Explore Lord Howe Island’s Southern Sanctuary on a Unique 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure

Read the full experience

Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site located off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, offers an aquatic playground for marine enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The Specialised Snorkel Tour is a standout experience that invites visitors to explore the island’s Southern Sanctuary—a protected marine reserve known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral ecosystems. Over the course of two immersive hours, snorkelers glide through calm lagoon waters, visiting 3 to 4 pristine sites including Erscott's Hole, Horseshoe Reef, Comet's Hole, and Stephen's Hole. Each stop reveals a kaleidoscope of life, with colorful branching corals, plate corals, and a dazzling variety of reef fish darting around. The water here is remarkably clear, providing exceptional visibility to witness species endemic to the region and the healthiest coral formations you'll find in southeast Australia. What sets this tour apart is exclusive daily access granted by the operator—Island Cruises—to all snorkeling sites in the lagoon, spanning from the Southern Sanctuary to the Northern Sanctuary zones. This comprehensive access is unique among operators, meaning guests encounter the island’s underwater wonders in uncrowded, well-preserved environments. The shallow, sheltered lagoon waters offer ideal conditions for snorkelers at all skill levels to observe an abundance of marine life in comfort and safety. Lord Howe Island itself is a rare natural treasure, recognized for its volcanic origins and rich biodiversity both above and below sea level. The island’s marine habitats have remained largely untouched thanks to strict conservation measures established since it was declared a marine park. These protections ensure that tours like this one offer a glimpse into an ecosystem that exists undisturbed, allowing visitors to feel connected to nature while supporting sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a family looking to introduce children to ocean exploration, this Specialised Snorkel Tour is perfectly suited. Staffed by knowledgeable guides, the trip highlights local ecology and marine conservation efforts, enhancing the underwater adventure with educational insights. Snorkel from the Boat Shed launch point and prepare to be enchanted by an underwater sanctuary where every moment feels like discovery. Nearby the vibrant town of Lord Howe Island provides accommodations and amenities for travelers seeking to extend their stay and explore the island’s hiking trails, birdwatching, and pristine beaches. For those drawn to marine wildlife, the lagoons here represent one of Australia’s most treasured snorkeling destinations, where encounters with giant clam beds, turtles, and tropical fish are commonplace. This tour leverages all that the Southern Sanctuary has to offer—ensuring every moment in the water is an intimate adventure with nature’s best offerings.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal swimming skills required thanks to calm lagoon waters

Frequently asked questions

Is prior snorkeling experience required?

No, the calm lagoon waters make this tour accessible to snorkelers of all experience levels, including beginners.

What is the best time of year to take the snorkel tour?

Summer months (December to February) offer the warmest water and best visibility for snorkeling.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, this is a family-friendly tour suitable for all ages with appropriate supervision.

What wildlife can be seen during the snorkel?

Expect to see a variety of tropical fish, corals, giant clams, and occasionally turtles in the sanctuary zones.

Is equipment provided or should I bring my own?

Typically, snorkel gear can be rented from the operator, but bringing your own mask and fins ensures a perfect fit.

How do I get to the meeting point?

The tour departs from the Boat Shed on Lord Howe Island, accessible by foot or shuttle from lodging in the main village.

Local insights

Wildlife

Green sea turtles
Giant clam beds

History

Lord Howe Island’s marine sanctuary zones were established in 1981 to protect its unique coral reef ecosystems and endemic species.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to follow strict marine park guidelines to minimize human impact and help preserve biodiversity in sensitive coral habitats.

About Islander Cruises

Islander Cruises is a Lord Howe Island-based operator offering marine and nature cruises around Lord Howe Island, New South Wales. They specialise in small-group tours that showcase the island’s coastal scenery, marine life and seabird colonies. Key offerings include the North Bay Nature & Turtle Tour, the Glass Bottom Boat Turtle Tour, and the Specialised Snorkel Tour. On the North Bay Nature & Turtle Tour, guests cruise to North Bay for panoramic views from Mt Eliza, explore seabird rookeries and unique geology on a guided beach walk, and view marine life through a glass-bottom boat. Adventurous visitors can snorkel amid coral gardens and tropical fish at the 'Favorite' wreck. The Glass Bottom Boat Turtle Tour highlights coral gardens, reef fish and resident turtles, with two snorkel options and interpretation about turtle migration. The Specialised Snorkel Tour provides a focused 2-hour snorkeling experience in the Lagoons Southern sanctuary zone, visiting three to four pristine sites such as Erscott's Hole and Horseshoe Reef, with exclusive access to lagoon snorkeling sites. Islander Cruises is featured on The Adventure Collective and focuses on delivering guided experiences that connect visitors with Lord Howe Island’s marine environments. Tours emphasise up-close viewing of turtles, coral habitats and seabird rookeries, combining glass-bottom observation with snorkel options. Tour descriptions and site names follow local locations and sanctuary zones to help visitors choose the right experience for swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing and scenic coastal exploration. Booking information and seasonal availability are listed on the tour pages online.

Base locationLord Howe Island, New South Wales

Tours offered3+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Bring Reef-Safe SunscreenProtect the delicate coral ecosystems by using reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals entering the water.

Wear a Snorkel VestEven if you’re a confident swimmer, wearing a snorkel vest adds extra buoyancy and comfort for longer snorkels.

Check Weather ConditionsCalm sea and good visibility make the snorkeling experience much better; ask the operator about daily conditions.

Avoid Touching Marine LifeMaintain the health of coral and fish by admiring without touching, to preserve this pristine environment.

Recommended gear

Mask and Snorkel: Clear vision and comfortable breathing gear are crucial for exploring the reef up close.
Snorkeling Fins: Fins increase propulsion and ease maneuvering through calm lagoon waters.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protects skin from UV rays while preserving fragile marine ecosystems.
Light Rashguard or Wet Suit: Provides warmth and protection from sun and jellyfish stings in cooler months.