Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall: A Thrilling Puerto Galera Passage

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Hole in the Wall, one of Puerto Galera's most iconic dive sites. Located near Escarceo Point, this site offers a unique blend of reef, wall, and a captivating swim-through experience that draws divers from around the globe. We will explore a stepped drop-off, vibrant coral formations, and an abundance of marine life, all while navigating a fascinating underwater tunnel.

Diving Conditions and Experience

Hole in the Wall is generally considered an intermediate dive site, with a maximum depth of 18 meters. The water temperature in Puerto Galera typically ranges from 25°C to 30°C, making for comfortable diving year-round. While conditions can be calm, divers should be prepared for variable currents, which can occasionally be strong, particularly at the exit of the swim-through.

The dive begins along a beautiful stepped drop-off, leading us to the heart of the site: a short, naturally lit swim-through tunnel that pierces a mini limestone mountain at approximately 12 meters. This tunnel sits strategically on the boundary between tidal ebb and flow, creating a hydrodynamic funnel. On a moderate exchange, this passage often teems with dense schools of feeding reef fish, offering an aquarium-like transit and superb ambient lighting for underwater photography.

Beyond the tunnel, divers will find another wall covered in soft corals, sponges, green tree coral, and fans, providing hiding places for various marine creatures. The site also features beautiful coral gardens and vibrant reef ecosystems.

Marine Life Encounters

Hole in the Wall is a vibrant hub for marine biodiversity. Within the tunnel and along the surrounding reef, divers can encounter a rich array of species, including:

• Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans): Keep an eye out for these distinctive, venomous fish, often found lurking in crevices.
• Devil Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus): Masters of camouflage, these bottom-dwellers blend seamlessly with their surroundings, so look closely.
• Longface Emperor (Lethrinus olivaceus): We may spot these impressive fish cruising the reef.
• Highfin Rudderfish (Drummer) (Kyphosus cinerascens): Often seen schooling, especially when currents are present.
• Dense schools of other reef fish such as sweetlips, trevallies, snappers, parrotfish, pufferfish, moray eels, and nudibranchs are common sights.

Additionally, divers should be aware of the presence of Stinging Hydroid (Aglaophenia cupressina), which can be found growing on the walls of the swim-through.

Certification and Safety

To safely explore Hole in the Wall, an Open Water certification is sufficient during calm conditions, especially when accompanied by an experienced instructor. However, due to the variable currents and the nature of the overhead environment within the swim-through, we highly recommend an Advanced Open Water certification. Excellent buoyancy control is a must for all divers to navigate the tunnel safely and avoid contact with the delicate marine life and stinging hydroids.

Potential hazards at this dive site include entanglement, strong currents, and the overhead environment of the swim-through [fact sheet]. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and maintain awareness of your surroundings.