Wild Beast Point - Poor Knights Islands

Aracatibinha is a straightforward shore dive near Arraial do Cabo, often used for training or a relaxed afternoon. You'll likely see schools of sardines and silversides moving together, and sometimes turtles grazing on the rocks. It’s a good spot for newer divers or those looking for an easy entry and calm conditions, without much current to worry about. We'd pick it for a refresher dive.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.443800, 174.736500

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 Wild Beast Point

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 Wild Beast Point

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 Wild Beast Point?
The typical maximum recreational diving depth at Wild Beast Point is 17m. While the site features walls that drop off to 40m, divers should plan their dives within the specified maximum depth for this particular location.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Wild Beast Point?
At Wild Beast Point, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant reef environment featuring colourful walls that drop off to 40m. The site is known for its schooling fish and a variety of pelagic species. You'll often spot impressive creatures like Sharks and Kingfish, which contribute to the site's namesake, making it a thrilling experience for marine life enthusiasts. Explore more marine life.
How challenging is the Wild Beast Point dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
Wild Beast Point is classified as an intermediate dive site, largely due to the often strong currents that can be present. This makes it more suitable for divers with some experience rather than beginners. Divers should be comfortable with current management to fully enjoy the dynamic conditions of this exposed point.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Wild Beast Point for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive at Wild Beast Point for optimal conditions or marine sightings. For general guidance on dive planning, you can refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at Wild Beast Point?
While no specific certifications are explicitly stated for Wild Beast Point, its classification as an intermediate dive site with often strong currents suggests that divers should have appropriate experience. It is highly recommended to possess certifications that prepare you for challenging conditions, such as advanced open water or drift diving specialties, to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
What are the usual current strengths, visibility, and water temperatures experienced when diving at Wild Beast Point?
When diving at Wild Beast Point, divers should anticipate often strong currents, which are a defining characteristic of this exposed site. The average visibility experienced here is typically around 3m. Unfortunately, specific data regarding the usual water temperatures for this location is not provided.