

Best for beginner divers, 14-17m, boat entry, mild current.
Coral Gardens is a reef site located 1000 metres off the Avarua and Western Coast of Rarotonga. This site is suitable for beginner divers, offering a forgiving environment with mild currents. Divers can expect depths between 14 and 17 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Visibility is consistently 30 metres, providing expansive views of the reef structure. Water temperatures range from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Access to this site requires a boat. Divers should check locally for boat operator schedules and equipment hire availability before departure, as there are no confirmed facilities on-site.
-21.20113, -159.77250
Check locally for current boat operator schedules and whether equipment hire is available at the point of departure, as onsite facilities are not confirmed. Arriving early in the day often means calmer surface conditions for the boat ride out.
Accessible by boat from Avarua harbour.
Recorded at this site
Depth
14-17m
Visibility
30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-28°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Yes, the site is suitable for beginner divers and requires an Open Water certification.
The site ranges from 14 to 17 metres in depth, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Boat access is required to reach Coral Gardens, which is located 1000 metres from the shore.
The site features mild currents and consistent visibility of 30 metres. Water temperatures range from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Diving at Coral Gardens in Avarua requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Coral Gardens in Avarua. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C.
The best months to visit Coral Gardens in Avarua are May, June, July, and August. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.