Middle Arch - Poor Knights Islands

You know, when we talk about Curaçao, most people picture those vibrant reefs. But Playa Grandi, or Playa Piskado as the locals call it, offers a different kind of magic. It’s a bit of a chaotic scene topside with the fishing boats, but beneath the surface, especially near the pier, it's a spectacle. This is where you come for turtles, big ones, just cruising around, unbothered by divers. They’re usually waiting for scraps from the fishermen, so you’ll often see them right near the surface. Beyond the turtle action, the reef out a little further is worth exploring. It’s not the most pristine coral in Curaçao, but there’s a lovely gentle slope down to 18 meters. We’ve found seahorses tucked away in the sponges here, and if you’ve got a keen eye, frogfish are sometimes perched on the reef. Our favourite tip for this site? Go early. Beat the crowds, and you’ll often have those turtles practically to yourselves. It’s a really relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to spend some quality time with marine turtles.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.457400, 174.733000
Type
reef

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 Middle 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 Middle 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