Meet the site
The Pigeon Holes are a sandstone bluff on the South Arm peninsula, north of the township, where wind and water have eroded the rock into a honeycomb of hollows that the Marine Life Network guide likens to a pigeon loft. Underwater, the guide describes a shallow reef in about 3 m with a good variety of fish within easy snorkelling depths, including school fish, stingrays and flathead, along with sponges and a seaweed garden. It rates the site as suitable for beginners with minimal hazards. The sandstone continues below the waterline as ledges and small overhangs, where sponges and ascidians grow and small fish shelter, and the weed garden beyond gives way to sand where rays and flathead lie. Because it is so shallow, the site is best treated as a snorkel or a relaxed, long scuba dive for new divers, and it is ideal for families with a boat. The western side of the South Arm peninsula is sheltered from easterly weather, and the site is a short hop from the South Arm ramp. Visibility varies with the Derwent's condition. The eroded bluff is also worth seeing from the water for its own sake. It is an ideal first open-water experience for children or nervous snorkellers, and a pleasant surface-interval stop between deeper boat dives at the Iron Pot or Betsey Island. On a calm, sunny day the shallow sandstone reflects plenty of light, and even with modest visibility the fish are easy to see. Bring a small boat anchor suitable for sand and keep well clear of the fragile sponges on the ledges.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pigeon Holes (South Arm) is recorded as Reef in Hobart & Derwent. 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.
- 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 Pigeon Holes (South Arm) 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 Pigeon Holes (South Arm) 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
Schooling fish, stingrays, flathead, sponges, ascidians, seaweed garden, wrasse, leatherjackets
Location
Sandstone bluff north of South Arm whose eroded, pitted face looks like a pigeon loft, with a shallow reef in about 3 m.
Facilities nearby
South Arm boat ramp with parking and toilets; store at South Arm; fills in Hobart.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.