Snorkelling
An ever-changing array of species
Snorkelling at Lord Howe is akin to being in a pristine tropical fish tank swimming shoulder to fin with endless kinds of fish.
Just offshore is the most southern coral reef on earth, which encloses a turquoise lagoon some six kilometres long. Snorkelling here is therefore something tranquil and wondrous. The unique marine life of Lord Howe Island has been recognised with World Heritage Listing in 1982, and the declaration of a State Marine Park in 1999. The Island is blessed with a great variety and number of fish, both tropical and temperate. Total recorded species of fish in the Island waters is 490 not including sea cucumbers, eels or turtles, with many of these being visible in shallow waters just off the beaches. This means that the avid snorkeller can satisfy his or her hunger without the need of a boat, and most of the time fish are just as curious: who is the true onlooker?
Ned's Beach
On the eastern side of the Island, Ned's is the most accessible and popular beach due to the opportunity to hand feed tame fish as well as being ideal snorkeling for different levels of expertise. There is both a shallow reef protected by a sand bank and a section over 10-metres deep. Here schools of Kingfish, Spangled Emperor and the occasional Whale shark can be sighted.
Erscotts Hole
By far the prettiest and safest snorkeling area is Erscotts Hole. Its shallow location on the inner south-west side of the reef stops any wave action inside the hole, resulting in clear, placid water.
Comets Hole
Named after an early trading vessel from the 1870's, Comets Hole has a fresh water spring emerging under a sandy bottom, and a semi circular reef wall (8 metres deep) that is a haven for stingrays, Catfish and Painted Morwong and many more.
Sylphs Hole
Sylphs Hole is also named after an early trading vessel and can be reached by swimming from the shore off Old Settlement Beach. Two green turtles reside here together with other creatures such as Butterfly Cod.
North Bay
As well as being an excellent picnic and barbecue location, North Bay and adjacent reefs provide shelter for a great variety of fish life. Around the wreckage of the old fishing vessel "Favourite" schools of Drummer, Bluefish and other species can be found.
A walk around the eastern side of Old Gulch will bring you to the Herring Pools.
See Map – Lord Howe Island Snorkelling Sites - click here
