Balls Pyramid - Lord Howe Island

The Barge de Saumaty, just off the Saumaty port, isn't some colossal freighter, but it’s still one of our favourite wreck dives in the area. We love its character, especially the way it sits, almost defiant, on a slight slope. Descending, you can often feel the slight chill of the thermocline hitting you first, then the wreck gradually appears through the Mediterranean haze. It’s completely colonised now, a skeleton of metal draped in colourful gorgonians and sponges. Look closely and you’ll spot moray eels tucked into every crevice, their heads poking out with that characteristic sneer. Shoals of barracuda often circle the upper sections, their silver scales flashing in the shafts of sunlight that penetrate the surface. We always recommend exploring the interior if you’re comfortable with overhead environments; the light play inside can be quite dramatic. It's a dive that really suits those who appreciate a wreck that feels like a natural reef, brimming with life. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve visited an underwater art installation.

Location
Lord Howe Island, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-31.753600, 159.251900
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Balls Pyramid

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Off the bustling coast of Marseille, near the port of Saumaty, lies a simple barge that has become a popular destination for local divers. While its history as a working vessel is undocumented, its present-day value is clear. Now resting on the Mediterranean seabed, the Barge de Saumaty has been fully reclaimed by nature, transforming from a piece of industrial equipment into a vibrant and lively artificial reef. Its straightforward structure provides an excellent training ground for wreck diving and a rewarding experience for divers of all levels. The wreck attracts a host of typical Mediterranean life, including curious octopus, moray eels hiding in crevices, and colourful schools of damselfish that swarm above its deck.

Marine Protected Area: Îles Lord Howe

Best Time to Dive in Lord Howe Island

The warmest water temperatures in Lord Howe Island occur in March, averaging 23.5°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.6°C
  • February: 23.0°C
  • March: 23.5°C
  • April: 23.0°C
  • May: 20.9°C
  • June: 19.9°C
  • July: 19.0°C
  • August: 18.9°C
  • September: 19.0°C
  • October: 19.5°C
  • November: 20.7°C
  • December: 22.4°C

Nearest Dive Centres to Balls Pyramid

Marine Life in Lord Howe Island

Home to 65 recorded species including 38 reef fish, 21 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 1 other, 1 jellyfish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Balls Pyramid

Based on average water temperature of 21.0°C, currents 15 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories