French Pass Sea Safaris 8.9m vessel Spirit of d’Urville is a fast mono hull suitable for small groups of up to ten divers. Skipper Danny Boulton is a past diving instructor and photographer with good local knowledge to maximise your diving experience.

The waters of d’Urville and the surrounding Islands offer some wonderful diving. D’Urville Island, separating Tasman Bay from Cook Straight, presents a spectacular backdrop to this coastal setting. Strong nutrient rich currents sweep across the outer Marlborough sounds and through French Pass bringing a rich food supply to the areas marine life.

The mid eastern shores of d’Urville Island are typical of sheltered areas of the outer Marlborough Sounds. Large seaweeds dominate the shallower reef areas, with sponges, anemones, nudibranch, tube worms and other encrusting animals prevailing at greater depths. Soft bottom communities extend beyond the reefs.

The exposed northern shores are noted for their diverse and abundant marine life. Luxuriant seaweed beds, bryozoan ‘corals’, and rich reef communities sometimes extend into very deep waters due to the presence of clean Cook Straight waters. Where strong currents, clean water and rocky substrata combine, communities of encrusting animals such as brightly coloured jewel anemones, massive sponges and delicate bryozoans can be found.

Numerous fish species support these rich reef communities. It is not uncommon to be surrounded in a school of colourful butterfly perch or terakihi. Species include blue cod, leatherjacket, wrasses, red blue and copper moki, sea perch, snapper, butterfish, trumpeter, magpie perch, tripplefin and octopus. Crayfish, paua and kina are also present. Fish life varies from site to site, though generally the more exposed rocky locations support the greatest variety and numbers of fish.

Seals and dolphins are often encountered on trips and give you a good opportunity to enjoy a swim with them.

The area is ideal for close up photography. The diversity, colour and subject will bring life to your photos. Water temperature varies from 19 celsius in summer to 13 celsius in winter. Currents in some areas at times can be strong, care is needed along with good dive planning. There are sheltered low current areas for the less experienced and adventurous. Gear hire is available from Nelson, Blenheim and Picton.

'For us a new, little paradise of New Zealand, great views, nice food, good relaxing'.

'Thank you for a relaxing break and wildlife retreat'.

'Magic, wish we could stay longer'. 

Make your enquiry or reservation now

French Pass Sea Safaris & Beachfront Villas
Danny and Lyn Boulton
RD3, French Pass, Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

Tel/Fax: +64 3576 5204
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