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Meridiela.

Watamula Hole

A hole in the limestone at the island's northern tip that draws air in and out with the swell.

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WhereBanda Abou
Nearest cityWestpunt
Best seasonYear round
Time to allowAn hour
Getting thereDirt track from Westpunt to the northern coast; short walk over rock
EntryFree

At the northern tip of the island, on a shelf of bare limestone above the sea, there is an opening in the rock connected to a cavity below, and when the swell surges into the cavity air is pushed out of the hole and then sucked back in, hard enough to feel and hear. It is known locally as the island's breathing hole. The setting is a windswept karst shelf with nothing built on it and the open sea beyond.

What you actually see

  • The breathing hole - air pushed out and drawn back in with each surge.
  • The karst shelf - bare eroded limestone running to the cliff edge.
  • The northern coast - open sea and swell on the island's exposed side.
  • The emptiness - no development of any kind at the site.

When to go

Year round; stronger swell makes the effect more pronounced. Winter northerly swell is best. The rock is exposed and hot at midday.

Honest expectations

On flat days the hole does very little and the trip disappoints. The limestone is sharp, uneven and hard on ankles. There is no shade, marking or facility of any kind.

Nearby

Westpunt is south, and Playa Kalki is southwest.

What to pack for Watamula Hole

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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