Hole in the Rock Map Partial species list

This is the best example of coastal diving typical of Gorontalo, which features steep slopes and walls that have eroded into complex groups of points alternating with deep basins. The slopes and walls will usually have dense coral cover. The basins can have sand or coral. Shallow coral rubble is the environment of the dragon-faced Ribbon eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita). The shallow coral garden here is one of the widest and most spectacular in Gorontalo, making it one of the few places good for snorkeling. Unlike other sites where the coral is highly diverse, this site features numerous patches of single species coral. Several huge Acropora table corals grow here.

Marine life at this site is quite varied. A skittish Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) lives here, as well as a Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The vertical points are good places to look for the elusive alligator-shaped Arrowhead soapfish (Belonopera chadanaudi) hovering in deep water. The bright yellow spot on its tail saddle is the first thing you will notice. A dive torch may be necessary to see the strikingly beautiful pattern on the dorsal fin, which it flexes before disappearing under an overhang. So far, 18 species of butterflyfish have been identified here. If you want the dive master to look for Pajama cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) or Pinkeye gobies (Bryaniops natans), let him know before you begin diving, as your request will affect the way the site is dived.

This site is about 550 meters long.

Depth: 3 - 35 meters

Highlights: garden eels, ribbon eels, sea turtle, good variety of tropical fish, complex underwater geography, spectacular shallow coral garden

Conditions: Because of the amount of sand in the area, visibility is often only in the 15 - 18 meter range. At times, visibility is noticeably better at lower depths. Water clarity here can also be negatively affected during rainy season by floodwaters from the major river in the area. Often there is no current; other times only a slight one.

Virtual Dive

Divers descend along the vertical edge of a coral wall to an overhang at 18 meters where two unusual blue vase sponges grow. The wall forms two points in quick succession before becoming a steep slope. After rounding a vertical point, divers swim above the first basin, which is filled with scattered coral. The next 75 meters consists of extremely complex wall formations. Midway is a dramatic, pointed overhang. Look up the narrow chute that gouges the wall and see a line of spectacular red gorgonian sea fans whose contrasting white polyps open in the gentle current to feed.

The wall comes to an abrupt end at a large sand basin about 120 meters long. Above the basin, the gentle slope is covered with healthy coral. Midway divers cautiously approach a huge table coral, so as not to scare the Spotted garden eels (Heteroconger hassi) located nearby. Their heads sway rhythmically in search of food before retreating into their holes as you pass. The sand basin ends with another wall of coral. Ascending slightly after crossing a narrow sand channel, divers peer into a tiny cave where Vanicolo sweepers crowd (Pempheris vanicolensis). As you make a gradual ascent, the wall becomes a steep slope interrupted by several sand basins and huge intervening walls of coral. Cruise the flat top of the largest coral wall and climb the gentle slope to make your safety stop over a shallow coral garden.

Hole in the Rock Map Partial species list

Virtual Dive

Dive in Gorontalo