The Abyss
Protected Area
Hideaway Island
Why dive here
With 306+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dugongs, dwarf minke whales, eagle rays and giant moray eels - The Abyss offers some of Port Vila & Efate's richest drift diving. Water ranges 26-29°C, warmest January, February, March.
The Abyss really stands out for its sheer volume of healthy coral cover. Drop down to around 15 metres and you're immediately enveloped by massive plate corals and intricate branching formations. It’s a site that feels alive, a genuinely lush reefscape that’s sadly rarer these days. We always find ourselves lingering here, just watching the reef breathe. Visibility averages a decent 18 metres, often more, so you get great perspective on those sprawling corals. Look closely and you’ll spot Freckled Anglerfish tucked amongst the sponges, or the curious darting of a Three-lined Blenny. We especially love it for night dives; the reef transforms, with Banded Goatfish rooting around and the chance to see a feathery Ornate Pitar Venus extending its siphons. It’s a relaxed dive, usually minimal current, maxing out at about 24 metres if you follow the gentle slope, making it a solid choice for almost any skill level looking for a vibrant coral fix.
Typical The Abyss Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Drift dive - carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and stay with your group. Brief the current direction before entry.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to The Abyss
Dive shops near The Abyss
Hideaway Dive Shop
Big Blue Dive Shop
Tranquility Island Resort
Gone Diving Vanuatu
Reviews for The Abyss
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Abyss
The Abyss Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for The Abyss, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-17.71, 168.26) (1km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
27°C
80°F · Range: 25.6–28°C
Air Temperature
24°C
76°F
Wind Speed
5.5 m/s
10.7 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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