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

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