Big Eyes Lair
The highlight of this dive site is an impressive swim through, showcasing a natural tunnel that stretches 35m in length. The entrance to the swim through is located at a depth of 24m, leading into a stunning array of kelpy boulders at the northern end, approximately 18m deep. This popular spot is often referred to as "Big Eye Fish Tunnel," due to the abundant presence of Big Eye fish within the tunnel. Divers of an advanced level will appreciate encountering other fascinating species such as Scorpionfish, Moray Eels, and Red Banded Coral Shrimp. Additionally, the surrounding reef offers sightings of Maomao and Demoiselle. Located near Cape Brett Track in New Zealand's Bay of Islands-Whangaroa region, this dive site provides a maximum depth of 24m and offers an impressive visibility of 18m.
Diving Conditions Score for Big Eyes Lair
6
Above AverageDecent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Big Eyes Lair
Depth
24m
Visibility
18m
Experience Level
advanced
Weather Conditions for Big Eyes Lair
Wave Height
0.34m
Wind Speed
5.1 m/s
Water Temp
17.8°C
Visibility
50.2km
Cloud Cover
0%
Wave Period
8.35s
Air Temperature
10.1°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Big Eyes Lair
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Big Eyes Lair
Best time to dive: 12:00 with score 8.290384696016773/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.34m, Wind 5.6 m/s.Best night dive time: 18:00 with score 7.774110569105692/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Big Eyes Lair: 06:00
Sunset at Big Eyes Lair: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Big Eyes Lair are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
12:00Score: 8.3/10
Waves: 0.34m (7.95s), Wind: 5.6 m/s
Safest Overall
16:00Score: 8.3/10
Waves: 0.32m (8.4s), Wind: 4.9 m/s
Best Night
18:00Score: 7.8/10
Waves: 0.34m, Wind: 4.6 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Big Eyes LairAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Big Eyes Lair
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Big Eyes Lair
Summer
Avg. Score: 9.8/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Big Eyes Lair
July
Score: 9.9
June
Score: 9.8
August
Score: 9.7
Ideal Conditions for Big Eyes Lair
Water Temp
23.5°C / 74.3°F
June
Visibility
20.1m / 65.9ft
October
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Big Eyes Lair
Big Eyes Lair follows southern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (23.5°C) and December the coldest (19.5°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 2 hr. ago - Jun 22, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
50 Dive sites near Big Eyes Lair in
Matauri Bay
True Love Reef
Rainbow Warrior
The Sisters
Kariparapa Point
Putahataha Island
Motuwheteke Island
HMNZS Canterbury (Wreck)
White Reef
Sonic Boom Cave
Big Eyes Lair
Bowling Alley
Cathedral Cave
Piercys’ Backside
Key Hole
The Dog
Boulder Garden
The Nursery
Waiwiri Rock
Blue Maomao Arch (Bay of Islands)
Taupiri Bay
Whangamumu Reef
Pillar Rock
The Avenues
Hommer Reef
Giant Boarfish Cave
TUPAREHUIA - Waione
Joeys’ Maze
TUPAREHUIA - Parerangi
Danger Rock
HMNZS Waikato wreck
Northern Arch
Wild Beast Point
Cleanerfish Bay
Middle Arch
Barren Arch
Cave Bay
Landing Bay Pinnacle & Teravana Cave
Taravana Cave
Maomao Arch
Hope Point
Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth
Riko Riko cave
Oculina Point
Brady’s Corner (Shark Fin Cave)
The Gardens
Home Point
Matts Crack
Jan’s Tunnel
Magic Wall
Got feedback?
Help us improve this dive site by giving us feedback.