

Best for beginner divers, 10-20m, boat entry, moderate current.
Whale Island, located off the coast of White Island, offers a temperate reef dive suitable for beginners. The site features a reef structure ranging from 10 to 20 metres in depth. Divers can expect moderate currents, providing an opportunity to practise buoyancy and positioning. Visibility at the site typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Access to the site is by boat only. The reef environment supports a variety of temperate marine life and invertebrates typical of the region.
-37.85547, 176.97172
Check locally for boat charter availability and facilities before you commit to a date, as services in the area can vary. Water temperature drops closer to 15 degrees in winter, so a 5mm wetsuit is a sensible choice outside the summer months.
Access info coming soon
No known hazards
Expected in this region. No sightings logged here yet.
Depth
10-20m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Water Temp
15-22°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
The site supports a range of temperate reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginner divers, offering moderate currents and depths between 10 and 20 metres.
The reef at Whale Island runs between 10 and 20 metres deep.
No, boat access is required to reach this dive site.
Water temperatures range from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius, with temperatures dropping to 15 degrees in winter months.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Whale Island in Bay of Plenty. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C.
The best months to visit Whale Island in Bay of Plenty are January, February, March, April, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.