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Cray’s Crack

This dive site is located in a marine reserve known for its breathtaking underwater landscape. The site features a rocky reef that stretches out on a gentle 45-degree slope, reaching a depth of approximately 18 meters before transitioning into sandy terrain. Beyond the reef, divers will discover an awe-inspiring steep wall, with a seafloor shelf starting at 20 meters and gradually dropping off to around 80 meters in certain areas.

Underwater, this site is a haven for diverse marine life. It boasts an abundance of black coral and Ecklonia kelp, contributing to the vibrant underwater scenery. Divers can also encounter a variety of captivating species, including crayfish, jock stewart, wrasses, butterfly perch, and schooling tarakihi. Additionally, sightings of dogsharks and carpet sharks are not uncommon.

Located near Dale Point in the Fiordland Community of New Zealand's Southland District, this captivating dive site offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all skill levels. From beginners to advanced and expert divers, everyone can revel in the beauty and richness of this underwater paradise.

Experience visibility of approximately 13 meters, allowing divers to fully appreciate the surrounding marine world. With a maximum depth of 19 meters, this site offers ample exploration opportunities while ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive.

So, whether you're a beginner diver eager to embark on your first underwater adventure or an experienced enthusiast seeking new thrills, this dive site in New Zealand's stunning Southland region is not to be missed.

Diving Conditions Score for Cray’s Crack

4.2
Below Average

Challenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for Cray’s Crack

Depth

19m

Visibility

13m

Experience Level

beginner
advanced
expert

Weather Conditions for Cray’s Crack

Wave Height

2.72m

Wind Speed

1.4 m/s

Water Temp

13.7°C

Visibility

560m

Cloud Cover

100%

Wave Period

9.45s

Air Temperature

8.5°C

Precipitation

7 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Cray’s Crack
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for Cray’s Crack

Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 5.598366666666666/10. Water conditions: Waves 2.9m, Wind 2.6 m/s.Best night dive time: 23:00 with score 5.158833333333333/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at Cray’s Crack: 06:00
Sunset at Cray’s Crack: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at Cray’s Crack 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
8:00

Score: 5.6/10
Waves: 2.9m (9.2s), Wind: 2.6 m/s

🌙
Best Night
23:00

Score: 5.2/10
Waves: 2.36m, Wind: 4.7 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for Cray’s Crack
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Cray’s Crack

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 Cray’s Crack

Summer

Avg. Score: 7.9/10

Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.

Best Months for Cray’s Crack

July
Score: 8.1
August
Score: 7.8
June
Score: 7.7

Ideal Conditions for Cray’s Crack

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

14.8°C / 58.6°F

March

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

17.4m / 57.1ft

January

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

0.2m / 0.7ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for Cray’s Crack

Cray’s Crack follows southern hemisphere patterns with March being the warmest month (14.8°C) and July the coldest (6.5°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). February is usually the driest month with 1.0mm 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.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 20, 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.

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