Overview
Two Pillars is one of Neil Island's newest and most exciting discoveries. Named after two distinctive coral pinnacles that rise from the seabed, this site has quickly become famous for its incredible biodiversity and unique night diving experiences.
The Pillars
Geological Formation
- North Pillar: 8m tall, 5m wide at base
- South Pillar: 6m tall, 4m wide at base
- Distance Apart: 15 meters
- Depth Range: Top at 5m, base at 11m
Dawn Diving Paradise
Why Dawn Dives?
Two Pillars transforms at dawn:
- Humphead Parrotfish: Schools of 20-30 individuals
- Hunting Activity: Predators most active
- Spawning Events: Various species spawn at dawn
- Visibility: Often exceeds 25m
Dawn Dive Highlights
- 5:30 AM entry for best action
- Witness parrotfish sleeping cocoons
- See nocturnal species returning to hiding
- Experience the reef "waking up"
Night Diving Wonderland
After Dark Discoveries
- Glass Shrimp: Thousands with glowing eyes
- Hunting Lionfish: Active predators
- Octopuses: Out hunting on the reef
- Sleeping Parrotfish: In mucus cocoons
- Bioluminescence: Magical blue sparkles
Night Dive Species
- Spanish Dancers (nudibranchs)
- Decorator Crabs
- Basket Stars
- Moray Eels (hunting)
- Cuttlefish
- Bobtail Squids
Marine Life Density
Unmatched Biodiversity
Two Pillars hosts one of the highest fish densities in the Andamans:
Schools & Swarms
- Glassfish: Clouds around pillars
- Yellow Snappers: 200+ individuals
- Fusiliers: Three species mixing
- Anthias: Pink clouds at the pinnacles
Bottom Dwellers
- Stingrays: 5-6 species identified
- Flounders: Perfectly camouflaged
- Gobies: Over 12 species
- Jawfish: Popping from burrows
Reef Fish
- Clownfish: 4 species with anemones
- Parrotfish: Humphead, Bumphead, Blue-barred
- Triggerfish: Titan, Clown, Picasso
- Angelfish: 8 species documented
Macro Paradise
Critter Haven
The pillars' crevices hide:
- Frogfish (3 color variations)
- Seahorses (rare)
- Pipefish
- Ornate Ghost Pipefish
- Mantis Shrimp
- Harlequin Shrimp
Unique Behaviors
Cleaning Stations
Both pillars host cleaning stations:
- Cleaner Wrasse services
- Cleaner Shrimp colonies
- Regular visits by large fish
- Manta cleaning (rare)
Photography Tips
Dawn/Dusk Magic
- Golden hour lighting underwater
- Schooling fish silhouettes
- Dramatic pillar shadows
- Active marine life
Night Photography
- Focus lights essential
- Red filters preserve night vision
- Macro opportunities endless
- Fluorescent photography possible
Conservation Importance
Two Pillars is a critical habitat:
- Fish nursery area
- Cleaning station hub
- Spawning aggregation site
- High coral recruitment
Dive Planning
- Best Months: October to May
- Ideal Time: Dawn (5:30 AM) or Dusk (5:00 PM)
- Night Dives: 7:00 PM entry
- Certification: Open Water (day), Advanced (night)
