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MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

The Mikhail Lermontov: A World Class Dive Site in Marlborough, New Zealand

Discover the allure of the Mikhail Lermontov, one of the largest cruise ship wrecks in the world, nestled in a remote sheltered bay at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. With its intriguing history and intriguingly mysterious sinking in 1986, the Lermontov has become a renowned wreck diving destination suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to technical experts.

Situated in a vast bay, the Lermontov offers a remarkable diving experience with its status as an artificial reef. This underwater haven attracts a diverse range of local fish species, including Moki, Kingfish, Cray Fish, Blue Mao Maobarsch, Terakihi, Nudibranchs, and Octopus, just to name a few. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant marine life surrounding this impressive wreck.

Conveniently located a mere five minutes from the launching beach, accessing the Lermontov is swift and effortless. Moreover, the bay's protection from ocean swells ensures almost year-round diveability, enabling enthusiasts to explore this magnificent site whenever they please. Expect depths ranging from 13 to 37 meters, allowing divers to uncover every nook and cranny of this underwater marvel.

Make your diving experience even more seamless by choosing Go Dive's vessel XR. Designed with divers in mind, this exceptional vessel features a dive lift, ensuring smooth entries and exits from the water. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure unlike any other.

Enhance your knowledge of marine ecosystems, witness remarkable underwater formations, and create lasting memories at the Mikhail Lermontov dive site. Discover the underwater wonders that make Marlborough, New Zealand a must-visit destination for divers worldwide.

Diving Conditions Score for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

5.2
Average

Average conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

Depth

23m

Visibility

6m

Experience Level

beginner
advanced
expert

Weather Conditions for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

Wave Height

0.24m

Wind Speed

16.5 m/s

Water Temp

14.1°C

Visibility

5.48km

Cloud Cover

4%

Wave Period

7.05s

Air Temperature

12.8°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 7.729412121212121/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.34m, Wind 3.5 m/s.Best night dive time: 18:00 with score 7.45816432748538/10.

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

Sunrise at MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck: 06:00
Sunset at MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck 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
17:00

Score: 7.7/10
Waves: 0.34m (5.5s), Wind: 3.5 m/s

🌙
Best Night
18:00

Score: 7.5/10
Waves: 0.32m, Wind: 4.2 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

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 MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

Summer

Avg. Score: 7.9/10

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

Best Months for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

July
Score: 8.0
June
Score: 7.8
August
Score: 7.8

Ideal Conditions for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

14.2°C / 57.6°F

January

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

13.8m / 45.3ft

January

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

1.2m / 3.9ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck follows southern hemisphere patterns with January being the warmest month (14.2°C) and September the coldest (9.1°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.2m 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.

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

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 18, 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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