Taravana Caves Dive Site

This magnificently presented cave is actually an underwater cavern system that breathtakingly penetrates into the heart and soul of Tawhiti Rahi Island. There is a load to explore in this cavern that is not for the faint hearted as it makes its way a staggering 250 odd metres inland.

Entering into the larger of the two entrances with a bottom depth of 35 metres makes this a photographers dream capturing images of the roof encrusted by a stunning array of Gorgonian fans. Fining your way through mass schools of pink Mao Mao that are often found congregating is a remarkable experience. This is also a good lookout place for Longfin Boarfish and Splendid Perch.

The longer section should never be attempted with only one bottle of air as you will not make it there and back. To do this section, proper planning and training is required having extra bottles of air available as well as being highly qualified for this divable passage.

As you proceed into this cave / cavern stay close to the bottom and follow the wall to your right as you will proceed in a much safer option doing the loop section. There is another broken passage on your right before the main loop to exit the cave. Stay on the main loop.

Light visibility is good up until you go into the turn to do the loop then you will be in darkness for a minute until you meet the other side of the loop and visable light.

Golden Rule! Plan the dive and Dive the plan.

For those divers that are less comfortable with being in a cavern environment you can opt for Landing Bay Pinnacle that rises from a depth of 50 plus metres to a mere 6 metres from the surface. Plan the desired depth that you wish to descend to then in a gradual relaxed motion slowly spiral your way to the surface. This is a great dive in itself as it is another well regarded spot in the legendary Poor Knight Islands. Sights to see here include demoiselles and the well-disguised Mosaic Moray eels.

Taravana Caves Dive Summary

Abundant marine life