Sugarloaf Rock Poor Knights - Poor Knights Islands

Vapor de Baixo is one of those Fernando de Noronha sites we always make time for. It’s a small wreck, but don't let that fool you. This isn’t about big, dramatic explosions of fish, though you’ll see plenty of Black Margate and Caribbean Bonefish flitting around the edges. This is about history, about poking around a steam-powered tugboat that’s been sitting upright on the seabed for who knows how long. We love the slightly eerie feel of the engine room. You can descend to about 22m, and the boilers are still remarkably intact, almost perfectly in place. Peering into the machinery, you often spot a docile Pufferfish or even a shy Cobbler hiding in the shadows. Visibility here is usually excellent, around 23m, so you get a clear view of the wreck’s details, even the parts half-buried in the sand. Our pick for an afternoon dive, when the light filters down just right, illuminating the metal structures. It’s a quiet, contemplative dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates a bit of maritime mystery.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.567000, 174.706400
Type
wreck

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 Sugarloaf Rock Poor Knights

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 Sugarloaf Rock Poor Knights

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