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
Maximum Depth
5-18m

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Middle Arch and are there shallower options?
The maximum depth for diving at Middle Arch is 19m. While the Arch itself bottoms out at 18m, offering shallower sections, the North and South ends of the Arch slope down to 30m+, providing options for deeper exploration if desired.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Middle Arch?
At Middle Arch, divers can expect to encounter large schools of patrolling Kingfish, Snapper, and Blue Maomao, along with numerous Long and Short Tailed Stingrays. Additionally, there's an interesting cave featuring an air pocket near the Southwestern entrance to the Arch, adding a unique feature to explore. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Middle Arch dive site, and is it suitable for Open Water divers?
The Middle Arch dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the maximum depth of 19m is just beyond typical Open Water limits, the intermediate rating suggests it may present challenges beyond basic recreational diving, making it more suitable for divers with advanced training or significant experience.
What are the best months or times of year to dive Middle Arch for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best months or times of year for optimal diving conditions at Middle Arch is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Middle Arch?
Given the Middle Arch dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 19m, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and training to comfortably and safely explore the site.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Middle Arch dive site?
Specific information regarding typical current and water conditions at the Middle Arch dive site is not available in the provided data. However, you can generally expect an average visibility of 16m at this location.