Waterfall Reef
Located on the eastern side of the channel, near the mainland, this dive site offers depths ranging from 10m. Divers should be aware of the notable water movement and currents, especially during easterly conditions such as wind and swell. Timing the dive during the incoming to slack tide is recommended for an easier return to the shore.
The wildlife encounters at this dive site are a diver's delight, with commonly sighted species including snapper, red moki, eagle rays, silver drummer, and more. The dive spot features impressive tall kelp rock formations with a sandy/shell bottom. During the winter months, there is a possibility of encountering seals.
For optimal diving experience, it is important to note that the visibility at this site is around 6m, and the maximum depth is 11m. This dive spot is suitable for divers of beginner level. Located in New Zealand, it is in close proximity to Leigh Marine Lab, situated at 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Rodney, Auckland, New Zealand.
Explore this breathtaking dive site and immerse yourself in the underwater wonders it has to offer.
The wildlife encounters at this dive site are a diver's delight, with commonly sighted species including snapper, red moki, eagle rays, silver drummer, and more. The dive spot features impressive tall kelp rock formations with a sandy/shell bottom. During the winter months, there is a possibility of encountering seals.
For optimal diving experience, it is important to note that the visibility at this site is around 6m, and the maximum depth is 11m. This dive spot is suitable for divers of beginner level. Located in New Zealand, it is in close proximity to Leigh Marine Lab, situated at 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, Rodney, Auckland, New Zealand.
Explore this breathtaking dive site and immerse yourself in the underwater wonders it has to offer.
Diving Conditions Score for Waterfall Reef
4.2
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 Waterfall Reef
Depth
11m
Visibility
6m
Experience Level
beginner
Weather Conditions for Waterfall Reef
Wave Height
1m
Wind Speed
26 m/s
Water Temp
14.3°C
Visibility
4.02km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
4.65s
Air Temperature
10°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Waterfall Reef
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Waterfall Reef
Best time to dive: 7:00 with score 6.1754999999999995/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.96m, Wind 26.4 m/s.Best night dive time: 23:00 with score 5.8382/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Waterfall Reef: 06:00
Sunset at Waterfall Reef: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Waterfall Reef 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
7:00Score: 6.2/10
Waves: 0.96m (4.7s), Wind: 26.4 m/s
Safest Overall
6:00Score: 6.1/10
Waves: 0.94m (4.7s), Wind: 24.2 m/s
Best Night
23:00Score: 5.8/10
Waves: 0.8m, Wind: 20.2 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Waterfall ReefAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Waterfall Reef
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 Waterfall Reef
Summer
Avg. Score: 7.9/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Waterfall Reef
July
Score: 7.9
August
Score: 7.9
June
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for Waterfall Reef
Water Temp
18.1°C / 64.6°F
February
Visibility
14.0m / 45.9ft
December
Wave Height
0.9m / 3.0ft
December
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Waterfall Reef
Waterfall Reef follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (18.1°C) and September the coldest (11.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 0.9m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December 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 0.1mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, 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 9, 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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