Bay of Islands Dive Trips

Discover New Zealand’s Underwater Paradise

Bay of Islands dive trips deliver an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, marine biodiversity, and top-tier dive sites. Based in Paihia, the region’s dive hub, divers can easily access a variety of vibrant underwater locations—from shallow reefs to hidden caves. It’s the ideal spot for anyone wanting to explore the rich marine life that lies beneath one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal regions.

Beneath the surface, the Bay reveals colourful coral gardens, dramatic rock formations, and schools of tropical fish. Whether you're gliding past stingrays or peeking into underwater caverns, there's always something new to discover. The area is also rich in history, making it a top pick for wreck dives.

A Great Start for New Divers

First-time divers will love the Discover SCUBA experience, a guided intro that makes exploring the underwater world easy and safe. With expert instructors and shallow, calm waters, beginners can build confidence while swimming alongside New Zealand’s native marine species.

For more seasoned divers, Bay of Islands dive trips offer deep reef dives and access to one of the country’s most iconic wrecks—the Rainbow Warrior. This sunken Greenpeace vessel is a must-see for advanced divers, combining ecological significance with haunting beauty.

Scuba diver explores the interior of the Rainbow Warrior shipwreck surrounded by fish and marine debris

Group of people smiling and posing on a dive boat in the Bay of Islands during a Discovery Scuba trip

Pigfish swimming among a school of blue maomao above a reef in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Dive boat near Piercy Island with Hole in the Rock visible as two people look toward the formation in the Bay of Islands

John Dory fish near colourful wreck structure with diver in the background at the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Giant moray eel resting among reef rocks near the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Cormorant surfacing near a dive boat in the Bay of Islands with clear skies and coastal landscape in the background.

Stingray gliding over seaweed-covered reef with diver in the background in the Bay of Islands

Diver observing a yellow seahorse clinging to seaweed at the Canterbury Wreck dive site in the Bay of Islands

Scuba diver observing a yellow seahorse in the Bay of Islands

Scuba diver swimming through a large school of fish inside the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

School of Blue Maomao fish swimming in clear waters in the Bay of Islands

Large school of fish swimming over a reef in clear waters near Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Shark swimming through open blue water during a Discovery Scuba dive in the Bay of Islands

Close-up of bright pink and orange jewel anemones spotted while snorkelling in the Bay of Islands

Close-up of a snapper swimming among marine life in clear waters near Paihia, Bay of Islands.

Scuba divers exploring a vibrant reef teeming with fish near Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Butterfly perch fish swimming around coral-covered railings of the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Scuba diver exploring the Rainbow Warrior wreck in Bay of Islands New Zealand

Scuba divers underwater alongside playful seals in clear waters near the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

New Zealand fur seal swimming through kelp during a Discovery Scuba dive in the Bay of Islands

Close-up of a stingray swimming through dense kelp forest during a Discovery Scuba session in the Bay of Islands

Dolphin swimming underwater in the Bay of Islands

School of Blue Maomao fish swimming through reef structures near the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Take Your Skills Further

Bay of Islands is also an excellent place to level up. With PADI open water, advanced, and specialty courses, you can complete certifications in just a few days. Whether you’re aiming to become a rescue diver or simply want to sharpen your skills, there’s a course to suit every goal.

From peaceful reef dives to exhilarating wreck explorations, Bay of Islands dive trips cater to all experience levels. It’s a world-class diving destination that perfectly blends adventure, natural beauty, and expert instruction—right here in the heart of Northland.