Boarfish Reef Poor Knights
Protected Area
Poor Knights Islands
Why dive here
With 79+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Boarfish Reef Poor Knights offers some of Poor Knights Islands's richest reef diving. Water ranges 15-22°C, warmest January, February, March.
Boarfish Reef is one of those spots at the Poor Knights we always recommend. We love that it manages to feel both exposed and sheltered at the same time, a proper dive even with the 15-meter max depth. Drop down onto the reef and you’re immediately into a mix of kelp fronds swaying in the surge and colourful sponges clinging to the walls. We’ve had some cracking encounters here, particularly with snapper and schools of demoiselles weaving through the kelp. The real magic happens when you pay attention to the walls. We always find ourselves lingering, spotting nimble crimson cleaner fish zipping around and some truly impressive grey massive sponges. Visibility here averages around 7 metres, so it’s not about seeing for miles. Instead, it’s about getting close, exploring the nooks, and appreciating the sheer density of life in a smaller area. It suits divers who appreciate a slow, deliberate dive, those who love poking around rather than just flying past.
Nearest Dive Centres to Boarfish Reef Poor Knights
Dive shops near Boarfish Reef Poor Knights
Dive! Tutukaka
Northland Dive
Moana Futures Ltd
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Reviews for Boarfish Reef Poor Knights
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Boarfish Reef Poor Knights
Boarfish Reef Poor Knights Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Boarfish Reef Poor Knights, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-35.84, 174.61) (14km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
16°C
60°F · Range: 14.8–17.1°C
Current Speed
11.4 cm/s
Direction: SE (142.1°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.388 mg/m³
Moderate productivity
Salinity
35.44 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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