Meet the site
Erscott's Blind is a lagoon dive with a difference: it is deep enough for a proper scuba dive and holds a group of resident Galapagos sharks. Michael McFadyen describes a bowl-shaped formation within the coral reef, about 125 m north-west to south-east and 75 m across, just inside Erscott's Passage – the first southern entrance to the lagoon. It is about a kilometre from shore near Capella Lodge and 400 m from the centre of the passage.
The centre of the bowl is 18–20 m deep; the edges are about 7 m on the western side and 15 m on the east. The coral walls rise about 3 m from the sand, and the site deepens to 14–16 m along the eastern section. The usual route is a clockwise circuit from the western edge, heading north around the perimeter before returning across the centre.
The Galapagos sharks are the highlight – McFadyen saw six, and describes them as very friendly – and the lagoon's coral and reef fish make up the rest of the dive. Spanish dancers and Halgerda nudibranchs, several species of butterflyfish, humphead wrasse and damselfish are all recorded.
Because of the fine sand, visibility is lower than outside the reef; McFadyen had about 10 m in May, with water at 21.7°C. That is the trade-off for a site that can be dived in almost any weather. It suits Open Water divers and makes a good second dive or bad-weather option. Proximity to Erscott's Passage means tidal flow can be felt at times.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Erscott's Blind 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 Erscott's Blind suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. 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 Erscott's Blind 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
Galapagos sharks (resident group), Spanish dancers, Halgerda nudibranchs, butterflyfish, humphead wrasse, damselfish, hard corals
Location
A bowl-shaped hole in the coral inside Erscott's Passage at the southern end of the lagoon, about 1 km from shore and 400 m from the passage.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infodiveplanit.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.