Norfolk Island’s crystal-clear waters are home to some of the most vibrant and untouched marine life in the South Pacific. Whether you’re gliding through coral gardens with a snorkel, diving along ancient underwater cliffs, or cruising above it all on a glass-bottom boat, the ocean here is full of life, colour, and surprise.
Established in 2012, the Norfolk Marine Park spans over 188,000 square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Norfolk Island. This vast marine reserve encompasses diverse habitats, from shallow coral reefs to deep-sea trenches reaching depths of 5,000 metres. The park’s unique position between the warm Coral Sea and the cooler Tasman Sea fosters a rich mix of marine life, including turtles, whales, and a variety of fish species.
To help protect this thriving ecosystem, visitors are reminded that Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay are complete no-take areas for all species, meaning no fishing, collecting, or removal of marine life is permitted. Cemetery Bay is also protected, with a specific no-take restriction in place for echinoderms such as sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and starfish.
We recommend referring to the official Norfolk Marine Park zoning map to ensure your activities align with local conservation efforts. By respecting these protected zones, you’ll be helping to safeguard Norfolk’s rich marine biodiversity for future generations.
Few places in the world offer the opportunity to step directly from the beach into a thriving coral ecosystem. At Emily Bay, you can snorkel over vibrant reefs teeming with life without the need for boats or tours. This accessible marine experience allows for spontaneous exploration, inviting you to immerse yourself in the underwater world at your own pace, as often as you like.
