

Best for beginner divers, 4-18m, boat entry.
Nursery Cove is a sheltered, current-free site located at RikoRiko Cave in the Poor Knights Islands. Featuring both reef and artificial structures, it is well suited for beginner divers. Depths range from 4 to 18 metres, with an average of 10 metres. Visibility typically spans 10 to 30 metres, allowing for clear observation of the site topography. Water temperatures fluctuate between 16 and 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Boat access is required, and the site is suitable for night diving. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic and potential entanglement risks when exploring the cave and wreck areas.
-35.47573, 174.73768
Boat traffic in the area is active, so stay close to your guide or dive flag when ascending and always do a slow, controlled safety stop. Full equipment rental, guided tours, and showers are available through charter operators departing for the Poor Knights, which makes this site straightforward to access without your own gear.
Boat access is required, with anchoring over sandy patches in 12-15 metres.
Recorded at this site
Depth
4-18m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
16-21°C
Current
None
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar
Yes, the site is well suited to beginner divers due to its sheltered, current-free conditions and manageable depths.
The site depths range from 4 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Nursery Cove requires boat access. Boat charters are available for transport to the site.
Water temperatures range from 16 to 21 degrees Celsius, depending on the time of year.
Yes, charter operators provide equipment rental, guided tours, and shower facilities for those visiting the site.
Diving at Nursery Cove in Poor Knights Islands requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
The best months to visit Nursery Cove in Poor Knights Islands are January, February, and March. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.