Dive Now - Poor Knights Islands

Ilha Mae’s Ponta Sul is our quiet escape in Arraial do Cabo. Forget chasing depth here, this is a site for slowing down and really looking. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the sandy bottom, spotting little things you’d miss at a faster pace. The Drummer Boy fish are a regular highlight, those striking stripes really pop against the sand. You’ll often find butterfly rays gliding past, sometimes a nail ray half-buried, and if luck’s on your side, an eagle ray might cruise through the blue. Visibility averages around five metres, so it’s not always gin-clear, but that lower vis actually adds to the intimacy, making you focus on the immediate surroundings. It’s wonderfully calm, sheltered enough for newer divers to feel comfortable, yet there’s still plenty to keep the seasoned diver engaged. We love it for macro photography, or just a really relaxed, contemplative dive. Go early in the morning before any crowds, that’s when it feels most peaceful.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.728000, 174.322000

Marine Protected Area: Whangarei Harbour Wildlife Refuge

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 Dive Now

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 Dive Now

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