Snorkelling
from $240
We are lucky in the Bay of Islands to have some of the best snorkelling in New Zealand. We have a marine reserve in Deep Water Cove with some beautiful reef sites, abundant fish life, and spectacular scenery. We are also fortunate with this type of reserve to be able to feed the fish. This means that with very little effort you can have Sandaggers Wrasse and large Snapper coming very close while snorkelling over the reef.
Our water temperature ranges from 18c to 23c in the summer time, we provide comfortable 5mm wetsuits so you can stay in all day if you wish. You are also welcome to bring your own equipment.
Diving the Bay of Islands since 1978. Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor (565 reviews) and 5.0 on Google (390).
Your Snorkelling Day
We start the dive day at 7:45am at our dive shop on Williams rd. We organize equipment and paper work, then load the boat on Paihia wharf for a 8:30am departure. On the way out to the dive site we cruise through the islands and often see Dolphins, Penguins, Seals and marine bird life. It takes approximately 30 minutes on Sentinel to get to Deep Water Cove. First we head to the wreck of the Canterbury, while they are diving we get into wetsuits and brief up for the first reef site. We then cruise to a reef area for some snorkelling.
After lunch we then head to another of the many great reef dive sites in the Bay of Islands. Deep Water Cove is a marine reserve, so the marine life in this area is incredible. This offers another opportunity for snorkelling or you can relax on the boat.
Once all the diving and snorkelling is done we cruise back though the islands to Paihia, arriving at the wharf around 3:30pm. Arrival at Paihia can vary depending on how busy the boat is and if customers require to be back for a bus. If you are catching a bus in the afternoon, please let us know!
Common questions
Do I need to be able to dive?
No. Snorkelling is from the surface and needs no certification or experience. You come out on the same boat, to the same places, and get in over the reef while the divers are down.
What is the minimum age?
Six years old. The child rate covers 6 to 14; from 15 it is the adult rate. Anyone under 18 needs an adult with them.
Is gear included?
Yes. The price includes all your snorkelling gear — mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit.
How cold is the water?
Sea temperature runs from about 16°C in late winter up to about 22°C in February. Below 18°C we put you in a 7mm one-piece with a hooded vest, boots and gloves. Above 18°C it is the same 7mm suit, with the hood and gloves optional. In high summer at around 22°C a 5mm is plenty.
What time does the boat leave and when am I back?
Check in at the dive shop on Williams Road at 7:45am, then we load at Paihia wharf and leave at 8:30am. It is about 30 minutes on Sentinel out to Deep Water Cove. We are usually back alongside around 3:30pm. If you have an afternoon bus to catch, tell us.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes. Sentinel has a toilet on board.
Is lunch provided?
There is a lunch stop at a reef between dives. Bring your own, or order a packed lunch from us for $17 — meat or vegetarian, just let us know when you book.
What happens if the weather turns?
We usually make the call the day before, off the lunchtime forecast. If a bigger system is on its way we generally know a few days out, and occasionally it changes overnight and we have to call it in the morning. If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund. Leave the decision to us rather than calling it off yourself — a day that looks rough on a forecast app is often fine on the water.
Diving Packages
Experience Scuba Diving in the Bay Of Islands.
important information
Before diving with Paihia Dive please have a look at our Understanding The Risks form, as this will need to be completed before joining any of our trips. If you are doing any dive training including Intro Dives or refreshers, please have a look at our Medical Form, if required you may need to get your doctor to sign you off as fit to dive, before completing the activity.
