Dive sites in Poor Knights Islands

Top Dive Sites

Blue Maomao Arch

Description: The Blue Maomao Arch is one of Poor Knights Islands’ most iconic dive sites. It’s known for its dramatic underwater archway, which creates a natural frame for the vibrant marine life that flourishes here. The arch itself is covered in colorful sponges and algae, adding to the visual splendor.

Marine Species: You can expect to see vast schools of Blue Maomao, the site’s namesake, darting through the waters. Other frequent encounters include snapper, moray eels, and sometimes even stingrays.

Unique Encounters: One of the standout features is the chance to swim alongside stingrays and observe their graceful movements up close. The arch’s structure also attracts crustaceans like crayfish, providing additional points of interest.

Photography: The play of light filtering through the archway offers excellent opportunities for dramatic underwater photography. The vibrant marine life and the stunning colors of the sponges make it a paradise for underwater photographers.

Suitability: This dive site is suitable for both beginners and advanced divers, thanks to its easy access and moderate depths, typically ranging from 10 to 18 meters.

Rikoriko Cave

Description: Rikoriko Cave is reputedly one of the world’s largest sea caves, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for any dive. The cave’s extensive interior, combined with the clear waters, creates a unique diving environment full of exploration opportunities.

Marine Species: Common sightings include large schools of trevally, kingfish, and even the occasional visiting orca. Colourful nudibranchs and various species of anemones can be found clinging to the cave walls.

Unique Encounters: Orcas are rare but thrilling visitors to this site. Additionally, the cave’s dark recesses are haunted by bioluminescent organisms, offering a magical light show for divers who venture into the depths.

Photography: The cave’s vast interior is a photographer’s dream, with chances to capture the interplay of light and shadow. The presence of unique marine species and the otherworldly bioluminescence provide abundant photographic subjects.

Suitability: Due to the cave’s size and varying light conditions, it is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers who are comfortable navigating in low-light environments.

Tie Dye Arch

Description: Named for its psychedelic array of colors, Tie Dye Arch offers a vibrant underwater experience. The archway is covered in a diverse array of marine flora that turns it into a veritable underwater rainbow.

Marine Species: This site attracts colorful reef fish, including Blue Maomao, butterflyfish, and the occasional stingray. Damselfish and scorpionfish are common inhabitants as well.

Unique Encounters: The site is renowned for its seasonal influx of pelagic fish such as tuna and barracuda. Additionally, the diverse coral and sponge life create a bustling miniature ecosystem teeming with smaller marine species.

Photography: The vibrant colors of the archway’s marine growth offer endless opportunities for macro photography. The contrast between the colorful sponges and the blue backdrop of the ocean makes for striking images.

Suitability: While Tie Dye Arch is suitable for divers of all experience levels, its maximum depth of 25 meters makes it particularly exciting for advanced divers looking to capture the vibrant underwater life.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The waters around Poor Knights Islands generally range between 17°C (63°F) and 23°C (73°F), providing a comfortable diving experience year-round. However, it is essential to wear appropriate thermal protection, such as a 5mm wetsuit or even a drysuit during the colder months.

Visibility: Visibility at Poor Knights Islands is often exceptional, ranging from 15 meters (49 feet) to 30 meters (98 feet). This makes it ideal for underwater photography and videography, giving you clear views of the marine life and topography.

Currents and Tides: The island’s underwater topography can produce varying currents. In some locations, you might encounter mild to moderate currents, which can enhance your dive by bringing nutrient-rich waters. Make sure to check tide charts and work with local dive operators to select the best dive times.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a local guide or instructor who is familiar with the area.
• Make sure your buoyancy control is precise, as some dive sites have delicate ecosystems that you do not want to disturb.
• Carry an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) to enhance visibility to surface vessels.
• Stay hydrated and keep warm during surface intervals, as water temperatures can vary.
• Adhere to your dive plan and air consumption rates to avoid decompression sickness.

Regulations:

• Poor Knights Islands are part of a marine reserve, which means fishing and collecting marine life or artifacts is strictly prohibited.
• Respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance from creatures and not touching or disturbing them.
• Follow the “leave no trace” principles—take all rubbish with you and avoid bringing in non-native species.
• Local dive operators might have additional guidelines specific to each dive site, so listen carefully to pre-dive briefings.