Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Launch your dive adventure from The South Bay Marina, situated off the east coast of the peninsula. Discover the captivating beauty of a bay that resembles a Sharks Tooth, commonly known as Whalers Bay. This prime location off the coast of Kaikoura, New Zealand showcases an abundance of marine life, offering a magnificent display of Moki, Butters, Octopus, Cod, Kingfish, Wrasse, Scorpionfish, Triggerfish, Seals, Crayfish, Kina, and the possibility of encountering Dusky Dolphins.
Experience captivating underwater visibility reaching up to 6 meters and delve into the depths of this remarkable dive site, with a maximum depth of 17 meters. While this site is recommended for advanced divers, its unique features and thriving marine ecosystem make it a must-visit for diving enthusiasts.
Venture to South Bay, Kaikoura, located in the Kaikōura District of Canterbury, New Zealand, to embark on an unforgettable dive that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders beneath the surface.
Experience captivating underwater visibility reaching up to 6 meters and delve into the depths of this remarkable dive site, with a maximum depth of 17 meters. While this site is recommended for advanced divers, its unique features and thriving marine ecosystem make it a must-visit for diving enthusiasts.
Venture to South Bay, Kaikoura, located in the Kaikōura District of Canterbury, New Zealand, to embark on an unforgettable dive that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders beneath the surface.
Diving Conditions Score for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
4.7
Below AverageChallenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Depth
17m
Visibility
6m
Experience Level
advanced
Weather Conditions for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Wave Height
0.86m
Wind Speed
7.5 m/s
Water Temp
12°C
Visibility
3.02km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
9.4s
Air Temperature
5.3°C
Precipitation
0.3 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 7.593781818181818/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.9m, Wind 2.9 m/s.Best night dive time: 23:00 with score 6.6194329183955745/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Sharks Tooth Kaikoura: 06:00
Sunset at Sharks Tooth Kaikoura: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Sharks Tooth Kaikoura 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
8:00Score: 7.6/10
Waves: 0.9m (8.8s), Wind: 2.9 m/s
Best Night
23:00Score: 6.6/10
Waves: 1.2m, Wind: 4.5 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Sharks Tooth KaikouraAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
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 Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Summer
Avg. Score: 8.1/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
June
Score: 8.1
July
Score: 8.1
August
Score: 8.0
Ideal Conditions for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Water Temp
14.1°C / 57.4°F
January
Visibility
17.2m / 56.4ft
January
Wave Height
0.5m / 1.6ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Sharks Tooth Kaikoura follows southern hemisphere patterns with January being the warmest month (14.1°C) and July the coldest (8.3°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.5m 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 21, 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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