Mathesons Bay - Poor Knights Islands

Picnic Island always reminds us why we came to Fiji in the first place. You drop onto a shallow, sun-drenched reef, maybe 15 metres at its deepest, and immediately the soft corals get to work. They’re less about individual fans and more about vast, undulating carpets of every pastel shade – pinks, purples, oranges, all swaying in a gentle surge. We love just hanging out, watching the light play through them. It's a macro paradise. Give yourself time to really look amongst the coral branches and you’ll spot those tiny, perfectly camouflaged creatures – the Eyebar Spinygoby, little Coral Blennies tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for Ghost Cardinalfish, they’re masters of blending in. We’ve often seen Pink Anemonefish here, too, nestled deep in their host anemones. It's a relaxed, easy dive, probably one of our favourite spots for photographers who love finding the small wonders. Visibility averages a decent 12m, though on a good day it feels like forever. If you want a slow, meandering dive with endless soft coral and fantastic macro opportunities, this is your spot.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.302200, 174.798000
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 Mathesons Bay

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 Mathesons Bay

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 is the typical diving depth at Mathesons Bay?
At Mathesons Bay, the maximum diving depth is 7 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow and accessible dive site, perfect for extended bottom times and exploring its rich marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Mathesons Bay?
Divers at Mathesons Bay can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life, including John Dory, Snapper, Pararoe, Stingrays, Eagle Rays, Stargazers, Kingfish, Yellow Tail Mullet, Nudibranch, Octopus, and crayfish. The site is characterized as a vibrant reef, offering diverse habitats for these species. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Mathesons Bay a suitable dive site for beginner scuba divers?
Mathesons Bay is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While it offers easy entry and exit via the beach or rock platform, its classification suggests it might be more suitable for divers who have some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What are the best conditions or times of year to dive at Mathesons Bay for optimal experience?
Mathesons Bay is a sheltered bay, which generally contributes to calmer conditions. For optimal experience, especially when using the rock platform entry, it's advisable to consider the tide. Specific seasonal recommendations for Mathesons Bay are not provided in the current data, but general guidance can be found on our When to Dive page.
Do I need a specific certification to scuba dive at Mathesons Bay?
The data provided does not specify a unique certification requirement for diving at Mathesons Bay. However, as it is an intermediate difficulty site, a standard Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended for safe and enjoyable recreational diving.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like for diving in Mathesons Bay?
At Mathesons Bay, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 6 meters. While the bay is described as sheltered, which often suggests minimal currents, specific information regarding current conditions is not provided in the available data.