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Head out from Jackson Bay Wharf aboard Ōkahu for small-group, shared dive charters to the Open Bay Islands and Cascade Point. These flexible trips give experienced divers access to cold-water reefs, kelp forests and abundant marine life rarely seen by visitors.
Head out from Jackson Bay Wharf aboard Ōkahu for small-group, shared dive charters to the Open Bay Islands and Cascade Point. These flexible trips give experienced divers access to cold-water reefs, kelp forests and abundant marine life rarely seen by visitors.
Book with Jackson Bay Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Jackson Bay Charters · Jackson Bay, West Coast Region
On New Zealand’s raw West Coast, Jackson Bay (Ōkahu) is the jumping-off point for one of the region’s most authentic dive experiences. Jackson Bay Charters runs shared dive charters from Jackson Bay Wharf, steering small groups out across the exposed coastline to reefs at Cascade Point, the Open Bay Islands, and other hidden sites along South Westland. The day is flexible: departures are scheduled to suit the group and the dive plan adjusts to weather, swell, tide and diver goals. What makes these charters special is access. The West Coast’s underwater terrain is steep, rocky and sudden—reef ridges, kelp forests and sculpted boulder fields drop quickly into cold, clear water that hosts pāua, crayfish, blue cod and dense schools of reef fish, along with inquisitive New Zealand fur seals and a rich kelp canopy. The vessel Ōkahu is set up for diving with a stable hull, dive platform and transom access, safety kit including oxygen and EPIRB, plus a sheltered galley and deck space for prepping rigs and cameras. These shared charters cater to experienced divers and freedivers who want to run their own profiles: photo-focused dives, spearfishing or crayfish gathering are all possible when agreed in advance. Note that the trip is not a guided dive — participants must be certified, competent cool-water divers, bring fully serviced gear, and complete a pre-dive assessment. Tank refills are not standard onboard and must be arranged ahead if required. A minimum of four passengers is needed for the shared charter to proceed. The itinerary is simple and practical: check in at Jackson Bay Wharf, plan the day with the skipper, transit to the chosen reef, and spend several local dives in sheltered gullies or along exposed reef edges before returning. Weather dictates choices; a flexible mind and warm surface kit—drysuit or thick wetsuit, windproof layers and hot fluids—make the day comfortable. For visitors staying in Haast or nearby West Coast settlements, this charter unlocks dive sites few others visit and offers a hands-on window into South Westland’s marine ecology. Jackson Bay itself carries the Māori name Ōkahu and sits close to rugged coastal plains and the forested valleys that feed the coast. Practical reminders: show current dive certification at booking, expect cold-water conditions, and confirm tank-fill options ahead. The trip is an excellent match for underwater photographers, experienced spearo divers and anyone looking to explore New Zealand’s bold, seldom-visited reefs. Skippers on Ōkahu share practical local knowledge about currents, entry points and best tide windows, helping groups choose sites that match skills and objectives. Bring a dry bag, spare gloves, and a surface marker buoy if you plan deeper or longer swims; clear communication between divers and skipper keeps operations smooth. Enjoy.
challenging.
8 hours.
Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with cold-water dives and able to carry their own gear on and off the boat.
Check in at Jackson Bay Wharf; the charter departs from the wharf at a time agreed with the skipper.
Shared charters are not guided dives—participants are responsible for their own dive plans and buddy/team procedures.
Tank refills are not supplied by default and must be arranged in advance with the operator or a shore facility.
There is no fixed age listed, but divers must be competent and hold current certification; minors should check operator policies.
Cancellations follow the stated policy: full deposit refund >14 days, 50% between 7–14 days, non-refundable <7 days; check specifics at booking.
Bring current scuba certification and logbook; freedivers must demonstrate experience in cool-water conditions and complete a pre-dive assessment.
Jackson Bay carries the Māori name Ōkahu and sits on a coastline used historically for fishing and coastal travel by local communities.
Operators emphasize minimal impact: take only photos, follow local rules for crayfish/spearfishing, and avoid disturbing kelp beds and seal haul-outs.
Jackson Bay Charters operates from Jackson Bay on New Zealand's West Coast Region. The company runs a range of private and shared boat experiences focused on fishing, diving and coastal wildlife tours. Trips include deep sea and inshore fishing, summer and winter game fishing, shared and private dive charters, an Open Bay Islands tour, and a Jackson Bay Scenic Wildlife Tour. Deep Sea Fishing trips target species such as bluenose and hapuka in waters down to 400m aboard a well-equipped vessel. Game Fishing offerings focus on Bluefin and Albacore Tuna, with chances for Striped Marlin, using trolling, deep-drop and chumming techniques across summer and winter seasons. Inshore fishing charters suit families and beginners, providing gear, filleting services, and calm coastal fishing for Snapper, Kingfish and other species. Dive charters, available as shared or private options, explore rugged West Coast reefs with flexible dive plans for snorkelers and scuba divers of varying skill levels. The Open Bay Islands Tour visits remote islands and coastal history sites, while the Jackson Bay Scenic Wildlife Tour highlights seals, seabirds and seasonal dolphin or orca sightings, plus a hands-on cray fishing experience. Jackson Bay Charters emphasizes safe, well-equipped outings and tailored trip options. Operating from Jackson Bay, the business offers both private and shared charters, modern gear and locally focused itineraries, making it a straightforward choice for visitors seeking authentic West Coast marine experiences. Bookings accommodate groups and individuals with flexible private or shared options to match budgets, trip preferences, and seasonal local knowledge availability.
Book with Jackson Bay Charters