EASY ACCESS, BIG UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
GUIDED SHORE
SCUBA DIVE
Step straight from the shore into the underwater world of Goat Island Marine Reserve. This guided scuba dive is perfect for certified divers wanting an easy-access ocean dive filled with rocky reef, kelp forests, fish life and local dive-site knowledge.
Led by a professional dive guide, you’ll explore one of New Zealand’s most iconic marine reserves with the support of a team who knows the conditions, the coastline and the best places to dive on the day.
ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
EXPLORE GOAT ISLAND FROM
THE SHORE
A guided shore dive is one of the best ways to experience scuba diving at Goat Island. No boat required — just gear up, walk down to the water and start exploring.
The marine reserve is home to snapper, red moki, goatfish, triplefins, eagle rays, stingrays, octopus, crayfish and schools of reef fish. Conditions, tides and currents help decide where we dive, so your guide will choose the best available shore dive site for the day.
This is a great option for certified divers who want a relaxed, scenic dive close to Auckland.
Goat Island shore dive sites
Goat Island has a range of shore-access dive sites, each offering something different. Depending on conditions, your guide may choose from spots such as ABC Bay, Shag Rock, Waterfall Reef, the Caves, Yellow Sponge Garden or Eagle Ray Flats.
Not every dive site is available every day. Tides, currents, swell and visibility all play a part, and some locations require a surface swim. Our team will choose the safest and most enjoyable option for the conditions.
What’s included in your guided shore dive?
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Professional dive guide
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Local dive-site briefing
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Marine life and reserve information
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Dive planning based on conditions
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Gear options available
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Safety checks before entering the water
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Shore dive within Goat Island Marine Reserve
Bring your own gear or hire what you need
You can join with your own scuba gear, hire a hardware package, or choose full dive gear hire. If you are bringing your own equipment, our team will complete a safety check before the dive.
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Before you book
This experience is for certified divers only. You must hold a minimum Open Water or Scuba Diver certification from a recognised training agency such as SSI, PADI, NAUI, BSAC, SDI or CMAS.
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Minimum age 16 years
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Divers aged 10–16 may be approved by arrangement
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You must have dived within the last 18 months
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Minimum numbers apply
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All dives are weather and condition dependent
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Please allow our team to decide whether conditions are suitable
Not certified yet?
No problem. If you’re new to scuba, start with a Try Scuba Dive or take the next step with our SSI Open Water Diver Course.
Need to refresh your dive skills?
If it has been a while since your last dive, book a refresher before joining a guided shore dive. It’s a great way to rebuild confidence, practise key skills and get comfortable in the water again.
Ready to dive Goat Island from the shore?
Join a guided shore scuba dive and explore the reef, kelp and marine life of Goat Island Marine Reserve with a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be certified for the guided shore scuba dive?
Yes. This dive is for certified divers only. You need a minimum Open Water or Scuba Diver certification from a recognised training agency.
Where does the shore dive take place?
The dive takes place within Goat Island Marine Reserve, near Leigh, just north of Auckland.
Do I need my own scuba gear?
No. You can bring your own gear, hire selected scuba equipment, or choose a full gear hire option.
What marine life can I see at Goat Island?
You may see snapper, red moki, goatfish, triplefins, eagle rays, stingrays, octopus, crayfish and schools of reef fish.
What if the weather is not suitable?
All dives are weather and condition dependent. The team will assess swell, wind, tides, visibility and safety before confirming the dive.
I haven’t dived in a while. Can I still book?
You need to have dived within the required recent timeframe. If it has been too long, a refresher dive is the best next step.