Eastern Arch - Poor Knights Islands

Jardines is a solid pick for a relaxed dive in Cozumel, especially if you’re new to the local currents or prefer a shallower profile. Maximum depth is around 12 meters, making it ideal for longer bottom times and less demanding on air. We’ve found the site lives up to its name, with plenty of small coral formations creating nooks and crannies for reef fish. You'll often spot schools of French grunts congregating, and we’ve seen tarpon cruising through the more open areas. Keep an eye out for speckled worm eels poking from the sand. It’s a comfortable, easy dive, perfect for a gentle introduction to Cozumel's underwater world.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.486300, 174.745700
Type
cave
Maximum Depth
15-35m

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 Eastern Arch

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 Eastern Arch

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 diving depths at the Eastern Arch dive site?
At the Eastern Arch, divers can expect typical depths ranging from 15 to 35 meters. The western entrance of the arch features boulders and kelpy walls at approximately 18 meters. As you move towards the eastern end, the walls dramatically drop vertically into depths exceeding 40 meters, offering a stunning view into the open ocean.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Eastern Arch?
Divers exploring the Eastern Arch will encounter impressive underwater features, including steep walls and a dramatic drop-off at the eastern end that plunges into depths over 40 meters. The western entrance is characterized by boulders and kelpy walls. The arch walls are vibrant, covered in colourful invertebrates and sponges, where you can also spot fascinating Nudibranchs.
What is the difficulty level for diving Eastern Arch, and what level of experience is recommended?
The Eastern Arch dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic certification to comfortably navigate its features. It's an excellent site for those looking to advance their diving skills in a unique environment.
What dive certifications are required to explore the Eastern Arch, particularly for entering the archway?
While the specific certifications required for exploring the Eastern Arch are not explicitly detailed, its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive of the "cave" type suggests that divers should possess experience beyond entry-level certifications. Given the depths ranging from 15-35m and the nature of an archway, appropriate training and experience for overhead environments are highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable dive.
When is the best time of year to dive Eastern Arch for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Eastern Arch for optimal conditions. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 16 meters at this site. For more detailed seasonal information, you might check the When to Dive section for the Poor Knights Islands.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Eastern Arch dive site?
The provided information does not detail the typical current or water conditions, such as temperature, at the Eastern Arch dive site. However, divers can anticipate an average visibility of 16 meters during their exploration. It's always advisable to consult local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.