Meet the site
The Arch is an unusual site for New South Wales: Michael McFadyen points out that it is the only NSW dive he knows where the main feature is made of coral rather than rock. A section of the coral reef outside Lord Howe's barrier has been undermined to create a large archway, and the surrounding area is sand patches, coral and rubble cut by gullies and cracks. The site lies about 1 km south of North Passage and 300 m off the barrier reef.
The boat anchors in about 15 m on sand, and the arch is about 30 m away. It is big enough to swim through comfortably, and McFadyen found large sweetlips sheltering in it. Beyond the arch the route crosses rubble to more sand, then follows a large crack or gully with small overhangs where crayfish and slipper crays hide, before rising over shallower reef at about 6 m. The DAN account of Lord Howe describes 'the Arches' as deep channels with overhangs and side caves through coral, diveable in most weather.
Galapagos sharks are regular here, along with butterflyfish, firefish, leatherjackets, one-spot pullers, trevally, anemonefish, eels and pufferfish. McFadyen saw no nudibranchs, but Howea Divers mention nudibranchs, moray eels and turtles, and light filtering through the archway makes a good photograph. McFadyen recorded 21.4°C and at least 30 m visibility in May.
McFadyen's page for 'Comets Hole' gives the same GPS and description as The Arch, and Diveplanit describes The Arch at 12–18 m about 10 minutes from the shop. It appears that some divers and operators have used the names interchangeably, but Comet's Hole is also a well-known lagoon site, so the two are kept separate here. The Arch suits Open Water divers and is a highlight of the western outer reef.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Arch (Lord Howe) 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 The Arch (Lord Howe) 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 The Arch (Lord Howe) 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, large sweetlips, crayfish, slipper crays, butterflyfish, firefish, leatherjackets, one-spot pullers, trevally, anemonefish, moray eels, pufferfish, turtles
Location
A large coral archway on the outer barrier reef about 1 km south of North Passage and 300 m off the reef, on sand at about 15 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure from the Lagoon Road boatsheds.
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.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infodiveplanit.comhoweadivers.com.audaninsider.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.