Freediving or snorkeling in Northland’s hidden natural treasures
Personalised • Expert-supported • Eco-conscious • Unforgettable
Discover New Zealand’s Spectacular Underwater World
Whether you’re slipping beneath the surface for your very first snorkel or testing your limits as a seasoned freediver, Oceandiversity invites you to explore Northland’s pristine marine environments in a way that’s safe, sustainable, and truly unforgettable.
With small groups, expert local guides, and a modern vessel built for adventure, every trip offers a chance to experience the ocean up close and discover why these waters are among the most extraordinary in the world.
The animals you’re likely to see
Depending on the time of year, you may encounter big snapper, kingfish, marlin, and a variety of shark species, such as bronze whalers and makos. You could also spot turtles, manta and devil rays, sunfish (Mola mola), whale sharks, and plenty of playful dolphins that just can’t resist bow-riding alongside our vessel. Whatever the season, you’re in for a real treat.
Why Snorkeling or Freediving with Oceandiversity?
Personalised
Explore carefully chosen sites with no more than six divers onboard. Our boat is modern, comfortable, and fully equipped with everything from secure gear storage to an emergency oxygen kit.
Expert-led
With decades of local knowledge, our skipper knows the walls, reefs, caves, and drop-offs that make Northland so extraordinary. Expect briefings and help identifying the creatures you meet.
Safety First
We don’t compromise on safety. From DAN emergency backup and Maritime NZ compliance to full safety briefings, you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands.
Unforgettable
Whether it’s Poor Knights Islands, Mokohinau Islands, Great Barrier, or Hen & Chickens Islands, every dive promises its own drama — from volcanic arches to technicolour reefs to encounters with some of the ocean’s most captivating marine life.
Kiwi Hospitality
From your first email to your last hot drink back on shore, you’ll feel welcomed, cared for, and part of our Oceandiversity family.
Ready for Freediving or Snorkeling with us?
Your Northland Snorkel & Freedive Experience
What's Included
- An optional experienced snorkel guide
- Full site briefing and orientation
- Hot drinks and basic refreshments
- Basic snorkelling instruction (if needed)
- Safety equipment (lifejackets, flotation devices, boogie boards for weak swimmers)
Group size & ratios
- Maximum 8 snorkelers per trip
- Children under 12: 1:2 adult-to-snorkeler ratio
- Ratios are adjusted based on conditions and the participant’s ability
- Guide available upon request for instruction/guidance
Freedive & Snorkle Requirements
- There is no age restriction, but those under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult/caregiver over 20
- Must be able to swim
- Swimming ability assessed before departure
- No certification is required for recreational snorkelling
- Advanced snorkelling experience required for speciality trips (e.g., shark encounters)
Our safety commitment
- Comprehensive safety briefing before every trip
- Lifejackets + additional flotation available
- Full vessel safety gear and VHF communications
- Constant weather and conditions monitoring
- Clear emergency protocols are explained onboard
- All operations are Maritime NZ compliant
Booking made simple
- 50% deposit at booking
- Balance by bank transfer (before) or cash/EFTPOS (on day)
- 48 hours’ notice for cancellations = full refund
- Weather-dependent (skipper has final say)
- Liability waiver + medical disclosure required
- Under 18? Parent/guardian signature needed
Ready to dive in?
Take the plunge into Auckland's and Northland’s extraordinary underwater world.
Get in touch today to book your dive charter.
Have you visited our underwater gallery yet?
Explore Northland’s best freediving & snorkel sites
Our six most popular locations…
Poor Knights Islands
Marine Reserve
Globally recognised and ranked among Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dive sites. A must-do New Zealand diving experience.
Cape Brett & Motu Kōkako
(Hole in the Rock)
An iconic coastal destination teeming with marine diversity and a reliable backup site in southerly winds.
Mokohinau Islands
(The Mokes)
Remote, pristine, and adventurous, the crown jewel of Northland diving. Fewer crowds, more magic.
Great Barrier Island
A remote paradise just 100 km from Auckland, offering reefs, caves, and spectacular marine life.
Hen & Chickens Islands
Ideal for both beginners and advanced freedivers and snorkelers. Shallow reefs, deep walls, and crystal-clear waters.
Bay of Islands
A diver’s playground with wrecks, reefs, and sanctuaries, from the HMNZS Canterbury to Deep Water Cove.
Want to dive into any of these locations?
Our customers say…
Sven Franklin
Australia
Had an amazing time out with Blair. He really knows his spots and put us all on to kings! Was an amazing day and easily the best dive I’ve had for the whole of 2017!
Max Schofield
New Zealand
Great boat for getting (quickly) to Great Barrier and the Mokohinaus. Last trip we came up from Wellington stayed locally and Blair really looked after us, including weights.
Gray Bidgood
New Zealand
I have been on three charters with Blair, and will definitely be going on more! He put me onto my first of a bunch of species including Kingfish, Snapper, Trevally, Boarfish and more! No matter the conditions he had a spot to go dive and see awesome territory and fish life.
Hayden Dorman
New Zealand
As a beginner at spearfishing I took my first ever boat trip out with blair an was a epic day.. Blair has great knowledge on selecting spots an also helping with tips and hunting techniques. A very comfortable boat even with a full charter.. Blair runs a awesome friendly trip an do recommend to spearos of any experience always a memorable day.
Esther Stuck
New Zealand
Ocean diversity is a fantastic spearfishing charter! I really enjoyed the couple of times Blair took us out, he is an awesome guide and really knows his stuff. Blair took us to some great spots, and knew when the fish was "on"! We came home with a great haul and even scored a crayfish on our first trip out! Would highly recommend this charter with the pleasure of having a friendly, knowledgeable skipper.
Scott Walker
New Zealand
Blair runs a great charter, and knows the spots, times and tides to pick up great fish. Can't wait to get back out with Oceandiversity.
Wendy
New Zealand
Recently we took a morning boating trip with OceanDIVEsity, departing Marsden Cove, out to the Hen and Chicken Islands off the coast of Bream Bay. We had a great morning. Only six people on board plus Blair and he took us to some really superb places to snorkel.
