Pot Holes is one of the snorkel sites named in the Lord Howe Island pocket guide, which lists bluefish and coral there.

The name suggests holes in the lagoon reef similar to Erscott's Hole and Comet's Hole – sand-floored pools ringed by coral that concentrate fish. The Lord Howe Island bluefish, a striking blue-grey reef fish characteristic of the island and nearby reefs, is common at those sites, and Spacifica lists it first at Erscott's Hole. If Pot Holes is similar, snorkellers can expect coral walls with bluefish, doubleheader wrasse and other lagoon species.

The lagoon is protected by the barrier reef and is snorkelled in almost all weather; strong westerlies make it choppy. Most lagoon holes are near the barrier reef and are best reached by snorkel boat, though kayaks can be used on calm days. Mid to high tide is best, with more water over the coral.

Ask at the visitor centre or the Lagoon Road boatsheds for directions and current conditions. The usual rules apply: wear footwear when wading, keep off the coral, respect sanctuary zones and remember that the sites are unpatrolled. Snorkel operators on Lagoon Road run daily lagoon trips and are the best people to ask, as they know the local names for every reef and hole in the lagoon.

Lord Howe is reached only by air: QantasLink flies from Sydney daily (about 1 h 50 min), with Brisbane and seasonal Port Macquarie services. Accommodation must be booked before flights (visitor numbers are capped at about 400) and the checked-baggage limit is 14 kg, so most divers hire gear on the island. Pot Holes is listed in the island pocket guide without a location.

Ask at the Lord Howe Island visitor centre or at the Lagoon Road boatsheds, where snorkel operators can advise on access and conditions. Snorkel gear and kayaks can be hired at the boatsheds.

The lagoon is protected by the fringing barrier reef on the island's western side and is diveable in almost all weather, which is why operators use it when the outer reef is closed. Strong westerly and south-westerly winds – mainly with winter fronts – make it choppy and push swell over the reef, stirring the sand and cutting visibility. The holes are deep enough to dive at any tide, but the surrounding lagoon floor is very shallow at low tide and boats time runs accordingly.

Visibility is usually around 10–20 m (lower than outside the reef), and water is warmest from January to April.

Snorkel with a guide or local advice; location and conditions not published.

Dive Lord Howe – lagoon dives used daily as a sheltered option and for courses; snorkel and glass-bottom boat tours by Islander Cruises (daily access to the southern and northern sanctuaries), Marine Adventures, Lord Howe Environmental Tours, Reef N Beyond and Liv For The Sea.