Meet the site
Erscott's Hole is one of the classic Lord Howe lagoon snorkel sites and one of the island's marine sanctuary areas. The DAN account of diving Lord Howe describes Erscott's Hole and Comet's Hole as circular pools about 7 m deep with coral walls, and the island's tourism site gives a maximum depth of about 8 m and a five-minute boat ride from the boatsheds.
The hole is a sand-floored pool ringed by coral on the lagoon floor, and it acts as a gathering place for fish. Spacifica's species list shows how much variety fits into a small space: Lord Howe Island bluefish, doubleheader wrasse, spangled emperor, neon damsels, Coleman's pygmy seahorse, Foster's hawkfish, spotted snake eels and beaked leatherjackets. Divernet notes it as a marine sanctuary area, and Islander Cruises runs daily trips to it as part of the southern sanctuary zone, which it calls home to 'the greatest diversity of coral reefs and fish species' in the lagoon.
Because it is inside the lagoon, the site is suitable in nearly all weather and is used by both snorkel boats and the dive shop. Visibility is typically around 10 m in summer inside the lagoon – lower than outside the reef – but the shallow depth means colours are bright. The pygmy seahorse and other small species reward divers who take their time.
It suits everyone from first-time snorkellers to experienced divers looking for macro subjects. Scuba divers should keep off the coral walls and control buoyancy near the sand, as fine sediment clouds easily.
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 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 Erscott'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 Erscott'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
Lord Howe Island bluefish, doubleheader wrasse, spangled emperor, neon damsels, Coleman's pygmy seahorse, Foster's hawkfish, spotted snake eel, beaked leatherjacket, hard corals
Location
A circular coral-walled pool about 7–8 m deep inside the southern lagoon near Erscott's Passage, within a sanctuary zone.
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
spacificatravel.comdaninsider.orglordhoweisland.infodivernet.comislandercruises.com.aupinetrees.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.