishy areas. The water column is dominated by Blue Mao Mao and Demoiselles, which they share with hunting snapper and kingfish.
How difficult is diving at Bartle Bay (Directors Bay), and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Bartle Bay is considered intermediate difficulty, primarily due to the significant water movement in the channel. This site is generally not recommended for beginners and is better suited for more experienced divers comfortable with currents.
When is the best time of year to dive at Bartle Bay (Directors Bay) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Bartle Bay for optimal conditions. However, divers should be aware that the site experiences significant water movement, which can affect diving suitability. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at Bartle Bay (Directors Bay)?
While specific certifications are not listed, given the intermediate difficulty and significant water movement at Bartle Bay, divers should possess certifications appropriate for such conditions. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, with experience in current diving, would be highly beneficial.
What are the usual currents and visibility like at Bartle Bay (Directors Bay) dive site?
Bartle Bay is known for receiving a lot of water movement, making it a site not often dived due to these currents. Despite the strong water movement, the average visibility at the site is a good 15m, offering clear views of the abundant marine life.