Matavera Wall - Rarotonga

Picasso, tucked away in the Somosomo Strait, offers a pleasant, relaxed dive. We've often found ourselves drifting along its sloping reef, which eventually steepens into more of a wall down to a sandy bottom at 18 metres. It’s less about big pelagics here and more about soaking in the details: the cracks and crevices are fantastic for spotting an Eroded Cowry or two, and the swim-throughs are a fun way to navigate the reef. Visibility usually hangs around 15 metres, which is perfectly adequate for admiring the dense coral coverage and the schools of Indian Scad that often hang around the reef top. It’s a good spot for a chilled-out second dive, or for photographers keen on macro subjects without fighting a ripping current.

Location
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-21.224400, -159.730200
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 Wall

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 Wall

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 depth range for diving at Matavera Wall?
The typical depth range for diving at Matavera Wall is generally between 12 and 30 meters. While the wall itself drops to about 35 meters, the stated maximum depth for a typical dive at this site is 21 meters.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Matavera Wall?
Divers visiting Matavera Wall can expect to encounter a variety of marine life. It's an excellent spot for observing moray eels and scorpion fish. Additionally, turtles are frequently found in the shallows, while the deeper reef slopes offer opportunities to spot tunas and lion fish.
How difficult is the Matavera Wall dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
While the structured data classifies Matavera Wall as an intermediate difficulty dive site, its description notes that it can be enjoyed by both experienced divers and total beginners alike. This flexibility makes it a welcoming spot for a wide range of skill levels in Rarotonga.
When is the best time of year or day to dive Matavera Wall for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions at Matavera Wall. For general information on diving seasons in Rarotonga, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Matavera Wall?
The available data does not specify particular diving certifications required to dive at Matavera Wall. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators in the Cook Islands for specific requirements.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at Matavera Wall?
Divers at Matavera Wall can typically expect excellent visibility, with an average of 27 meters due to its usually very clear water. Information regarding specific current conditions for this site in Rarotonga is not provided in the available data.