Goat Island - Poor Knights Islands

La Tortuga is one of our favourites on the Caribbean side, especially if you’re into wrecks with a bit of history. It's not a huge wreck, but the concrete mooring block shaped like a turtle is a nice touch and a good landmark. We love that you can follow a few different routes around the wreck, weaving through the hull sections that are now home to so many creatures. When the water cools down, typically during the dry season, you often spot white tip reef sharks cruising near the deeper parts of the wreck. Keep an eye out for stingrays nestled in the sand. Closer to the mooring, we’ve found plenty of boxfish methodically picking at the reef and crocodile fish perfectly camouflaged on the bottom. The wreck itself is a magnet for smaller stuff, like the Pink Cardinalfish darting in and out of the shadows, and we've had some great encounters with the chameleon clinid, practically disappearing before our eyes. It’s a comfortable dive, maxing out at 18m, making it suitable for newer wreck enthusiasts who still want a proper exploration. Visibility averages around 10m, which is decent enough to appreciate the wreck's structure and the life around it.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.269900, 174.795700
Type
wreck

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 Goat Island

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 Goat Island

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 dive depths at Goat Island Marine Reserve?
Divers at Goat Island Marine Reserve can expect typical dive depths up to a maximum of 7 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for various dive levels, allowing ample bottom time to explore the diverse marine environment.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Goat Island?
At Goat Island, divers will encounter a variety of underwater features, from expansive sandy flats to intricate rocky reef systems. The reserve is teeming with marine life, including snappers, stingrays, eagle rays, goatfish, kingfish, blue maomao, yellowtail, octopus, nudibranch, and crabs. Lucky divers may also spot dolphins and seals commonly frequenting the area.
Is Goat Island a suitable dive site for beginner divers?
While Goat Island has a shallow maximum depth of 7 meters, it is classified with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while the depth is manageable, other factors like potential currents or specific conditions might require a bit more experience. Beginner divers should consult with local dive operators for current conditions and guidance.
What is the best time of year and what are the ideal weather conditions for diving at Goat Island?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or ideal weather conditions for diving at Goat Island. For up-to-date information on seasonal conditions and optimal diving times, we recommend checking our When to Dive section or consulting local dive centers in New Zealand.
What dive certifications are required to scuba dive at Goat Island?
The provided data does not specify any particular dive certifications required to scuba dive at Goat Island. Given its intermediate difficulty, a basic open water certification is generally sufficient for most sites, but it's always best to confirm with local dive operators. For general information on dive requirements, please refer to our equipment and training guides.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving at Goat Island?
Divers at Goat Island can typically expect an average visibility of 7 meters, offering clear views of the marine reserve. While specific details on water temperature and currents are not provided, the site's intermediate difficulty rating suggests that currents may occasionally be a factor. Always check local conditions before your dive.