Dale Point
Prepare to encounter a captivating array of marine life as you explore the underwater realm. Keep a keen eye out for the majestic octopus, graceful eagle and stingrays, inquisitive dog sharks, impressive school and carpet sharks, elusive nudibranchs, enchanting stargazers, vibrant wrasses, elegant butterfly perch, captivating marble fish, and intriguing tarakihi.
Diving conditions at this dive site are ideal, with a visibility of approximately 12 meters and a maximum depth of 21 meters. Due to the varying complexity of the terrain and the nature of the dives, we highly recommend that only advanced and expert divers venture into these depths.
Situated in New Zealand, this exceptional dive spot is located near Dale Point in the Fiordland Community, within the Southland District. Embark on an unforgettable underwater journey in this pristine corner of Southland, New Zealand.
Diving Conditions Score for Dale Point
Challenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Dale Point
Depth
21m
Visibility
12m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Dale Point
Wave Height
3m
Wind Speed
32 m/s
Water Temp
13.6°C
Visibility
25.3km
Cloud Cover
65%
Wave Period
11.35s
Air Temperature
8.8°C
Precipitation
0.5 mm
Dive Score Chart for Dale Point
Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 5.130999999999999/10. Water conditions: Waves 2.22m, Wind 11.6 m/s.Best night dive time: 21:00 with score 4.638199999999999/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Dale Point 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.
Score: 5.1/10
Waves: 2.22m (12.8s), Wind: 11.6 m/s
Score: 5.1/10
Waves: 2.74m (11.15s), Wind: 21.3 m/s
Score: 4.6/10
Waves: 2.12m, Wind: 11.3 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Dale PointAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Dale Point
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 Dale Point
Summer
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Dale Point
Ideal Conditions for Dale Point
Water Temp
14.9°C / 58.8°F
March
Visibility
17.4m / 57.1ft
January
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Dale Point
Dale Point follows southern hemisphere patterns with March being the warmest month (14.9°C) and July the coldest (6.6°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.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jul 8, 2026