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Whenever you go out diving the first thing you need to do is to check the weather and sea conditions. Here is a handy set of links that should help you find what you are looking for.
It is important to look at the general forecast to see what the temperature,rain and cloud cover is going to be like at the dive site.
Wind causes waves, surf, surge, surface currents and upwellings that can affect water temperature and visibility. It is important to have a map of the site that you are planning to dive so that you can see which wind direction will affect you most.
In general, it is always best to dive on a slack high tide. This is when the fresh cleaner water from the sea is coming in and is moving the least in the tide cycle. Be sure to check the closest tide chart to where you are intending to dive. For example, the tides times between St Clair Beach and Aramoana can vary by 15 minutes.
Swell can have a huge impact on a dive. It can change your entry and exit requirements, the amount of surge and current you will experience and also your general comfort in the water. Having a look at a swell map can give you a good perspective on how certain swell directions are affecting the area you intend to dive.
Swell Height
Otago Harbour is a pretty busy port and our channel is not the widest. If you are diving around the harbour it is always a good idea to check what is happening in the shipping lanes. If you dive at Wellers Rock it is good practice to call The Monarch and let them know there will be divers in the water.
If you intend diving at any of these sites, please avoid arrivals and departures of large vessels.
