Adventure

Snorkelling

Slip beneath the surface

Snorkelling on Norfolk Island is easy to begin and hard to forget. Whether you’re floating gently in a calm bay or exploring coral-filled channels just offshore, the island offers rich marine life, safe access points and moments of quiet wonder, just steps from the sand.

See below for the best snorkelling spots and conditions, and advice on how to snorkel safely.

Choose Your Spot

Norfolk’s snorkelling sites vary from gentle shallows to more adventurous reef pockets. Whichever spot you choose, always check tides and conditions, as our snorkelling sites are not patrolled. Always look for signage, particularly at Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay on the high tide. If in doubt, head to the Visitor Information Centre in Burnt Pine where the team can provide advice on the day’s conditions and safe snorkelling locations. Note that while Anson Bay may look calm, strong undercurrents make it unsuitable for snorkelling.

Gear Up with Ease

You don’t need to pack heavy. Snorkelling equipment is available for hire at the Visitor Information Centre in Burnt Pine. The team can also provide local advice on the day’s best conditions and safe snorkelling times.

Top Tips for Snorkelling on Norfolk Island

  • Check the Conditions – Before entering the water, always check the tides, conditions, and signage as our snorkelling sites are unpatrolled. We recommend heading to the Visitor Information Centre in Burnt Pine where the team can provide advice on the day’s conditions and safe snorkelling times and locations.
  • Start at Emily Bay – Calm, clear, and family-friendly, Emily Bay is perfect for all skill levels. Snorkel straight from the beach and discover over 60 marine species beneath the surface.
  • Ask a Local, Dive Deeper – Sites like the Crystal Pool are stunning but we recommend local knowledge and a guide for safe access.
  • Tide Timing Matters – Many top snorkelling areas are tide-sensitive. Aim for mid to low tide at Slaughter Bay, and low tide for Emily Bay. Cemetery Bay and Bumboras are best at mid to high tide in calm conditions.

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