Matavera Point - Rarotonga

Pica Rocca sits a short boat ride from Bayahibe, nestled inside the lagoon. It’s a comfortable dive, rarely pushing deeper than 21 meters, which makes it a nice spot for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed bottom time. We’ve found the average visibility hovers around 15 meters here, enough to comfortably watch the resident graysby dart between coral heads. Look closely and you might spot yellowhead jawfish peeking from their sandy burrows or a shy king crab tucked into one of the larger sponges. It’s a good, easy dive, perfect for a second dip of the day.

Location
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-21.223200, -159.729700
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Rarotonga

The warmest water temperatures in Rarotonga occur in January, averaging 26.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.5°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • February: 26.5°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • March: 26.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • April: 26.5°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • May: 26.5°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • June: 26.5°C (air: 22.8°C)
  • July: 26.5°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • August: 26.5°C (air: 21.7°C)
  • September: 26.5°C (air: 22.0°C)
  • October: 26.5°C (air: 22.1°C)
  • November: 26.5°C (air: 22.6°C)
  • December: 26.5°C (air: 24.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Rarotonga

Nearest Dive Centres to Matavera Point

Marine Life in Rarotonga

Home to 143 recorded species including 102 reef fish, 14 hard corals, 10 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sea cucumbers, 2 sea urchins, 2 starfish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Matavera Point

Based on average water temperature of 26.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • 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 Matavera Point?
The typical diving depth at Matavera Point ranges from 25 to 40 meters, making it suitable for a deep dive. Divers will encounter a reef plateau at around 20 meters before the vertical wall drops off into the abyss. This site can also be explored in conjunction with Matavera Wall.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Matavera Point?
Divers at Matavera Point can expect to explore a prominent reef plateau at 20 meters that forms a corner where currents converge, leading to a dramatic vertical wall drop-off. The fish life here is prolific, with huge schools of fusiliers and damsels, alongside many other species of reef fish. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Matavera Point, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving at Matavera Point is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is due to the potential for currents meeting at the reef corner and the site's suitability for deep dives. Divers with intermediate experience, comfortable with deeper profiles and potential current, will best enjoy this site.
When is the best time of year to dive Matavera Point for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Matavera Point for optimal conditions is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking general resources for when to dive in the Cook Islands for broader seasonal insights.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Matavera Point?
Given that Matavera Point is an intermediate difficulty dive site with depths ranging from 25-40 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a Deep Diver specialty is highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper profiles and potential current conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Matavera Point?
At Matavera Point, currents can be a factor, particularly at the reef corner where they are known to meet. Divers can generally expect excellent visibility, with an average of 35 meters, offering clear views of the prolific marine life and dramatic wall.