Trade Me Reef - Poor Knights Islands

Acca Spot sits about ten minutes from Barat Lambongan Beach, a pretty straight shot on the west side of Selayar. It's primarily a wall dive, limestone dropping down to a white sandy bottom at around 34 meters. We’ve found the visibility here averages closer to 15 meters, sometimes pushing 30, but it’s still good enough to appreciate the mix of soft and hard corals coating the wall. Currents are typically mild or non-existent, making it a relaxed spot to drift and spot turtles, various reef fish, and stingrays cruising the sand. Keep an eye out for smaller critters like orangutan crabs and nudibranchs tucked into the crevices, alongside moray and ribbon eels. It's a solid, easy dive when you're after something chill in the Komodo area.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.281300, 174.488900
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 Trade Me Reef

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 Trade Me Reef

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 Trade Me Reef?
The dive at Trade Me Reef typically ranges from an anchoring depth of approximately 6m down to a maximum depth of 16m. Divers will find the reef dropping to about 11m, with a short gap leading to a rock on a sand bottom.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can be seen at Trade Me Reef?
Trade Me Reef is home to abundant marine life, including large shoals of fish, notably kingfish. Divers can also spot numerous octopus dens scattered across the sandy bottom. The site features many interesting swim-throughs within its reef structure.
How challenging is diving at Trade Me Reef for different experience levels?
Diving at Trade Me Reef is considered an intermediate level dive, suitable for divers with some experience. The site involves navigating a short underwater swim to the island and exploring depths down to 16m.
What is the best time of year or season to dive Trade Me Reef for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at Trade Me Reef. For more information on seasonal diving, please visit our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Trade Me Reef?
Given that Trade Me Reef is classified as an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 16m, a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This certification ensures divers have the necessary skills and depth limits for this site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Trade Me Reef?
Divers at Trade Me Reef can typically expect an average visibility of 8m, offering good views of the reef and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.