For all ages! • 2 hours • Great way to see the marine life in our Lagoon!
Discover the underwater wonders of Lord Howe Island’s Southern Sanctuary on an exclusive 2-hour snorkel tour. Explore pristine reef sites, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear lagoon waters that few get to see up close.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal swimming skills required thanks to calm lagoon waters
Wildlife
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.
Islander Cruises
For all ages! • 2 hours • Great way to see the marine life in our Lagoon!
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.
Location
Lord Howe Island
Based on Lord Howe Island, NSW
Tours Offered
3 Tours
North Bay, Glass Bottom, Snorkel
Activities
Snorkel & Glass‑Bottom
Viewing turtles and coral gardens
Key Sites
North Bay & Lagoons
Mt Eliza, 'Favorite' wreck, Erscott's Hole
Secure a spot on Islander Cruises’ North Bay, Glass Bottom or Specialised Snorkel tour for close-up marine and coastal experiences.
Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate coral ecosystems by using reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals entering the water.
Wear a Snorkel Vest
Even if you’re a confident swimmer, wearing a snorkel vest adds extra buoyancy and comfort for longer snorkels.
Check Weather Conditions
Calm sea and good visibility make the snorkeling experience much better; ask the operator about daily conditions.
Avoid Touching Marine Life
Maintain the health of coral and fish by admiring without touching, to preserve this pristine environment.
Mask and Snorkel
Clear vision and comfortable breathing gear are crucial for exploring the reef up close.
summer
Snorkeling Fins
Fins increase propulsion and ease maneuvering through calm lagoon waters.
summer
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin from UV rays while preserving fragile marine ecosystems.
summer
Light Rashguard or Wet Suit
Provides warmth and protection from sun and jellyfish stings in cooler months.
spring