Canyon - Poor Knights Islands

Fingers is one of those Vava'u sites we always try to squeeze in, especially for newer divers or when we just want a relaxed, vibrant dive. It’s an easy run down to 18 metres, following the coral formations that give the site its name, fingers of reef pushing out from the main wall. We love dropping in here mid-morning, when the sun really lights up the coral – the pinks and purples of the soft corals shimmer, and you’ll see schools of Bicolor Chromis darting in and out of the hard coral heads. Keep an eye out for the Trumpetfish hovering vertically, trying to blend in. Our favourite part is the small swim-throughs; they're not tight, more like arches, and sometimes you’ll find a sleepy Undulated Moray tucked away inside. Visibility here is usually great, a comfortable 20 metres most days. We've often seen turtles glide past, and the occasional Napoleon wrasse will cruise by, unbothered. It's a proper healthy reef, full of fish, and really suits anyone looking for an unhurried dive with plenty to see without battling current.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.469500, 174.733600
Type
reef

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 Canyon

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 Canyon

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 is the maximum depth for recreational divers at the Canyon dive site in Dahab?
It appears the data provided pertains to the Canyon dive site at Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, not Dahab. Therefore, I cannot provide specific details regarding the maximum depth for recreational divers at the Canyon in Dahab based on the available information.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Dahab's Canyon?
The provided data describes the Canyon dive site at Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, not Dahab. Consequently, I do not have information on the specific marine life or underwater features to expect at the Canyon in Dahab.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Canyon in Dahab?
The available data describes the Canyon dive site at Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, not Dahab. As such, I cannot advise on the specific certifications required or recommended for diving the Canyon in Dahab based on this context.
When is the best time of year to dive the Canyon in Dahab for optimal conditions?
The provided data context is for the Canyon dive site at Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, not Dahab. Therefore, I do not have information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Canyon in Dahab. For general advice on dive planning, you might explore our when to dive resources.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Canyon dive site in Dahab?
The data provided describes the Canyon dive site at Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, not Dahab. I am unable to provide details on the typical current conditions or visibility for the Canyon in Dahab from the given information.
How difficult is the Canyon dive site in Dahab for an experienced diver?
The provided data pertains to the Canyon dive site at Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, not Dahab. Therefore, I cannot assess the difficulty for an experienced diver at the Canyon in Dahab based on the available context.