The Outpost - Poor Knights Islands

Alcyone. Just the name brings back that metallic taste of salt and adrenaline. This seamount is what everyone pictures when they think of Cocos, and frankly, it delivers. We’re talking about getting dropped onto the crown of a submerged peak, then sinking down into hundreds, sometimes thousands, of hammerheads. They swirl around you, a silent, grey storm of muscle and fin. Seriously, the sheer number of sharks here can be dizzying. Our favourite approach is to drop in, tuck ourselves behind some rocks around 20-25m, and just wait. The surge is often present, a gentle push and pull against your body, but it’s worth it. You’ll see whitetips blanketing the bottom, and if you’re lucky, a marble ray or eagle ray will glide past the main event. Keep an eye on the blue for a passing whale shark, though the hammerheads are the main show. This dive is for experienced divers comfortable with current and deep water, who are ready for an unparalleled shark encounter.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.290300, 174.819700
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 The Outpost

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 The Outpost

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 depth range for diving at The Outpost dive site?
The Outpost offers a diverse depth range, extending from a sheltered bay to steep walls. The maximum depth recorded for diving at The Outpost is 16m. This makes it suitable for various dive profiles within recreational limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at The Outpost?
When diving at The Outpost, you can expect to explore a vibrant reef environment featuring everything from sheltered bays to steep, life-filled walls. Marine life commonly encountered includes Goat Fish, Snapper, Kingfish, Blue Maomao, Rays, John Dory, and Crayfish. Sharks are also sometimes seen here, adding to the excitement of this diverse site. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at The Outpost, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at The Outpost is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a rewarding experience, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to its varied conditions and potential for a long surface swim if shore diving. Divers with some experience will find it more suitable.
What is the best time of year to dive at The Outpost for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at The Outpost for optimal conditions or marine encounters. We recommend checking general seasonal information for the Poor Knights Islands or consulting our When to Dive guide for broader advice.
Do I need a specific certification level, like Advanced Open Water, to dive at The Outpost?
Given that The Outpost has an intermediate difficulty rating and a maximum depth of 16m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. However, divers with more experience or an Advanced Open Water certification may find navigating the varied features and conditions more comfortable. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at The Outpost dive site?
At The Outpost, you can typically expect an average visibility of 8m, offering good views of the vibrant reef life. The provided data does not specify the usual current conditions for this dive site. It's always advisable to check local dive reports or consult with your dive operator for real-time conditions before diving.