Cave Bay - Poor Knights Islands

The Galeão São Paulo isn't your typical wreck dive. Forget huge intact structures; what you’ll find here is a scatter of history, a ghost of a 17th-century galleon that’s been on the seabed for over 400 years. We love how the cannons and anchors are now just part of the reef, encrusted and blending into the sandy bottom. Descending into 24 metres, the visibility averages 15 metres, often creating an atmospheric, slightly muted blue that suits the age of the site. It's less about penetration and more about exploration, sifting through the remains to imagine what was. Look closely, and you'll spot the resident Honeycomb Cowfish peeking from crevices, or a Bastard Eel snaking between coral-covered metal. Schools of Atlantic Thread Herring shimmer past, making the old wreckage feel alive. We often see Planehead Filefish here, too, their patterns almost camouflaging them against the encrustations. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate history and the slow, quiet observation of marine life reclaiming human artefacts. It’s a peaceful dive, best enjoyed by those who take their time.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.455300, 174.740600
Type
wreck

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 Cave 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 Cave 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