Telephone Pole
A shallow sand flat where a legendary purple gorgonian has been photographed since 1974 while friendly groupers investigate visiting divers.
Telephone Pole is one of San Salvador's most beloved dive sites, a shallow sand flat at just 40 feet that has delighted divers for decades. The site takes its name from a telephone pole that once marked a ravine here, since destroyed by storms, but the diving continues to charm visitors with intimate marine life encounters and opportunities for photography.
A huge purple gorgonian marks the northern edge of the original telephone pole cut and has been photographed for magazine articles since 1974, making it one of the most documented coral specimens in the Bahamas. This living landmark anchors a dive site where southern stingrays flutter across the sand and overly curious groupers approach divers with remarkable boldness.
The legendary gorgonian
The purple gorgonian that marks the northern edge of the site has achieved almost celebrity status among underwater photographers. Since 1974, this single coral colony has appeared in countless magazine articles and dive publications, its rich purple color and healthy growth making it an irresistible photographic subject.
The longevity of this specimen speaks to San Salvador's excellent water quality and the protection the reef has received over decades. Finding and photographing this living landmark has become a rite of passage for divers visiting the island.
Marine life encounters
Beyond the famous gorgonian, Telephone Pole offers reliable encounters with approachable marine life. Southern stingrays rest on and flutter across the sandy bottom, while groupers display remarkable curiosity toward divers, often approaching to investigate cameras and equipment.
Morning boat dives to sites like Telephone Pole are almost guaranteed to produce Caribbean reef shark sightings, adding an exciting predator element to the friendly fish encounters. The shallow depth allows extended bottom time for photography and observation.
Planning your dive
Telephone Pole lies within easy range of Riding Rock Resort, making it a regular morning dive destination. The 40-foot maximum depth provides generous no-decompression time for exploration and photography. The site suits all certification levels from Open Water and above.
The sandy bottom and scattered coral formations create a relaxed diving environment where divers can focus on marine life interactions rather than navigation challenges. This approachability makes it consistently rated among everyone's favorite San Salvador sites.
Getting there
Telephone Pole is accessed from Riding Rock Resort and Marina on San Salvador, a short boat ride from the dock. San Salvador is reached by air from Nassau with flights to Cockburn Town Airport. The site is regularly included in morning dive schedules.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is this site called Telephone Pole?
- A telephone pole once marked a ravine at this location, though the pole was destroyed in a storm years ago. The name persists as the site remains one of San Salvador's most popular dives.
- What makes the gorgonian special?
- A large purple gorgonian at the northern edge of the site has been photographed for magazine articles since 1974. Its longevity and photogenic appearance have made it a famous underwater landmark among diving photographers.
- Will I see sharks at Telephone Pole?
- Caribbean reef sharks are regular visitors to San Salvador's reef sites including Telephone Pole. Morning dives offer the best chances for shark encounters, which are almost guaranteed according to local operators.
Nearby
North Pole Cave
A dramatic vertical chimney where divers descend through a half-moon cavern into crevices patrolled by hammerhead sharks.
ExploreDolittle's Grotto
A labyrinth of parallel coral ridges pierced by tunnels that allow divers to navigate down the wall through multiple passages.
ExploreSnapshot Reef
A beginner-friendly shallow reef where historic anchors serve as photogenic props amid goatfish, snappers, and healthy coral formations.
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