Gem Cave - Poor Knights Islands

La Marado on Moorea is one of those sites we always try to hit, especially if the conditions are playing nice. It’s got that dramatic topography that makes for an interesting dive, with chimneys and a distinctive peak we call Oti Point. Drop down and you’re looking at healthy corals, a real mix of branching stuff and big plates, then you start seeing the fish. We often spot schools of Blackfish swirling in the channels, and there’s a good chance of finding Parrotfish, particularly Schlegel's, browsing the reef. Keep an eye out for those tricky-to-spot Bluefin Filefish tucked into crevices. What we really love about La Marado, besides the always-excellent visibility that generally hits 25m, are the canyons. Towards the end of the dive, you can cruise through these natural cuts in the reef, which is a surprisingly refreshing way to finish things off. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate interesting reef architecture and a solid mix of reef fish, rather than just chasing the big stuff. Max depth is 27m, so it’s accessible to most certified divers without getting into technical territory.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.266000, 174.799500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

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 Gem Cave

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 Gem Cave

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