Dive Site: Hole in the Wall

Dive site facts: Hole in the Wall

Current

Variable, potentially strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to advanced recommended

Dive type

Wall, drift, wide-angle

Region / port

Banda Sea, Indonesia

Coordinates

4.6853° S, 129.9886° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at wall dives in the Banda Sea can be variable, ranging from mild to strong depending on the lunar cycle and specific location. While Hole in the Wall specifically follows an overhanging wall, divers should be prepared for potential strong currents which can bring in significant marine life, especially around seamounts and passages between islands. These conditions can create exhilarating drift dives, but a basic understanding of diving in currents is highly beneficial. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, and water temperatures remain warm, usually between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, allowing for comfortable dives.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hammerhead shark

September-November · occasional

Mobula ray

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Humphead wrasse

occasional

Jack

occasional

Reef fish

common

Turtle

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Crustacean

occasional

Sea snake

occasional

Sea fan

common

Sea sponge

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at Hole in the Wall typically begins with an entry that takes divers through a natural archway. This serves as a striking starting point, immediately immersing you in the site's unique topography. After passing through the arch, the navigation follows an impressive, overhanging steep wall that plunges into the deep. Divers will glide along this vibrant blue wall, observing the structure and searching for marine life attracted by the currents. The profile usually involves a gradual descent along the wall, exploring its features and any overhangs. The dive continues until a pre-determined turn pressure or time, then you will begin a slow ascent, likely performing a safety stop in the shallower sections of the wall or the reef crest, depending on the current conditions and available shelter. This route maximizes exposure to the dramatic wall and its deep blue backdrop.

Underwater photography

Hole in the Wall offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photographers due to its striking archway and deep, electric-blue waters. A fisheye or wide-angle lens (e.g., 8-15mm or 10-24mm) is ideal for capturing the expansive arch and the sweeping wall formations. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the colors of any corals or schooling fish against the deep blue background, especially when shooting into the sun through the arch. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate growth on the arch and wall. Consider capturing divers within the arch for a sense of scale and adventure. The pristine visibility ensures clear shots, but be mindful of any strong currents that may impact stability during long exposures.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tanjung Button

  South of Hatta Island, known for strong currents and potential schooling hammerheads.

• Tanjung Nore

  Southern cape of Run Island, a hotspot for hammerheads, tunas, eagle rays, and giant groupers.

• Batu Kapal

  Northwest of Banda Besar, featuring a deep plateau and pinnacles with groupers, barracudas, and trevallies.

• Pohon Miring

  Northern cape of Banda Besar, with a 15-meter tunnel and sightings of Napoleon wrasse.

• Lava Flow

  Off Gunung Api, known for extensive Acropora coral growth and cuttlefish.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Banda Sea, including Hole in the Wall, is primarily done via liveaboard, as the region is remote and isolated. Flights typically route through major Indonesian hubs like Jakarta or Bali, connecting to domestic airports such as Maumere (MOF) for itineraries combining Alor, or Ambon (AMQ) and Sorong (SOQ) for trips incorporating Raja Ampat. Liveaboard itineraries vary, but can range from 12 to 16 nights, often combining the Banda Sea with other destinations like Alor, the Forgotten Islands, or Raja Ampat. Park fees and fuel surcharges are typically not included in the liveaboard price. The liveaboard experience provides access to these isolated dive sites, ensuring all logistics from transfers to diving operations are handled by the boat.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Banda Sea's remote locations, such as Hole in the Wall, necessitates robust safety planning. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in Ambon or Bali, meaning evacuation can be lengthy and complex. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and emergency evacuation, is essential. Due to variable and potentially strong currents, divers should have experience with drift diving and possess good buoyancy control. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding entry and exit procedures, and be aware of your air consumption and no-decompression limits given the deeper potential of wall dives. Staying hydrated and well-rested is also crucial for safe diving in these multi-day liveaboard environments.

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.

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32 m

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests38 m

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

Gaia Love

Alor

20 guests

Emperor Raja Laut

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

12 guests31 m

Malaillo

Indonesia

14 guests46 m

Damai II

Komodo, Indonesia

14 guests

DUNE Aurora

Indonesia

18 guests

Calico Jack

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

Coralia

Indonesia

16 guests48 m

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m