The island’s unique marine ecosystem hosts a uniquely diverse mix of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate marine species; there are over 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish living in the reef. Lord Howe’s submarine topography of trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs adds to the awe-inspiring diving experience at the island.
There are over 60 world-class dive sites around Lord Howe, most located just a short boat ride (10-20 minutes) from shore.
Arguably the island’s most spectacular dive is Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack whose treasures extend deep below the surface. With excellent water visibility, divers can except to see huge schools of fish, among them the rare deep-water Ballina Angelfish. Dives at Ball’s Pyramid average 25 metres in depth and range from drift dives and cave dives to simply following a coral wall.
Lord Howe Island was declared a Protected Marine Park in 1999 and its waters are home to around 500 species of fish, making for rewarding marine experiences for everyone.
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Lord Howe picks up powerful groundswell from the Southern and Pacific oceans throughout the year. Combined with a shallow coral reef, it means one thing – waves. The island also boasts some of the least crowded beaches in Australia!
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Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are great ways to explore the lagoon. Craft are available to hire from the operators based in the boat sheds along the foreshore.
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As part of a protected marine park, fishing on Lord Howe is a spectacular and rewarding pursuit, with tuna, marlin and the yellow-tail kingfish commonly caught and many other rarer species released with a kiss!
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The Admiralty Islands is a cluster of volcanic islands reached by a 15-minute boat trip. Birdlife flocks here, as do eager divers. Around 25 sites scattered around the atolls offer some of Australia's best diving.
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A protected spot at the island’s north end, Old Settlement Beach is a favourite for spotting Green Sea turtles who graze on the local seagrasses and for spending the day lazing on the sand with a good book.
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Intriguing and mysterious, Ball's Pyramid is the world’s tallest sea stack and rises some 562 metres from the Pacific Ocean around 20 km south of Lord Howe. It's also home to a once thought extinct insect!
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Lord Howe Island’s North Bay is a sheltered area of the reef, ideal for snorkelling around the lagoon’s own shipwreck and the best spot for an encounter with Green Sea turtles as they feed among the seagrasses.
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A tour of the reef by glass-bottom boat with optional snorkel is a wonderful start to a Lord Howe holiday. The island’s excellent operators are based in the boat sheds on the lagoon near the CBD.
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One of Lord Howe’s best-loved beaches, Ned's is popular for its beach, reef-snorkelling and picnicking options. Feeding the fish at Ned's is guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe.
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