

Best for advanced divers, 5-38m, boat entry, strong current.
Governor's Island in Bicheno offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reefs, walls, pinnacles, canyons, and kelp forests. Depths range from 5 to 38 metres, with visibility typically between 15 and 35 metres. The site is strictly for advanced divers due to strong currents, significant surge, and deep water. Access is by boat only, and Waubs Gulch must be avoided due to heavy boat traffic. Water temperatures remain cool, ranging from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius, making a drysuit advisable. Species recorded around this area include weedy seadragons, pot-bellied seahorses, draughtboard sharks, and various wrasses, alongside invertebrates like sea whips and sea fans.
-41.86906, 148.31683
Summer and the cooler mid-year months both produce excellent visibility, but June through August tends to bring calmer surface conditions that make the boat entry and current management considerably more predictable. A drysuit is strongly recommended given the consistently cold water.
The marine reserve is best accessed via commercial operators (e.g., Bicheno Dive Centre) or private boat from Bicheno. It is not safe to swim, snorkel or dive in Waubs Gulch due to frequent boat traffic and strong currents.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
5-38m
Visibility
15-35m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
13-18°C
Current
Strong
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Species recorded around this area include weedy seadragons, pot-bellied seahorses, draughtboard sharks, Southern rock lobsters, and various wrasses, as well as sea whips and sea fans.
No, this site is recommended only for experienced divers due to the deep water, strong currents, and challenging surge conditions.
The site features varied topography with depths ranging from 5 to 38 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site located 150 metres from the shore.
Snorkelling is not recommended at this site, with a rating of 1 out of 5 due to the depth and strong currents.
The best months to dive are January, February, March, June, July, August, September, and December.
Diving at Governor's Island in East Coast requires the following certifications: Advanced, Deep. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Governor's Island in East Coast. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Governor's Island in East Coast. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 18°C.
Governor's Island in East Coast can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Governor's Island in East Coast typically ranges from 15 metres to 35 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.