See Lord Howe Island’s vivid coral reefs and curious turtles from a glass bottom boat. Choose to snorkel or stay dry as you learn about local marine life on this easy two-hour tour.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Lord Howe Island has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, preserving its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Conservation
Islander Cruises supports ongoing marine conservation efforts focused on protecting coral reefs and turtle habitats through education and sustainable practices.
Islander Cruises
See Lord Howe Island’s vivid coral reefs and curious turtles from a glass bottom boat. Choose to snorkel or stay dry as you learn about local marine life on this easy two-hour tour.
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 marine life by using only reef-friendly sunscreen to minimize environmental impact.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Decks can get wet and slippery—choose sturdy shoes with good grip for safe boarding.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures smooth check-in and seating preferences on the boat.
Snorkel Gear Provided
You don’t need to bring your own snorkeling equipment as Islander Cruises offers quality gear included in the tour.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the coral reefs with environmentally friendly sunscreen.
summer
Swimwear and Towel
Necessary if you plan to snorkel during the tour.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while out on the water under the sun.
Polarized Sunglasses
Helps reduce glare on the water so you can better see marine life from the boat.