Urquharts Bay - Poor Knights Islands

Flintstone is a good, easy dive, only a quick boat ride from the shore. We like it for a relaxing afternoon, especially if you’re looking to get out of stronger currents often found in the Strait. The site maxes out at 18m, making it ideal for newer divers or those refreshing their skills. You’ll find some striking coral overhangs here, and a cool cave and swim-through around 14m. It’s mostly tropical fish, but keep an eye out for turtles, and sometimes a reef shark will cruise by. Visibility averages about 13m.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.847200, 174.534000
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Bream 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 Urquharts Bay

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 Urquharts Bay

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 diving depth at Urquharts Bay?
At Urquharts Bay, the maximum diving depth is 7m. Divers entering from shore will experience a long walk through shallow water before reaching deeper areas suitable for diving. Alternatively, divers arriving by boat can access slightly deeper areas further from shore within this limit.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Urquharts Bay?
Divers at Urquharts Bay can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Snapper, Goatfish, Flounder, and Stingrays. During the summer months, there's a chance of spotting Kingfish, and Octopus are often found around the mooring blocks. While the site is classified as a "cave" type, the primary experience is exploring the bay's diverse ecosystem.
How challenging is diving at Urquharts Bay for different skill levels?
Diving at Urquharts Bay is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is largely due to the shore entry, which involves a long walk through shallow water with a slippery bottom before reaching suitable diving depths. Divers opting for boat access will find the experience less physically demanding.
When is the best time of year or day to dive at Urquharts Bay for optimal conditions?
Based on the available data, the summer months offer an enhanced experience at Urquharts Bay, with a chance of encountering Kingfish. Specific optimal times of day or other seasonal recommendations for general conditions are not provided. For more general information on dive planning, visit When to Dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Urquharts Bay?
While no explicit certification requirements are provided for Urquharts Bay, its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive suggests that divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification and ideally some experience with shore entries. Always ensure you are comfortable with the conditions and your skill level before diving.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water conditions like for diving in Urquharts Bay?
At Urquharts Bay, divers can expect an average visibility of 3m. For shore entries, be aware of a slippery bottom in the shallow water leading to deeper areas. Information regarding typical currents or water temperatures for this site is not available in the provided data.