Cleanerfish Bay - Poor Knights Islands

We love Green Outhouse for a chill drift dive when we want to see lots of small stuff, and maybe a pod of orcas if we’re really lucky. The reef here, topping out around 20 metres, is a gentle slope where the current often just pushes you along. It's a great spot to cruise slowly and keep your eyes peeled. Our favourite thing about Green Outhouse is the sheer number of those little creatures that are so easy to swim straight past. Think Mottled Jawfish peering out of their burrows, their mouths full of eggs, or tiny Four-fin Blennies darting between coral branches. We often spot Mimic Blennies here too, a real treat to watch. The visibility, usually around 20 metres, lets you see far enough without being overwhelmed, perfect for focusing on the details. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is softer, and the currents tend to be a little more predictable. If you're into macro life and enjoy a relaxed pace, Green Outhouse is a solid choice. You’ll be pointing out new things to your buddy for the whole dive.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.454400, 174.732700
Type
drift

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 Cleanerfish 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 Cleanerfish 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 and maximum depth for diving in Cleanerfish Bay?
Cleanerfish Bay is a shallow-bottomed bay with a maximum depth of 17m. While it offers a boulder strewn slope leading to deeper depths for qualified divers, the main features are found in shallower areas. Divers can explore the wraparound wall and a small cave within these depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Cleanerfish Bay?
Divers at Cleanerfish Bay can expect a rich variety of marine life, including Nudibranchs, Starfish, Urchins, Shrimp, Ascidians, Eels, Triplefins, Blennies, Crays, and Scorpionfish. A resident Painted Moki is also often spotted, and stingrays frequent a small cave. Underwater features include a wraparound wall, a small cave, and massive boulders on a boulder strewn slope.
How difficult is the diving at Cleanerfish Bay, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Cleanerfish Bay is rated as intermediate difficulty and is characterized as a drift dive. While the bay is shallow, the drift conditions and intermediate rating suggest it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without appropriate supervision or experience. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques.
What is the best time of year to dive Cleanerfish Bay for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for Cleanerfish Bay does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you may wish to consult our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal highlights.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Cleanerfish Bay?
Given the intermediate difficulty and drift dive type at Cleanerfish Bay, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or a specialty in Drift Diving are recommended. While the maximum depth is 17m, exploring the deeper sections of the boulder strewn slope requires divers to be appropriately qualified. Always dive within your certification limits.
Are there strong currents or specific water conditions to be aware of when diving Cleanerfish Bay?
Cleanerfish Bay is characterized as a drift dive, indicating that divers should be prepared for currents. While the data doesn't explicitly state "strong currents," the drift classification means current awareness and appropriate techniques are essential. The average visibility is a good 16m, offering clear views of the underwater environment.