Shallow shore dive (max depth 8m) with strong 12knot rip tides through the bay, so only safe to dive from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after high and low tides. Easy entry from the sandy beach, near rocks exposed at low tide. Lots of marine life in just the first few metres. Out in the deeper channel there are clumps of colourful sponges. Sea Temp 21c (Jan 2008)
For photos
website Marine life observed: Nudibranchs (Black Dendrodoris, Clown, Gem, Variable & Willan's Cadlina), Triplefins (Common, Estuarine, Mottled, Robust, Variable & Yaldwyn's), Flatworms, Starfish, Hermit Crabs, Crested Blenny, Shrimp, Seahorse & Octopus
Facts about Sponge Gardens, Rangiputa Bay, near Whatuwhiwhi
It is in New Zealand- Sponge Gardens, Rangiputa Bay, near Whatuwhiwhi is in the Pacific.
- The typical depth is 0-10 Metres 0-30 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.
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Brian MayesClose up of Variable Triplefin (Forsterygion varium)<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165, Poor Knights
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Brian MayesColourful crab hiding under coral.<><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165, Rangiputa Bay, NZ
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Brian MayesClown Nudibranch (Ceratosoma amoena)<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165, Rangiputa Bay
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Brian MayesSea Horse (Hippocampus abdominalis)<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165
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Brian MayesGlass Shrimp (Palaemon affinis) in shallow water of Rangiputa Bay.<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165 macro lens
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Brian MayesA shy and well camouflaged Sea Horse (Hippocampus abdominalis) hiding in some shallow weeds. <><><><>Canon G9
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Brian MayesVariable Nudibranch (Apheldoris luctuosa) or is it a vampire nudi with fangs? <><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165 macro lens
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Brian MayesA Variable Triplefin (Forsterygion varium) resting on a bed of orange sponge. <><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165 macro lens