Double Cove Marine Reserve
Double Cove is a marine reserve situated in stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand. This dive site is perfect for divers of all levels, including beginners and those seeking training. Offering a sheltered environment with depths ranging from 9 to 18 meters, it is easily accessible by boat or small jetty.
The diverse range of marine life found at Double Cove includes Blue Cod, Leather Jackets, Carpet Sharks, Stargazers, and Stingrays. The exceptionally friendly Blue Cod are known to approach divers closely, creating an unforgettable underwater experience.
Featuring a rocky shoreline transitioning into sandy areas, this site unveils a rocky wall that begins at 9 meters and gradually descends to 18 meters as you venture towards the point and beyond. Typically providing a visibility of around 6 meters, the clarity can be influenced by rainfall. Despite its exposure to southerly winds, Double Cove remains relatively protected, ensuring comfortable diving conditions.
For those looking for an exceptional dive close to Picton, Marlborough, 7220, New Zealand, this picturesque dive site invites beginners, advanced divers, and experts alike to explore its wonders.
The diverse range of marine life found at Double Cove includes Blue Cod, Leather Jackets, Carpet Sharks, Stargazers, and Stingrays. The exceptionally friendly Blue Cod are known to approach divers closely, creating an unforgettable underwater experience.
Featuring a rocky shoreline transitioning into sandy areas, this site unveils a rocky wall that begins at 9 meters and gradually descends to 18 meters as you venture towards the point and beyond. Typically providing a visibility of around 6 meters, the clarity can be influenced by rainfall. Despite its exposure to southerly winds, Double Cove remains relatively protected, ensuring comfortable diving conditions.
For those looking for an exceptional dive close to Picton, Marlborough, 7220, New Zealand, this picturesque dive site invites beginners, advanced divers, and experts alike to explore its wonders.
Diving Conditions Score for Double Cove Marine Reserve
6.7
Above AverageDecent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Double Cove Marine Reserve
Depth
14m
Visibility
6m
Experience Level
beginner
advanced
expert
Weather Conditions for Double Cove Marine Reserve
Wave Height
0.3m
Wind Speed
3.4 m/s
Water Temp
14.5°C
Visibility
22.72km
Cloud Cover
97%
Wave Period
5.65s
Air Temperature
11.5°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Double Cove Marine Reserve
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Double Cove Marine Reserve
Best time to dive: 10:00 with score 7.3500000000000005/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.84m, Wind 38.8 m/s.Best night dive time: 21:00 with score 7.960139766081871/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Double Cove Marine Reserve: 06:00
Sunset at Double Cove Marine Reserve: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Double Cove Marine Reserve 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
21:00Score: 8.0/10
Waves: 0.26m (5.7s), Wind: 4.4 m/s
Safest Overall
15:00Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.48m (5.05s), Wind: 15.4 m/s
Best Day
10:00Score: 7.4/10
Waves: 0.84m, Wind: 38.8 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Double Cove Marine ReserveAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Double Cove Marine Reserve
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 Double Cove Marine Reserve
Summer
Avg. Score: 7.9/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Double Cove Marine Reserve
July
Score: 8.1
June
Score: 7.9
August
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for Double Cove Marine Reserve
Water Temp
14.5°C / 58.1°F
January
Visibility
15.1m / 49.5ft
January
Wave Height
1.0m / 3.3ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Double Cove Marine Reserve
Double Cove Marine Reserve follows southern hemisphere patterns with January being the warmest month (14.5°C) and September the coldest (8.6°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.0m 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: 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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