Meet the site
Comet's Hole is the Lord Howe lagoon site most often used to introduce divers and snorkellers to the island's marine life. Diveplanit places it well within the sheltered lagoon, just minutes from the boatshed, and describes a 3–4 m high coral reef wall around a hole with a median depth of 3 m and a maximum of 7 m. Divernet puts it at 7–8 m, and the DAN account describes it with Erscott's Hole as a circular pool with coral walls.
The variety of fish is what makes it. Diveplanit's list includes swarms of catfish, Lord Howe butterflyfish, doubleheader wrasse, Lord Howe moray, zebra morwong, McCulloch's anemonefish, black stingrays, kingfish, drummer, sweetlips, stripeys, footballers, peacock flounder, angelfish and Galapagos sharks. Divernet adds lined catfish, decorator crabs, three types of lionfish and marble shrimp, with Porites, Acropora and needle corals on the walls. The island pocket guide adds three-striped butterflyfish.
Diveplanit calls it 'one of the easiest dives around' and 'the best possible introduction to the diversity of marine life around Lord Howe Island', and because it is inside the lagoon it is diveable when other sites are not. It suits beginners, courses and snorkellers.
Note that Michael McFadyen's page titled 'Comets Hole' gives the same GPS position and description as his page for The Arch, a 6–30 m coral arch on the outer reef. The lagoon site described here is the one operators and the tourism body mean by Comet's Hole, so The Arch is listed separately. Snorkel boats and the dive shop both visit, so it can be busy mid-morning.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Comet's Hole is recorded as Reef in Lord Howe Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Comet's Hole suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Comet's Hole through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
McCulloch's anemonefish, Lord Howe butterflyfish, three-striped butterflyfish, doubleheader wrasse, Lord Howe moray, zebra morwong, catfish swarms, black stingrays, kingfish, drummer, sweetlips, peacock flounder, lionfish, decorator crabs, marble shrimp, Galapagos sharks, Porites and Acropora corals
Location
A coral-walled pool about 7 m deep well inside the sheltered lagoon, minutes from the boatsheds.
Facilities nearby
Boatsheds on Lagoon Road with gear, kayak and SUP hire; toilets and cafes near Lagoon Beach.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
diveplanit.comdivernet.comdaninsider.orglordhoweisland.infolordhoweisland.infoislandercruises.com.aumichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.