Balls Pyramid

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Îles Lord Howe

Why dive here

With 63+ marine species recorded in the area - including bull sharks, great white sharks, humpback whales, seals & sea lions and sea turtles - Balls Pyramid offers some of Lord Howe Island's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 19-23°C, warmest February, March, April.

Marine lifeBull Sharks, Great White Sharks, Humpback Whales, Seals & Sea Lions and Sea Turtles · 63+ species recorded

Water19-23°C · warmest February, March, April

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:5118:0211h 11m daylightGolden hour 17:29

Balls Pyramid Wreck History

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.