Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    Goldmine

    Best months: Jan–May

    Why dive here

    With 134+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales and pufferfish - Goldmine offers some of Rarotonga's richest wall diving. Water ranges 24-28°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeJan–May
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeHumpback Whales and Pufferfish · 134+ species recorded
    Water24-28°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterWall dive
    StandoutDramatic wall topography

    Goldmine often feels like a secret garden, tucked right in front of the namesake jewellery shop in Avarua. We love it for its intimate scale and how much detail you can pack into a single dive. Dropping down, you’re greeted by these chunky coral bommies, honeycombed with overhangs and little caves. We’ve spent whole safety stops just peeking into every nook, spotting Dew-drop Cowries tucked away and the flash of a Blue Spotted Wrasse darting through. The depth here sits comfortably around 15-20 metres, making it a relaxed dive where you can really slow down and observe. Keep an eye out for the Prickly Redfish, their camouflage is superb, but once you spot one, you’ll start seeing them everywhere. We've often found a Spotted Hawkfish perched on a coral head, patiently waiting. While it doesn't boast big pelagic action, Goldmine is our favourite pick for macro life and intricate reef exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys a leisurely poke around. The visibility is usually excellent, around 30 metres, which makes those vibrant staghorn corals really pop.

    Today05:1317:4112h 28m daylightGolden hour 17:11

    Nearest Dive Centres to Goldmine

    Dive shops near Goldmine

    View all dive centres in Rarotonga

    Reviews for Goldmine

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Goldmine

    Goldmine Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Goldmine, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-21.2, -159.82) (1km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    24°C

    76°F · Range: 23.3–26°C

    Air Temperature

    22°C

    72°F

    Wind Speed

    9.54 m/s

    18.5 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1016.5 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Rarotonga, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Rarotonga

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Rarotonga.

    Search stays in Rarotonga

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Goldmine

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Rarotonga