Dive Site: Hole in the Wall

About Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall is a distinctive dive site located in the Eleuthera Exuma Islands, celebrated for its namesake swim-through. This site offers an immersive experience, blending the thrill of a cavern dive with the expansive beauty of a coral wall. Divers navigate through a wide natural formation before emerging to a breathtaking view of the deep, where the wall descends into the abyss. The topography here is characterized by the prominent 'hole' or swim-through, followed by an impressive wall that showcases a rich diversity of coral and sponge life. Barrel sponges are a notable feature, along with various hard and soft corals. The depth range accommodates both recreational divers and those seeking deeper exploration, with a maximum recorded depth of 94 feet. Marine life at Hole in the Wall includes a variety of reef fish such as Creole wrasse and queen angelfish, with groupers often found sheltering in crevices. While larger pelagics are always a possibility in the Bahamas, the focus here is often on the unique geological features and the vibrant ecosystem thriving on the wall. Visibility is generally excellent, enhancing the photographic opportunities. The dive typically involves a 'follow the leader' approach through the swim-through, which, despite potential silting from previous divers, remains a highlight. Post-swim-through, the dive transitions to exploring the expansive wall, allowing for a more relaxed drift and observation of the diverse marine environment.

Dive site facts: Hole in the Wall

Depth

15–94 ft (5–29 m)

Typical dive

50 ft (15 m), 50 min

Current

Mild, with potential for surge in swim-through

Visibility

65–130 ft (20–40 m)

Water temperature

75–88°F (24–31°C)

Entry

Descent with group, followed by swim-through

Level

Open Water Diver, good buoyancy control recommended

Dive type

Wall, swim-through, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Eleuthera, Exumas

Coordinates

24.985, -77.555

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Hole in the Wall are generally mild at depth, though the swim-through itself can experience noticeable flow. Divers should be mindful of potential surge, especially near the entry or exit points of the swim-through. Visibility is typically excellent, often ranging from 65 to 130 feet, which can be slightly reduced after heavy rainfall or during periods of increased surface activity, but usually remains clear. There is rarely a noticeable thermocline in the Bahamas, meaning water temperature remains fairly consistent from surface to depth. Divers should maintain good buoyancy control to avoid silting up the swim-through for those following and to protect fragile coral formations on the wall.

Marine life & sighting chances

Creole wrasse

common

Queen angelfish

occasional

Grouper

occasional

Barrel sponge

common

Loggerhead turtle

rare

Shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at Hole in the Wall typically begins with a descent to the entrance of the swim-through, which is often a 'follow the leader' experience due to its unique nature. Divers queue to enter, maintaining good buoyancy to avoid disturbing the sediment for those behind. The swim-through itself is described as quite wide, accommodating divers with camera rigs. After traversing the 'hole,' the dive transitions to exploring the impressive wall, where divers can observe barrel sponges and various reef fish like Creole wrasse and queen angelfish. The dive generally maintains an average depth of around 50 feet, though a maximum depth of 94 feet has been recorded early in the dive, likely upon exiting the swim-through. The dive typically lasts about 50 minutes, with the safety stop conducted in the shallower reef areas after exploring the main wall.

Underwater photography

Hole in the Wall offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, especially given the clear visibility. For capturing the grandeur of the swim-through and the expansive wall, a wide-angle or fisheye lens is recommended to convey scale and depth. Ensure proper lighting with strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and sponges, particularly within the swim-through where natural light may be diminished. When photographing marine life like the Creole wrasse schools or the resident groupers, be patient and move slowly to avoid startling them. Good buoyancy control is crucial for steady shots and to prevent silting, especially within the confines of the swim-through. For macro enthusiasts, inspect the coral formations for smaller inhabitants like crabs and slugs, which are abundant on similar Bahamian reefs. Post-swim-through, the ambient light on the wall is often sufficient for stunning wide-angle shots without excessive strobing.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• The Washing Machine

  A renowned drift dive in the Exumas

• Shark Alley

  Known for frequent shark encounters

• Captain Bill Blue Hole

  One of the many fascinating blue holes in the region

• Theos Wreck

  A popular wreck dive

• Eleuthera Wall

  Part of the dramatic wall system

Getting there & logistics

Diving Hole in the Wall is typically part of a liveaboard itinerary originating from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Major international airports like Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau provide easy access from the US, Canada, and Europe. Liveaboards cruise through the Exumas and Eleuthera, offering a week-long diving experience that often includes this site. Inter-island travel is via commuter planes, ferries, or private speedboats. No specific permits are mentioned for diving this site, but liveaboard costs will include all necessary fees. It is advisable to book liveaboard trips in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot and experience a range of Bahamian dive sites.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Bahamas, including Hole in the Wall, generally maintains a high safety standard, but divers should always carry appropriate travel and dive insurance. While specific recompression chamber locations are not given for Eleuthera, medical facilities are available in major population centers. Evacuation reality depends on the remoteness of the site and can involve inter-island transfers. The primary site-specific hazard at Hole in the Wall is the swim-through, which requires excellent buoyancy control to prevent disorientation or contact with the rock. Divers should also be aware of others in the confined space and practice good situational awareness. Always follow the dive leader's instructions, especially during 'follow the leader' dives through passages. Strong currents are not typically a concern at depth, but conditions can vary, so stay alert.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Hole in the Wall FAQ

Liveaboards diving Hole in the Wall

These liveaboards may visit Hole in the Wall on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

All Star Blackbeards Morning Star

Bahamas

24 guests19.81 m

$156/day

Bahamas Aggressor II

Bahamas

20 guests33.5 m

$328/day

Blue Marlin

Bahamas

26 guests42 m

$318/day

All Star Aqua Cat

Bahamas

30 guests31.09 m

$312/day

All Star Cat Ppalu

Bahamas

12 guests20 m

$237/day